After the Flood: Pet Rescue, Zoo Survival, Hope and Faith

Let's Hope He Made It

What about the many lost, homeless and stranded pets left in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina? Volunteers from The American Humane Society and other organisations are rushing to rescue these animals. One of the AHS volunteers is posting updates on their efforts to the website.

"We Holed Up in the Reptile House"

Audubon Zoo General Curator Dan Maloney feeds the zoo's giraffes in New Orleans, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (AFP)

New Orleans's Audubon Zoo survived the storm relatively unscathed, thanks to its location on high ground. Zoo workers stayed with their charges throughout the storm, finding shelter in the Reptile House. General Curator Maloney joked about how they are keeping the lions and other big cats fed during the crisis: "We invite journalists in, lock the gates and then they are never heard of again." Click here for the full story from AFP.

Yes, There are Still Good People in America

This is a great story, although the headline, French Quarter Holdouts Create 'Tribes', made me fear I was going to read about violent gangs fighting each other for control of neighborhoods. In fact, it's about people in New Orleans's historic French Quarter banding together in small groups to take care of each other and survive. You have to admire a makeshift bartender-cum-medic who can stitch up a man's torn ear and do a good job of it!

Faith and Hope After the Storm

Holly Lebowitz Rossi's blog is a compilation of stories about rescue and recovery efforts after Katrina with an emphasis on hope. It provides a welcome bit of cheer and encouragement in the midst of all the horror stories.