Zoo Staff’s Heroic Efforts to Protect Animals During Historic Hurricane Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica with unprecedented force, the dedicated team at Hope Zoo in Kingston embarked on a remarkable mission to safeguard 1,500 vulnerable animals in their care. When the Category 5 hurricane made landfall on Tuesday morning with devastating 185 mph winds—the strongest storm in Jamaica’s history—the zoo staff had already implemented extensive emergency measures to protect their diverse animal residents. The hurricane’s destructive path tragically claimed at least seven lives across the Caribbean and caused extensive damage, including tearing the roof off a hospital, making the zoo team’s preparedness efforts all the more critical for the creatures depending on them.
Joey Brown, general coordinator at Hope Zoo, documented the intense preparation process on his Instagram account (@joey._.brown) beginning October 26. The footage revealed the extraordinary efforts of staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to secure the facility and its inhabitants as the hurricane approached. Their comprehensive approach included boarding up windows, relocating animals to safer areas, and reinforcing enclosures. The team demonstrated remarkable creativity and care in their emergency housing solutions—flamingos were temporarily relocated to bathrooms, bird cages were carefully stacked indoors, and many animals were consolidated into more secure, compact spaces. As Brown noted in his post, “Thankfully we have an AMAZING team that pulled through these last couple days to help ensure safe keeping for our furry, feathery & scaly zoo family. Its going to be a lonnng few days but just have to hope for the best now.”
Hope Zoo serves as Jamaica’s primary wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, making its role especially crucial during natural disasters. The zoo houses an extraordinary variety of species from around the world, including lions, flamingos, turtles, and lemurs—each with unique needs during an emergency situation. The staff’s intimate knowledge of their animals’ requirements enabled them to make quick, informed decisions about how best to protect each species. Their preparation demonstrates the complex responsibilities zoos bear during natural disasters, balancing both the immediate safety concerns and the long-term welfare of animals that cannot evacuate or fend for themselves. The zoo’s proactive approach highlights the often-overlooked aspect of disaster response involving captive wildlife and exotic animals.
As the hurricane made landfall, the zoo team continued monitoring their charges while battling deteriorating conditions. Brown reported that while the animals appeared to be managing well during the initial storm impact, a comprehensive assessment would need to wait until conditions improved. A Tuesday afternoon update revealed significant challenges, with fallen trees blocking the zoo’s entrance shortly after the hurricane’s eye passed over the area. Despite heavy ongoing rainfall and dangerous conditions, the dedicated staff maintained their vigil over the animals. Their commitment extended beyond the immediate emergency, with Brown anticipating an influx of wildlife rescue operations in the aftermath: “We’ll soon be getting overwhelmed with various wildlife rescues in the week to come,” he noted, highlighting the extended nature of their hurricane response mission.
The zoo’s preparedness efforts and response garnered significant public attention and support online. Within just two days, Brown’s Instagram video documenting their work had accumulated over 303,000 views and 12,000 likes. Commenters expressed admiration for the team’s dedication and concern for the animals’ wellbeing. One viewer wrote, “Prayers to our Jamaican family and friends. Continue the great teamwork, in safety at this time,” while another reflected, “Awww, I didn’t even think about these little guys and the care we have to put in place for them.” This public recognition highlights how the zoo’s efforts increased awareness about an often-overlooked aspect of disaster response—the protection of captive animals and wildlife during severe weather events.
The Hope Zoo team’s response to Hurricane Melissa exemplifies the extraordinary measures that animal care professionals must take during natural disasters. Their work goes far beyond routine care, requiring extensive planning, physical labor, resourcefulness, and courage as they remain onsite during dangerous conditions. As one commenter astutely observed: “It also occurs to me that for every day the storm goes on someone has to feed and check on them in those places. Wow so much work and effort, good job guys and stay safe.” While the full impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and the zoo will take days to assess, the dedication shown by Brown and his team stands as a powerful reminder of humanity’s responsibility toward the animals in our care, particularly during their most vulnerable moments. Their story illustrates how compassion and preparation can make a critical difference for hundreds of creatures who depend entirely on human protection during life-threatening events.
