Some of the animals we've met so far on our disaster response operation following Cyclone Pam have really touched our hearts.
At the Port Vila veterinary clinic we saw a beloved family dog with a broken pelvis
sustained when record-breaking winds ripped through the capital. Despite his painful injuries, 'Teo', a seven-year old Bichon Frise is one of the lucky ones who found immediate aid in Dr. Karin O’Connor's clinic.
Teo has been recovering since sustaining a broken pelvis when Cyclone Pam hit. © World Animal Protection
An adorable little stray kitten somehow knew to turn up at the clinic when she was left with a broken leg. 'Crystal' is a bright eyed, communicative cat who, despite her injuries reached out a paw and wanted to play when we saw her. We spent some time petting her and were relieved to know she is in good hands.
Together with Doctor O'Connor, who graciously donated her time to help, our response team has treated many hungry and ill animals on Efate. One of the most touching was a group of week old pups who were so hungry they tried to nurse off one of our team's fingers. We immediately fed them and their mother who wolfed back the emergency food we left for her and got straight to nursing her pups.
Pups enjoying a good meal for the first time since the cyclone. © World Animal Protection
Now with two more World Animal Protection vets who've just arrived from our Bangkok office, we are headed for Epi in the Shepherd Islands. The high livestock and pet population as well as its location in the worst of the storm's path make it highly vulnerable and we know the needs will be great.
Communications are down in Epi at the moment but we will keep you updated as best we can over the next few days.