Tsunamis, triggered by a massive 9.0 earthquake in the Indian Ocean, have created mass destruction impacting humans and nature. As the human death toll numbers continue to escalate, Sri Lanka wildlife officials report that they have not found any animal carcasses. Did they have a sixth sense?
Animal behavior expert Diana L. Guerrero said, “Anecdotal accounts seem to indicate that many do have that sixth sense. In fact, references can be found back through time (even around 373 BC) indicating that people believe that animals can predicate seismic activity.”
The author found works from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University exploring the possibility that animals anticipate disaster--and even exhibit behavioral clues that might be used as predications to save lives.
She said, "It is not uncommon for animals to exhibit behavioral changes before an impending disaster. I’ve seen changes in normal patterns of behavior are common in both wild and domestic animals prior to seismic activity. Wild animals often vacate areas, gather in strange groupings, and sometimes will even enter into human habitats they normally avoid."
Guerrero is the author of the booklet, "Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals" and is one of the contributing editors to "Resources for Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animal Care Facilities." In addition to her written works, she holds numerous certifications in the animal disaster field from groups such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The author has also worked with many of the nation's animal disaster rescue groups.
She continued, "Disasters in other countries pose a variety of challenges. The wide scope impact and magnitude of the events will have long-term affects. However, the lack of reports of animal casualties does not mean there are not animal victims.”
In the wave of this week’s destruction, human and animal survival stories are beacons of light against the backdrop of intense tragedy. Outside of Sri Lanka, other hard hit regions report thousands of decaying human bodies mixed with those of dead dogs, fish, cats and goats. Clean up operations have begun and a number of emergency rescues agencies are involved from all over the world.
“Although animal relief has been around a while, animal disaster relief efforts have strongly evolved in the United States over the past twelve years. On the global scene, most activities are spearheaded by the World Society for the Protection of Animals, but every group relies on the networks formed by local agencies--if they exist.” Guerrero said.
In India many such organizations have mobilized to assist animal victims of the latest disaster. Groups such as the Animal Help Foundation, Blue Cross Society, and International Animal Rescue have begun to assess the area and assist animals. Reports from other groups are expected but communications are often compromised due disaster damage and power outages.
Preliminary reports from those areas indicate large numbers of dead animals and populations of stray of dogs deluge the streets. The Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary was reported to be under five feet of water with two elephants entrenched in the mud.
“Unless you have experienced a disaster you can’t really imagine what it is like--and this disaster is so great, and the tragedy so wide scope, it is unprecedented.”
The woman speaks not only from professional experience--she has personally experienced the ravages of a large magnitude earthquake and the havoc of the recent California wildfires.
Guerrero continued, “Tragedy during disasters is inevitable but if you can prepare and mitigate the circumstances you can minimize the impact on your household, neighbors, and community.”
Guerrero’s animal disaster preparedness booklet, now in the fourth edition, offers assistance to Americans to do just that. It contains guidelines about how to prepare prior to a disaster, how to form or get involved in a animal disaster preparedness network, and what items to include in kits for dogs, cats, horses, and birds. The work also includes tip sheets for behavior, identification, health, diet, and sanitation for multiple species during a disaster.
The added bonuses are the sections on post disaster animal behavior and resources for the pet owner including animal disaster agencies, where to get training, and suppliers of kits and equipment (focusing on the United States).
She concluded, “If you want to assist humans or animals there are agencies you can support and I hope you will take action to help.”
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World Society for the Protection of Animals:
http://www.wspa-usa.org
Find out how you can help:
http://www.cidi.org/
Contact numbers if you have family or friends in devastated areas:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/29/asia.quake/index.html
Read about warning systems and tsunamis:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/27/asia.warningsystem.ap/
Earth changes from 9.0 earthquake:
http://www.dawn.com/2004/12/29/int2.htm
Thanks again for posting this information. As an animal lover, I recall reading about these organizations after the hurricane. Your effort and part does not go unnoticed.
Cynthia