Zoo takes in Ike refugees

The Caiman lizards never knew what was coming.

As Hurricane Ike barreled toward Galveston, they were left to their own devices - riding out the storm in Moody Gardens' rainforest pyramid. Subsequent flooding nearly destroyed the lizards' habitat.

They watched as the storm surge took its toll on their compatriots, killing hundreds of freshwater fish. As many as 4,200 of the gardens' animals died in the storm.

But as they've done for the last 60 million years, the Caimans survived. And thanks to the generosity of the Gladys Porter Zoo, they've found temporary solace in South Texas.

"During this extraordinary time of need, we are just glad that our zoo can offer a helping hand," said Colette Adams, the zoo's general curator.

The lizards join two Prevost's squirrels, a group of Mexican short-tail bats and a Chinese alligator as Ike's most recent refugees. The animals - more than 100, in all - are being held in quarantine until they've been cleared to join the zoo's public displays.

"They sent us a big list of the animals that needed temporary homes," said zoo veterinarian Amanda Guthrie. "Others have been sent all over the state."

Each species now deals uniquely with the trauma of hurricane survival. The squirrels nibble on each other's ears. The alligator averts its eyes from visitors.

But the lizards display a quiet strength - a faith, maybe, that they'll soon return home.

It will take several months for Moody Gardens' extensive damage to be repaired. But when the rainforest pyramid re-opens, the lizards will be taken back to Galveston.

The Gardens might be far from the Amazon rainforest, where the species originates. But even for the cold-blooded, home is where the heart is.