JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Humane Society helped evacuate 100 cats and kittens via a Wings of Rescue flight on Monday.
A plane landed at Cecil Airport just after 9 a.m., and volunteers loaded dozens of cats aboard, crate by crate, for a flight to Brandywine Valley SPCA in Delaware.
JHS has been designated as a Hurricane Michael hub and evacuated animals to make room for those incoming from areas impacted by the storm. Alachua County Humane Society also loaded cats on the flight.
Space was already tight at the Jacksonville Humane Society before the storm hit. Last week, the shelter stopped taking in strays and surrenders to help get ready to help shelters in Florida’s Panhandle. They even held a free adoption event over the weekend to free up some space.
Jacksonville Humane Society CEO Denise Deisler said that while Monday's effort was emotional for the
volunteers, it will make a world of difference.
"It's always hard to say goodbye to the animals that you raised and nurtured and took care of," Deisler said. "But they're going to a really good place at Brandywine Valley in Delaware, and we're so grateful to have them."
Monday's special flight was made possible by Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson and his foundation, Malik's Gifts.
To donate money to JHS and those animals affected by Hurricane Michael, click here and choose "Hurricane Relief."
For more information on adopting or fostering animals from the Humane Society, go to jaxhumane.org.