OCT 10 UPDATE: Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, bringing winds and heavy rains, but thanks to the dedication and resilience of our team at the Center for Great Apes, the sanctuary and its residents came through the storm safely.
While the sanctuary sustained some damage, it is mostly cosmetic. Tree debris is throughout the grounds, some shade cloths have been torn or blown away, and the perimeter fence has been damaged. Fortunately, no major ape structures were affected.
Now that the storm is over, we need to do a lot of clean-up and repairs. We would be grateful for any donation to help us with the clean up and repairs.
THANK YOU so very much!
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The Center for Great Apes takes several precautions to ensure the safety of its residents during hurricanes and has procedures in place for post-storm recovery:
HURRICANE PREPERATION
- Secure Night Houses: The apes have access to concrete night houses that are specifically designed to withstand Florida hurricanes. These structures provide a safe shelter during severe weather events.
- Monitoring Systems: All indoor and outdoor habitats are equipped with security cameras and audio monitors, allowing staff to keep a constant watch on the apes' safety and well-being, even during a storm. Additionally, team members stay in the nighthouses during the storm. The nighthouses have separate areas for where team members are able to monitor, feed, and safely care for the apes.
- Special Needs Accommodations: For apes with special needs or older residents, there's a specially designed habitat with indoor and outdoor areas. The outdoor spaces are long but narrow, allowing staff to quickly bring residents inside when severe weather approaches.
POST-STORM RECOVERY
- Damage Assessment: After the storm passes, staff conducts a thorough inspection of all habitats, night houses, and the elevated tunnel system to assess any damage.
- Habitat Restoration: Any necessary repairs or cleanup of the apes' living areas would be prioritized to ensure the animals can safely return to their normal routines.
- Enrichment Activities: The Center provides various enrichment activities for the apes, which may be especially important after a stressful event like a hurricane. These could include puzzles, climbing structures, and other engaging items to help the apes readjust.
- Continued Care: The dedicated team of over 40 members ensures that proper care, nutrition, and safety measures are maintained for the apes, even in challenging post-storm conditions.
- Fundraising Efforts: As a non-profit organization, the Center may intensify its fundraising efforts after a storm to cover any additional expenses incurred due to damage or increased care needs.
The Center for Great Apes' commitment to providing lifetime care for these rescued apes means they are well-prepared for various challenges, including severe weather events like hurricanes.
Your support is appreciated. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts the lives of these incredible animals. From providing enrichment activities to ensuring their safety during storms, your donation makes a real difference.
Please follow us on social media for post-storm updates. Instagram and Facebook
