New York Aquarium, the havoc caused by Hurricane Sandy.

From Dr Rob Ossiboff via facebook:

6:40am Nov 3

For those of you who are not aware, the New York Aquarium experienced tremendous damage from Hurricane Sandy. The grounds were inundated by the storm surge and backup from sewer drains. Aquarium staff have been working around the clock in a
n effort to save the inhabitants. Staff are working on restoring life support systems and have restored power to two exhibits. Water is still being pumped out of areas that house crucial operating systems. Many of the inhabitants weathered the initial floods, but the situation is still precarious. There is a desperate need to replace many of the operating systems for the tanks.

Images of the damage can be seen here: http://news.mongabay.com/2012/1102-ny-aquarium-photos-post-sandy.html [Dr Richmond Loh adds,”Very different from when I was last there in June, see pics here http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.378634905518798.82565.188036301245327&type=1&l=9440921838]
As you can see – the damage is severe and it will be months before the aquarium can reopen. But the top priority currently is the health of the animals.

I realize that there are many in need of help currently in the city and New Jersey, and there are many people desperately in need of supplies. But as I know many of my FB friends are animal lovers and animal health professionals, I wanted to reach out to you. If you are interested and able to contribute, please visit https://secure3.convio.net/wcs/site/Donation2?idb=1272578557&df_id=5341&5341.donation=form1

Donations are tax deductible. Please feel free to share.