Animals Are Freezing To Death In Texas As Winter Storm Leaves The State Motionless
While over 20 people have died so far, animals at San Antonio Primarily Primates sanctuary are freezing to death as power outage leaves them without heat and exposed to cold, CNN reported.
Severe weather has left US' Texas completely motionless. The state is witnessing some of its coldest temperatures in years as winter storm leaves millions without power and water.
As per various reports, while the power has been slowly restored to millions, nearly half the residents, 13 million, don't have access to clean, running water. The freezing temperatures is causing casualties among humans and animals alike.
CNN
While over 20 people have died so far, animals at San Antonio Primarily Primates sanctuary are freezing to death as power outage leaves them without heat and exposed to cold, CNN reported.
Among the casualties were a chimpanzee, many monkeys, some lemurs and countless birds.
¡°I never, ever thought my office would turn into a morgue, but it has,¡± Brooke Chavez, executive director of Primarily Primates, told the San Antonio Express-News.
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CNN
Chavez said she won't know how many animals have died until the storm subsides and forecasts have predicted more winter weather through Friday.
After the power went out early Monday, Chavez and her team sprang to action. They began gathering generators, space heaters, propane tanks and blankets to keep their 400 animals warm.
But as temperatures plummeted further, the plan moved from preservation to evacuation.
¡°I¡¯ve never faced a decision like this. Having to decide who we can save, depending on the predictability of which animals we can catch," Chavez added.
Also read: 6 Dead After Fatal Multi-Vehicle Pileup After Freezing Rain Leaves Road Covered With Ice
Credit: Joe Raedle
As the demand for power continues to exceed energy, causing frequent power outages throughout San Antonio and the state, Chavez and her staff are asking for the public¡¯s help to protect the animals in their care, a majority of which are elderly, the report said.
While some have been evacuated ¡ª and others are at the homes of volunteers ¡ª many animals remain at the sanctuary, where temperatures are nosediving. That includes 33 chimpanzees, which staff determined were too difficult to transport.
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