Responding after Hurricane Dean: Sterilization & Vaccine clinic held in Mahahual & Xcalak

Mid January marked the very first spay & neuter campaign in Xcalak and Mahahual. Since Hurricane Dean swept through the Costa Maya over 6 months ago, many areas are still struggling to put their towns and lives back together, the animals are no different. With most not having homes, they are forced to fight the elements as they try and survive on the streets. Food and shelter is sparse and not always available. Puppies starve as the mothers barely try and keep themselves fed. Packs of dogs became a common sight in Mahahual so dog fights and starving loners is a regular occurrence. This is a natural instinctive result when disaster occurs in an area.





The results of the statistics are all too frequent. Just one (yes, 1) un-spayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years. The cat figures are just as alarming. It is a proven and well documented fact that sterilization is the only humane way to deal with the overpopulation problem. That, along with vaccinations and de-worming, provides better health for the animals that do survive a rough life on the streets, whatever the cause. There are also serious consequences to public health and the environment when overpopulation is present.

This campaign was made possible through Disaster Services of the Humane Society of the United States in conjunction with Humane Society International and Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Yucatan. We appreciate the many people and local businesses that provided contributions such as monetary donations, lodging, food and of their personal time. We thank you for helping make these clinics a success!

http://www.hsus.org/about_us/humane_society_international_hsi/hsi-disaster-response/spaying_and_neutering_after_dean_2408.html

It was wonderful to see the love so many locals had for their animals. For an area whose closest vet is over 2 hours away, introducing veterinary health was warmly welcomed and something of great need. The community support and involvement was impressive. Everyone is already planning on how to make next year better!

In Xcalak, the clinic was held at the SEMARNAT office, where the staff was more than accommodating. Presentations were given to the children in the schools of both areas. Many were curious enough to watch surgery, help recover their own pets and stayed all day to lend a hand and help out.


There were so many moments that made an impact on us all. When we were made aware of the “military dogs” as we began to call them, we were unsure of their wellbeing. We saw the trucks emerge with many soldiers, guns in hand, and numerous dogs. They waited with their companions, many of them all day, and seemed to really care for them. They helped us vaccinate and discharge the dogs and came back and forth to pick up the last few taking their time to wake up. We will never forget the sight when so many of them happily wagged their tail as we brought them back to the soldiers. They were appreciative and paid close attention to their after surgery care and medications that so many needed. The experience was endearing and everyone was pleased when we found 3 of the puppies a new home.

The local municipal agency of Chetumal also attended. We worked very closely with the veterinarian at the dog pound or “perrera” and began to build what we hope to be a great working relationship. You can see Dr. Ricardo here learning the spay technique from one of our veterinarians. As the capital of the state, Chetumal seems eager to begin more programs and just last year held a spay/neuter campaign internally with the help from vets at UNAM, the University in Mexico City. This makes a wonderful addition to the already working relationships we have with the municipalities of both Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

We were able to treat almost 200 animals in 5 days, effects of which are already apparent. It was a good start to our continuing efforts to help bring control to the popualation in these areas.

For more information on spay/neuter clinics in Quintana Roo, contact Kelly at klcoladarci@yahoo.com.

A little hurricane debris isn’t going to stop me!

A group of 8 of us went down Sep. 6 through the 16th of Sep. '07', just a few weeks after Dean visited to the south. I just have to say WHAT A GREAT TRIP! We stayed in Casa del Sol and it was spectacular. The house is huge and beautiful with lots of character, perfect for a large group like ours. My girlfriend and I were the first to arrive so we picked out our room and I took her around town to show her around. As a former Akumal local, I knew the good spots, but they aren't hard to find in Akumal. The rest of the group arrived a few hours later and the fun began! We had two birthdays while we were there and what a blast. We had one at La Buena Vida, one of the best bars in the world. The other, we went to La Cueva del Chongo in Playa del Carmen. The atmosphere was like you are in the jungle with a water fall running through it, it's pretty cool.

On the first Sunday we went to Chitzen itza (the big Mayan ruins near Merida). It was the first time most of the group had seen anything like it. The ruins are well restored and well maintained. During the rest of the week everyone enjoyed the activities available in Akumal such as messages at the spa, scuba diving, sky cycling, snorkeling and much more. My girlfriend enjoyed the scuba diving the most, it was her first experience and now she won't quit talking about it.

