The Little Zoo that Could (Remember Hurricane Ivan)

[beachbum_al]

I know that I posted this in the Gulf Coast News thread but I have to post it here too. I am so excited for the Gulf Shores Zoo. They were badly damaged due to Ivan. Took almost a year for it to get back and running. Thanks to this they will have a better facility and it will not be in a low lying area. They also had to move the animals last year during Dennis and Katrina to keep them out of harms way.

http://www.wpmi.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=E29B1979-0C18-4C60-8A6F-B843B1F4C105

(MOBILE, Ala.) July 6 -- Every time nasty weather blows through, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo animals are left homeless. They have had to relocate 3 times in 14 months. "The current zoo location is in a low lying area that backs up to the state park. We have a problem with flooding every time we have a storm", says Gulf Coast Zoo President Ike Williams.

Now, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo officials have been given something no hurricane can wash away...25 acres of prime land on higher ground. Gulf Shores Business Owner Clyde Weir and his daughter are sacrificing their land in order for hundreds of animals to be safe. "I said I'd like to give some property to the zoo so they can relocate", he said describing a conversation with his daughter. Well, I could hardly get it out of my mouth and she said, let's do it! I said you have to realize this property that I am giving is the property that you were going to get", said Weir.

Zoo Director Patti Hall was stunned when she heard the news. "It was almost to good to be true. I was speechless for a while", says Hall. 'The Little Zoo That Could' is now the zoo that can. The donations rolled in after exposure on Animal Planet. The network aired a 13 week series that garnered national recognition. Photographers captured the devastating toll it took on the animals and staff to evacuate during hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina. Animal Expert and Icon Jack Hannah even showed up to help save the zoo.

The zoo has the land, now they need your support to turn it into a home fit for some of the Gulf Coasts most endearing and furry friends. The zoo relies solely on admissions, memberships and contributions to remain in business. Officials hope to break ground on the new zoo in late 2007.

[Vandora]

I love the series, it's fantastic to watch. Patti Hall is amazing, as is the entire staff at the Gulf Shores Zoo. Someday, I'd love to get over there and see the zoo in person.

[beachbum_al]

If you click on the link there is a video that goes with it. It is touching.