Primates primarily, non-profit haven in Bexar County, Texas which provides lifelong care for hundreds of animals, including 32 chimpanzees, is among the millions of people without electricity in the state after an explosion in the Arctic cut electricity off due to freezing power lines, freezing pressurized natural gas production, bursting pipes and increased demand for electricity.
Unfortunately, since early Monday morning, the sanctuary has no electricity. While staff and volunteers work tirelessly around the clock to evacuate dozens of animals from the 78-acre reserve and use heaters and generators to warm the remaining animals, they also mourn the loss of approximately 12 animals, including monkeys and lemurs.
Sadly, 58-year-old Violet, the oldest Primates chimpanzee, also passed away, but it was determined that she did not die of hypothermia, but most likely of a stroke. Although Violet, previously used in biomedical research, had pre-existing conditions, it can be inferred that the extreme cold may have contributed to her fatal stroke.
“Every animal matters to us and we are devastated,” said Priscilla Feral, president of Friends of Animals, which has run the reserve since 2007. statement. “We know that this unprecedented Arctic explosion is killing people, which is why we are so grateful to the staff at the San Antonio Zoo for helping with the transportation and care of the animals, as well as the over 60 volunteers who organized meetings and drove their SUVs under treacherous conditions to deliver us supplies. Their kindness brings some consolation during this nightmare. They are heroes, and so are our employees. “
Primates CEO Brooke Chavez says that currently all chimpanzees and other primates remaining in the area are doing well and are being kept warm by properly ventilated propane heaters. Employees check them every 20 minutes around the clock.
As WAN previously reported, Primates primarily agreed to pick up eight chimpanzees from a closed Wildlife way station in California, provided that they have the funding needed to expand their facilities to accommodate them. Three chimpanzees have already been transported, and the remaining five are still waiting to be transported.
Primates primarily is currently still without electricity and needs the following items as well as monetary donations. If you have any of the consumables requested below and have a 4WD vehicle, please deliver them to 26099 Dull Knife Trail in San Antonio.
– GENERATORS are the most important item on the list!
– Water
– Peanut butter, bread, jelly
– Camping lights
– Propane cylinders that fill or help fill empty cylinders
– Small disposable cylinders with propane heater
– Salt for deicing paths around the sanctuary
Cash donations can be made HERE!
You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and glass. #GoVeg
The post is URGENT! Primates First Appeal for Generators, Water and Propane Tanks for Chimpanzees and Other Rescued Animals During Historic Freezes in Texas First appeared in World Animal News.