So, all in all we didn't let a little hurricane debris stop us, it sure didn't stop the fun in the area. There was still a little debris around that was being cleaned up but other than that you would never know that a hurricane like that had been so close. Thanks Sydney and Leslie for the house, it was the best!

The animals of Dean

My feet are back in the US, and we covered a lot of ground. My hat changed and I accompanied the Disaster Services Team of the Humane Society and Humane Society Int’l, we went to assess the situation of Dean’s path and its effects not only on the animals but on human health as well.

We spent some time in the town of Limones before heading to Xcalak and Mahahual. The road between them had been passable for a few days but had downed trees and electric poles. Xcalak had minimal damages, nothing compared to the destruction Mahahual endured. The evidence of the path was visible miles out; it makes you realize the severity of the surge. Crocodiles have been displaced as the water pulled them from the bay. Structures are gone or badly damaged and a good amount of the coral reef is on the beaches, horrifically loaded with trash.

It doesn’t resemble what we know of the town, but it is amazing how far they’ve come in just 2 weeks. The governor had finally arrived (on Sunday) bringing trucks and military to help clear the road. People are tired but they are positive and have pulled together as a community. They are living in tents and under lean-to’s and it was common to see their dog hanging around as well. The help coming in the way of food and supplies always warms my heart. We were able to bring over 1250 lbs of food down to the distribution center set up in Mahahual. Thank you Scott & Gary for helping us get it there!

For those of you who don’t know me, we do spay/neuter clinics here in Quintana Roo. Sterilizing is the only long term solution to an animal overpopulation problem. With the amount of animals roaming and surviving, populations will flourish and there is already evidence of packing in Mahahual. Understanding this is a human risk issue, I did get to experience one such meeting. It was a happy gathering as lone dogs realized others were out there, they found friends to frolic with!

HSI is hoping to secure funding for a 4 year program to include the communities of Limones, Mahahual and Xcalak. Our plan is to have a clinic sometime in Nov/Dec, help is always welcome in the ways of volunteers, supplies, food, accommodation, and of course contacts. We will have local vets attending and the municipality has already proven supportive of such programs.

We set up base in Chetumal, where there was more evidence in some places than others that Dean strolled in. One such place not so fortunate is what’s known as the Chetumal Zoo. We were thrilled to hear that they are more of a refuge, or sanctuary because their animals are rescued. I love to hear that! There is a lot of damage to their outdoor enclosures and all of the residents have been in their feeding and holding facilities. Large cats, primates and others wandering in their small cement cages has prompted HSI to secure immediate funding.

http://www.hsus.org/about_us/humane_society_international_hsi/hsi-disaster-response/dean_mexico_report1.html

From Chetumal, we crossed the border to Belize City and a few area towns affected. We visited the Belize Humane Society and Animal Shelter, and a typical scene we see all too often. Limited resources, a surplus of dogs, minimal homes to be found and disease spreads quickly. Shelters need to have an adoption program for them to function, and HSI hopes to help them institute that. We will also help with putting together a spay/neuter campaign, I do love Belize!

Included in the assessment was the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and down to the quaint little fishing village of Punta Allen. We weren’t sure the road was going to be open so we ventured down finding it to take us the normal 1 ½ hours from Tulum. The road was washed in places but passable with care. The one sight that amazed us, after seeing the surge as far up as Akumal; the stretch of road that has natural mangroves looked virtually untouched. Leave it alone and it will survive, it was a very sad realization seeing what we’ve seen the last 4 days. Punta Allen was cleaning up the usual sand and debris, but it looked good overall. We did our first s/n clinic there last year and will plan on getting back again soon.

I took a lot of photos, not only of the properties. I’m sad to say they will have to wait another few days until I can get them from my “field” friends – I’ve had my camera taken, well, my sisters camera which is even worse!! I will share them soon.

www.HelpAfterDean.com

Life after Dean

I've just returned from Akumal and my trip south to Mahahual. Its amazing to see how much was accomplished in just 1 week. Pools are cleaned and filled, gardens cleared of debris and tourists moving in. The road in front of La Buena Vida/Vista del Mar continues to improve but this is where the waves washed through. The rest of the Akumal road is as it usually is in the rainy season, pretty bumpy.

