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Cordelia, CA
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| Vole
clings to fence after flood
waters chased the rodent to
higher ground at Cordelia
center (Photo: Jose Maria
"Chema" Barredo/IBRRC)
More
flood photos
|
A
s 2005 ended, International Bird
Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) in
Cordelia was not spared from floodwaters
that devastated Northern California.
Located on the edge of Suisun Marsh,
the non-profit’s headquarters
quickly became surrounded by a shallow
lake as water from winter storms
that battered the area overflowed
nearby creeks. However, 90 red phalaropes
rescued from the storms only days
before, and other birds in care,
remained safe and dry due to the
heroic efforts of two international
interns who stayed at the center.
On December 31, staff
arrived to find the roads to the
center flooded and impassable. Sprint/Nextel
radio phones allowed staff to talk
with interns, Chema Barredo and
Kristen Rzemien who were in the
building, watching the water rise
up through drains in the floor.
Chema and Kristen, trained
in oil spill disaster response,
were not fazed by flooding and diligently
began feeding birds in care and
moving medical equipment and supplies
to higher places.
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IBRRC's headquarters
and the adjoining offices
at the Oiled Wildlife Care
Network (OWCN) were also threatened
by the flood waters. (Photo:
Jose Maria "Chema"
Barredo/IBRRC) More flood
photos |
As they worked, native
wildlife looking for higher ground
began swimming to the center. Rabbits,
voles, mice and other animals were
rescued from the floodwaters and
cared for until the water receded
and they could be released.
Most water and mud damage
that occurred was to equipment and
pools located outside and behind
the center, closest to the marsh.
See
more flood photos
For more information
about IBRRC and its intern program
visit IBRRC's website: http://www.ibrrc.org/internship_program.html
See also:
Fuzzy,
furry friends saved from flooding
at rescue center
IBRRC has been helping
birds around the world since 1971.
Its mission is to mitigate human
impact on aquatic birds and other
wildlife. This is achieved through
rehabilitation, emergency response,
education, research, planning and
training.
Media contact:
Public Affairs Director
(831) 622-7588
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