Storm sinks Helen Woodward Animal Center; adoptions and operations continue, officials say
The Great Rainstorm of 2010 sank Helen Woodward Animal Center on El Apajo Wednesday, but officials said the center continued to operate and adopt out pets.
Portions of Helen Woodward Animal Center are flooded," said John Van Zante, the center public relations manager. "Our back parking lot -- known as 'Lake Helen' to the staff -- is completely under water. A tree beside the lot fell down. We have had to evacuate some of our animals from their regular enclosures to higher ground on our property.
"The goats and horses were moved to higher ground on our property," Van Zante continued. "Sunny and Angel, the twin foals, have been moved back in the Intensive care stall...high and (for the most part) dry." 
It wasn't as much the rain as it was the sudden influx of water that caused pumps on the grounds to malfunction causing the flooding, officials said. No time frame was furnished for when the waters would recede completely from the center that also was undergoing a large re-construction project.
"Please note that Helen Woodward Animal Center is still open for business," Van Zante said. "Families planning to adopt an orphan dog or cat before Christmas can still come out! The "Santa Paws" delivery of 3,000+ toys for dogs, cats, and other animals is still scheduled for 1:00 this afternoon...but it will be moved to our front parking lot on El Apajo Road."