La Buena Vida is ahead of schedule and they opened last Thursday night. They have a new menu, new staff and an overall new feel. This combined with its usual charm has Akumal a bit more lively these days.

All of the properties are opened, except Akumal Beach Resort which will open September 15th. It was nice to see the amount of cleanup work they are doing, and the beach looks untouched.

All restaurants are open as are all local businesses. The beaches took on the power of Dean gracefully, and once again persevered. We've gotten up, brushed off the sand as we gear up for high season. We were fortunate, but in the storms path, others were not.

Las Tortugas

Another devastating aspect of hurricanes is the turtles that nest during this season. You can see nests of Loggerhead and Green turtles beginning as early as April and hatch up through October/November. Data presented by CEA (Centro Ecologico Akumal) indicated that almost half of the nests were damaged by the storm surge. Eight nests were able to be rescued with successful releases post hurricane. Of the 141 nests documented before the storm, 73 were able to hatch and get to sea. The great news is, they began nesting again just 2 days after Dean rolled through, they must know there's only a few more months to make up for lost time! As with all of our non-human friends, they are more aware of natural disasters than we are. Visit www.ceakumal.org for info on CEA and the turtles.

I am heading south myself today, to wear my other hat. Along with the Humane Society International and the Humane Soc. of the United States and their Disaster Service team, we are going to Mahahual/Xcalak and Chetumal to assess the damage and the situation with the animals. I will be documenting the trip so stay posted.

Property Update, Akumal Beach Resort

Akumal Beach Resort will be closed for cleanup and glass repairs until September 15th. All other properties are on schedule to reopen as directed in the Aug 23rd posting. To recap, all properties will be open for reservations August 30th (some earlier) with the exception of a few. Casa Tortuga has some structural damage and closed for renovations. Casa del Mar and Nicte Ha in Akumal will be open for reservations as of September 30th. Casa Portuguesa on Tankah has no structural damage, cleanup and fence repair will be complete for reservations by August 30th.

5 days post Dean

I've arrived in Akumal, and pleasantly surprised by the progress thus far. What I noticed before I even entered town was the vegetation and how green and lush it still looks. From what we experienced with Emily and then Wilma shortly afterward, it wasn't nearly as bad. Although the cleanup is no small job, its moving along rapidly. The photos we've seen just days before are nothing compared to what it looks like now.

I walked South Akumal and Half Moon Bay today to find dozens of homes and condos coming together, feeling positive about what I saw. It does look like a tropical storm came through in some places but every day marks huge improvements.


I want to stop and take a moment to thank the managers and caretakers who have been working round the clock ensuring our area have a speedy recovery. And they are. Sand and rocks have been cleared from pools and gardens are being cleaned. It makes us realize the people behind the scenes, the ones that make sure you have a comfortable stay. They are the ones that fare the storm and are ready to begin working once it passes. We want to thank each and every one of you for all the hard work, none of us would have what we do without you!





Thank goodness Cueva del Pescador and Que Onda are open for dinner and the ever-faithful, post-hurricane Turtle Bay keeps us fed throughout the day! It really is business as usual around here.

Many of us who live here have also become accustomed to seeing one of the few beach dogs left in the Akumal area. He can be seen at the bakery scrounging bacon for breakfast, hanging with visitors during the day and normally at a dog loving tourists place for dinner. Not a bad life for a dog you may think. But during times like these, they're on their own and "Cane" is one of those dogs. Noone knows where he hunkered down during Dean but it wasn't shortly afterward he surfaced again. He was named today by his new friends he found in South Akumal and looking like nothing ever happened. We also have some good turtle news....I'll leave that for tomorrow.

Akumal Direct Properties Update!

Hey! So far, so good! Town is shaping up and everyone is working hard to clean up and help each other. Below is a quick update of Akumal Direct properties. We hope this helps and please be sure to let us know if you have any questions!

