In the days leading up to Hurricane Melissa ripping through Jamaica, one zoo began preparing to secure the 1,5000 animals in their care.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday morning as a dangerous Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching up to 185 mph, making it the strongest storm in the island’s history. The destructive path ripped the roof off a hospital and killed at least seven people in the Caribbean, Newsweek previously reported.
As residents prepared for the historic hurricane, one zoo secured the 1,500 helpless animals from around the world, including lions, flamingos, turtles and lemurs, for the upcoming disaster. The Hope Zoo in Kingston, Jamaica, is the main wildlife rescue and rehab facility on the island, the zoo’s general coordinator, Joey Brown, told Newsweek via Instagram Tuesday afternoon.
He shared on his Instagram account, @joey._.brown, on October 26, what preparation looked like for staff and volunteers as the hurricane loomed closer. They worked endlessly to board up windows, move animals to new locations and secure cages. The flamingos were placed in the bathroom, bird cages were moved inside, stacked on top of each other, and other animals were condensed into smaller areas.
Part of this caption read: “Thankfully we have an AMAZING team that pulled through these last couple days to help ensure safe keeping for our furry, feathery & scaly zoo family. Its going to be a lonnng few days but just have to hope for the best now.”
Brown said he was about to check on the animals, but the area is expecting a few more hours of the storm.
“Animals seem to be doing ok so far but will do a thorough check with the team once things clear,” he said.
In a Tuesday afternoon Instagram update, Brown revealed the entrance was blocked by fallen trees, which the caption explained happened shortly after the eye of the storm made landfall. Heavy rains continued to fall in the clip. And with the aftermath of the hurricane to be determined in the coming days, Brown is expecting a busy period.
“We’ll soon be getting overwhelmed with various wildlife rescues in the week to come,” he said.
Viewers React
Within two days of posting, the Instagram video reached over 303,000 views and 12,000 likes as people shared their hopes for safety.
“Prayers to our Jamaican family and friends. Continue the great teamwork, in safety at this time,” wrote a viewer.
Another added: “Awww, I didn’t even think about these little guys and the care we have to put in place for them. Good job guy, wishing the team that stays with them a safe time.”
A third person pointed out: “It also occurs to me that for every day the storm goes on someone has to feed and check on them in those places. Wow so much work and effort, good job guys and stay safe.”
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