Wednesday, Oct. 9 is a day that won’t soon be forgotten at the Panther Ridge Conservation Center on D Road in Loxahatchee Groves.
A tornado spurred by Hurricane Milton tore through the five-acre facility housing 27 cats representing 10 species. “They’re all safe,” Animal Curator Sadie Ryan said.
Somewhat ironically, the cats all took part in hurricane preparation training just one day prior, where they were brought into the hurricane safe shelters made of shipping containers. They were ready and knew what to do when the tornado came over them.
“It was so fast. In the blink of an eye, we came out of the shelter, and half the facility was just in ruins,” Ryan said.
In just a few seconds, the tornado unleased a fury that’s going to cost in excess of $250,000 to repair.
Many of the massive pine trees on the property were flattened, twisted, broken in half and destroyed. Seven animal enclosures are unusable. There’s severe roof damage to buildings.
On the Panther Ridge web site is a list of urgently needed supplies, how to donate and the professional help that’s needed.
“People have been coming out of the woodwork and helping us. It has been amazing,” Ryan said. “We’re so grateful for all of the support, and so grateful for the community around us that has come out and volunteered and donated. We are just very appreciative.”
Right now, they’re in dire need of donations of sand, dirt and gravel, as well as assistance from any tree-trimming businesses and anyone with a woodchipper. There are many broken branches dangling precariously close to enclosures that could cause additional damage if they fall. After that, the best way to help is through monetary donations.
With repairs underway, the nonprofit is working hard to get ready for the planned Twilight Hours event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26.
Panther Ridge is home to some of the world’s most endangered and threatened cat species, aiding in their conservation. To help out, visit www.pantherridge.org/hurricane-milton-tornado.