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Akumal – Electricity, Phone and Internet service have all been restored. Unless otherwise specified all reservations due to arrive prior to August 30, 2007 have been rescheduled. The road has been blocked by the debris near La Buena Vida and Vista del Mar, but is now generally passable, however further cleanup and repair is required.

The Akumal Beach Resort did suffer some minor damage including low level flooding. General clean up and other repairs are under way. The hotel will be closed through August 30 and will begin accepting arrivals on August 31.


Casa Iguana: Minimal damage. Open and accepting reservations as of August 30.
Casa del Mar – Main level damage (windows/doors blown). Pool has been cleaned and repair work is well underway. Accepting arrivals as of September 30.
Nicte Ha – furniture damage first floor, first floor structural damage (windows/doors blown), pool & yard need to be cleaned, no arrivals prior to September 30.
Playa Caribe – No structural damage. General clean up ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of Aug 27.
Playa Blanca - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Luna Azul - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Penthouse at the Reef - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing.
Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Maya – No Damage. Clean up complete. Now accepting reservations.
Yool Canaal – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
La Sirena - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Beach must be replaced. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
La Iguana - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Beach must be replaced. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Pantera - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa del Sol - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.

South Akumal – Electricy, Phone and Internet service restored. Road is passable. South Akumal faired very well. Most properties anticipate only a brief closure for clean up.

Casa Cielo – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Previously scheduled maitenance schedule in place. Accepting arrivals as of Sept 23.
Akumal Breakers – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Langan - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Seven Seas – Slight structural & electrical damage, pool & yard need to be cleaned. Previously schedule maintenance in place. Accepting arrivals as of October 1.

Tankah – While properties in Tankah generally faired well there a few notable exceptions, including Casa Cenote restaurant. The road is not yet passable but clean up is ongoing. Several areas of Tankah Bay gained beach.


Casa Cavu – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Rosa – No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.

Soliman Bay – Most properties and the beaches faired very well. Most properties have added to their beach. Properties at the southern end of the bay tended to have more damage.

Casa Tortuga -Tortuga-first floor structural damage, no upper level damage, no power, palapa roof intact, gardens are gone, closed for reservations until further notice
Casa Yamulkan – This great palapa house is intact! No flooding, sand needs to be moved from front porch area, open for reservations August 30.
Casas Jihae and Kristi - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.
Casa Playa Maya - No structural damage, cleanup ongoing. Accepting arrivals as of August 30.

Restaurants:
Turtle Bay and Cueva del Pescador are open for business and operating a full capacity!
Lol-Ha beach bar and Que Onda will be open by this weekend
La Buena Vida will be closed until Sept 21

La Buena Vida photos

Here are some views from the road and beachside at La Buena Vida. The cleanup is moving along and most villas will be open for reservations by August 30th. A few exceptions to that are Casa del Mar and Nicte Ha, both in Akumal, which plan on being open by November 1st. Casa Tortuga on Soliman Bay will also need additional time for cleanup and repairs.

Hurricane Dean Photos

A view of the road to Half Moon Bay near the Mango Cafe and La Buena Vida. These photos is sent to us by Pablo Diaz of Selva Maya, http://www.selva-maya.com/.

The beach of Half Moon Bay. You are looking at Villas on the Reef, Luna Azul and Playa Caribe.

Hurricane Dean Update

Thank you to everyone who has sent on their concern and support for friends and neighbors in the Riviera Maya. We have been so lucky and we are sending our thoughts well wishes to people of the Costa Maya and Chetumal.

In Akumal clean up is well under way and in some cases complete. Electricity has been restored, phone and internet service are working well. The road to Half Moon Bay remains closed although clean up has begun. With the exception of a very few properties, most will be operational within days.

The Akumal Beach Resort is closed for the next week and is not accepting arrivals at this time. If you are arriving post August 30, your reservationis unaffected.

The Cancun Airport is open, however it is operating at a lower capacity for now. Please check with your airline.

Playa del Carmen is open for business.

Turtle Bay began serving breakfast yesterday and we hear that La Lunita will be reopening within days if not tonight!

If you are arriving after August 30, 3007 your reservation is unaffected by Hurriance Dean. Please feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions at info@akumaldirect.com. Thanks again!