Caring Zoologist in Costa Rica & Warm Hearts from Alaska

Earthquakes! Because they give no warning, they can be one of the most frightening and devastating of all of nature’s disasters.

Depending on the severity, they can leave behind a trail of death and destruction of mammoth proportions. In early January of this year, Costa Rica experienced a quake of tragedy, leaving behind untold destruction, death and heart break.

Immediate attention goes to the people suffering the loss of everything, including food and shelter. However in any natural disaster, always suffering in the shadows, are the animals, either injured, caught in the immediate force of the quake, or left abandoned or lost as their owners either died in the quake or ran fleeing for their lives, too terrified to consider the pets and livestock.

In shock and disbelief at the tragedy, many of us living in Costa Rica recall images on television of such victims as a mother goat who had died tethered in one area after days of abandonment after the quake when she had run out of food and water with her kid now crying for his mom. Other images of rescue workers, tears streaming at the sight of suffering of all of the animals, tucking baby pigs under their arms to carry them to safety and food.

The quake left behind not only livestock in desperate need of basic food and water, but countless dogs and cats who were dazed in confusion, wandering in search of their owners, who are now lost, with no food or water. Besides the domestic victims are wildlife now at large, who are handicapped that were previously living in small refuges around the epicenter, which were demolished. Now loose and roaming with no caretakers, but having lost the ability to hunt and forage for themselves, they reach a starvation state.

Without angels of mercy, what would become of these animals? Sadly, not all could be reached in time. But the “angel team” of Dr. Carlos Cordero Villalobos with his team of veterinarians have been working literally around the clock saving as many animals as possible. The task is exhausting and daunting. So much is needed for so many and with each passing hour, more lives will be lost to starvation! Food, shelter, medical supplies for the injured and sick, warm blankets for so many now weakened from shock and trauma are still desperately needed.

Temporary shelter and housing are needed until animals can either be returned, adopted, newly pastured, or treated and healed. In the case of wildlife, new habitats must be constructed. They don’t speak our language, but one look into the eyes of a baby calf, goat, orphaned puppy, or exhausted kitty, tells the whole story of terror, confusion, hunger, weakness, and finally, despair, as they patiently await their owner who may never return.

It wasn’t long before “Dr. Carlos” called me and asked if I could help out in some way. To enlighten those of you who do not know Dr. Carlos, he is a truly remarkable man. Besides working with domestic pets and street animals as well as livestock, he also works tirelessly with the Costa Rican Primatology Center, Animal Refuge of Nosara, SIBU, as well as other wildlife and refuge centers.

Normally with me working all alone with no veterinarian to help me take care of whatever emergencies arise here in Arenal, Dr. Carlos and I chuckled that we have a lot in common in diversity and improvising. A medical item produced for one purpose in humans in the states, can be used for an entirely different purpose in an animal if one is very creative. This doc literally does it all! It is because of his diverse hard work and dedication that I saved my last microscope for him that was donated by our VIP friend, Dennis Kuzara. (See photo above). After Carlo’s plea for help, I felt a bit overwhelmed at the sheer volume of needs for these animals.

And then, as if orchestrated by St. Francis of Assisi, himself (we know him as the saint of animals) our “special angel”, Jeanne Manson, flew down from Alaska with animal kennels and medical supplies, all donated from the warmest hearts of the people from the coldest state of Alaska.

This isn’t the first time Jeanne has come to my rescue. For some years she has brought box after box, kennel after kennel full of medical supplies for me working alone in Arenal, as well as for our medical team where we do spaying and neutering of local pets. But this time especially for the quake victims, she literally brought a pickup full… And without blinking, she always asks what else we can use.

The supplies are donated by Alaskan hospitals and vet clinics and my home has become somewhat of a “clearing house” as I sort through all the medical supplies separating them into items that can easily be used on animals, while many items are only appropriate for human use.

In this way, nothing goes to waste and what may otherwise be stored in dark closets in a rich country, perhaps for years, are hungrily snapped up here and quickly put to use in life saving situations. So, Jeanne, and a good friend Barbara Baird, who insisted on taking us to Dr. Carlos donating her vehicle, time and gasoline, helped out with some much needed supplies.

I have often mused as I go through life that the people that ultimately stand out in my heart and mind are not the richest most influential, but those who through their selfless giving and kind acts, are the balm that soothes the suffering of humans and animals. God bless those in this elite group.

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Written by Gloria Dempsey. Zoologist in Arenal, Costa Rica.

If you feel you can help the animal victims from the earthquake in some way, please email Gloria Dempsey at zoologist@welovecostarica.com or send a US cashier’s cheque to our Zoologist friend in Arenal Gloria Dempsey:

Gloria Dempsey
5717-28 Nuevo Arenal – Tilaran
Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.