The devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in the virgin Islands has left hundreds of stranded animals in peril.
There is no power, very limited cell service, curfew, limited supplies and a heart-broken community, according to organizers trying get animals out.
In addition to animals being stuck, some of their owners are also stranded because they’re unable to get their animals off the island. Others have left their animals behind.
Among those organizations destroyed is the local humane society which has left 80 animals suffering in distress in their cages. Co-owner Sali Gear, who lives in Virginia Beach and grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, organized one of the largest animal rescue mission ever taken on.
She had initially planned to fly about 20 animals to the continental U.S. each day over a week. But Hurricane Maria heightened the urgency.
Volunteers and donors have gotten together and have arranged to charter a plane to fly 300 animals out.
The $112,000 cost have come from donors and flew from Miami to the Virgin Islands. All the rescue dogs and cats arrived safely Tuesday.
Even high schoolers are getting together to help walk all the hundreds of dogs coming in.
When the critters arrived in Norfolk around 2 a.m. Tuesday, a bright orange note on each crate said:
I survived Hurricane Irma. I am still nervous. Please be cautious with me.”