Flamingos take refuge in a bathroom at Miami-Metro Zoo September 14, 1999 as tropical-storm force ... [+]
Since Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida earlier this week, images of the devastation have been shared on social media – as have the rescue efforts. It isn't just the people of Florida who have needed rescuing, as many of our four-legged friends also required some help.
"Saving Animals From Hurricane Ian. Animal Victory has a nonprofit fund specifically for animals in crises and disasters; 90 cents of every dollar goes towards getting the animals rescued and reunited," tweeted advocacy group Animal Victory (@animal_victory), which shared images of its efforts.
The Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) also announced this week that its inhabitants were doing well, tweeting, "CMA weathered Hurricane Ian with minor damages. Our staff and our animals are all doing well! CMA's efforts will now shift to helping animals in the wild affected by the hurricane. Our rescue team will support our stranding network and community of partners."
Hunker Down
Even before the storm made landfall, Floridians were warned to be mindful of animals that could be seeking shelter from the storm including alligators and snakes. However, other animals had been given a helping hand.
That included the famous flamingos from Sunken Garden, a botanical park located in hard hit St. Petersburg. Images have been trending of around a dozen cotton-candy pink flamingos huddled in a public bathroom.
"We're hunkered down! Our animals are safe w/staff on site to see them through the storm. The flamingos are having a hurricane party in the bathroom; eating, drinking, & dancing. Stay safe out there!," @SunkenGardens tweeted.
The self-described botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city also posted via its Instagram account, "We're hunkered down and hoping for the best for all in hurricane Ian's path-including all the animals. Our flamingos, tortoises, and other exotic birds are safe and sound with staff on site to monitor them throughout the storm. The flamingos are having quite the hurricane party; eating, drinking, and dancing while the Brazilian red-footed tortoises love to snuggle on their way to larger indoor accommodations."
Birds In Bathrooms (Again)
The photo of the flamingos in the park's bathroom was soon compared to a now iconic image that was taken 30 years ago just before Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 storm, struck South Florida. That image from third decades ago made the rounds worldwide in an era well before social media!
"Of the countless images I have captured in my life, none is more iconic than this one. I can't believe it has been 30 years since Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida. I'll never forget capturing this image of the zoos flamingos huddled in the ladies restroom for protection," Ron Magill (@RonMagill), the Metrozoo photographer and now the communications director at Zoo Miami, tweeted in August – likely not expecting similar images would be seen just a month later!
A similar image of Flamingos in a bathroom was taken again in September 1999 as Hurricane Floyd approached Miami.
As back then, public restrooms again proved to be ideal as "bird bunkers," as they are sturdy and windowless. Thus it hasn't been surprising to see the hashtag #BirdsinBathrooms making the rounds again. Other birds of a feather hunkered together in Florida bathrooms.
Some Floridians also had to get creative to find protection for their animals. That included chickens in a shower!
"Let this be your reminder to bring ALL of your pets inside like Stephanie Fletcher did in Tampa!," tweeted news channel 10 Tampa Bay (@TampaBay).
It appears that many of these animals may have had an easier time riding out the storm than the people of Florida. Let's hope they and the people of the Sunshine State can expect a quick recovery.
