Shelters From The Storm
Pink Flamingos Tampa Bay, Florida (credit: Busch Gardens)
Besides millions of people, pets and other animals need protection from natural disasters. Four years ago, during Hurricane Irma's wrath, iconic pink flamingos at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay were herded by their keepers to safety inside a building while the super-storm thrashed the city.
Parrots Sheltering on Marriott Ledge (credit: Reddit) Florida Zookeeper and Indian Vulture (credit: Business Insider)
Birds are particularly vulnerable to storms wherever they occur. Those in zoological institutions received attention from the veterinary staff while wild birds must fend for themselves. Two parrots were seen clinging to a window ledge on the 22nd floor of a Marriott hotel. A photo was taken by hotel guest who saw them trying to shelter themselves. It went viral. The frightened pair were known to the hotel staff as Paco & Pedro who lured them onto the roof with some food. The parrots were taken inside to an office for their safety while the massive storm raged.
Empathy for others includes our animal companions who also suffer through super-storms like Irma that hit Florida and Harvey that previously flooded Houston and south Texas. Such simple acts of humanity, shown by essential zookeepers and hospitality workers, offer lessons in compassion for us all.
WHB