OAKVALE Wildlife Park at Salt Ash is one of the many businesses facing an enormous clean-up in the wake of last week’s relentless inundation.
Owners Kent and Leanne Sansom said the flood was the biggest the park had experienced in 45 years.
Last Thursday, its indoor areas were dry.
But that night, it received 250mm of rain, which Kent said “totally flooded us out”.
Some animals were evacuated and put in temporary holding enclosures.
Others like the lemurs, buffalo and camels, were up on flood mounds and otherwise “in good spirits”.
“All of our animals have been safely and temporarily relocated to secure and dry locations,” Kent shared online and in a recorded message.
“Their wellbeing remains our top priority, and they are in excellent care.
“We’ve got some fantastic staff here and everyone has just pulled together.”
The park’s levee had been built and a flood pump had been installed after the 2007 event dubbed the “Pasha Bulker storm”.
However, because the flood this time around took longer than expected to recede, it delayed switching on the pump to remove the remaining water from the grounds.
“We truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
“Our team is working tirelessly to restore the park as quickly and safely as possible.
“A massive thank you to our dedicated team, extended family, and friends who jumped in to help during this emergency.
The best thing you can do [now] to support us is come and visit us as soon as it’s open.”
By Sue STEPHENSON
