BELLEVUE, Neb. (KMTV) — For volunteers scrambling to help the flooded Gifford Farm in any way, there was little to do but wait at Southroads Mall in Bellevue.
A few chickens were some of the animals that were brought back to volunteers and staff Friday afternoon. Other animals owned by the farm were lost to the cold and flooding water by the Missouri River that surrounds three sides of the property.
"The other day we got some animals out," said Shawn Isaacs of Gifford Farm. "We had to leave behind three ponies, a donkey, an Angus cow, the chickens and ducks in addition to our llama."
Volunteers spent hours at Southroads' parking lot. Gifford Farm will continue to look for help in the future.
Charity Huff is one of the volunteers who brought towels and food to dry off animals that dozens were waiting to see rescued.
"I've been going to that place since I was a little girl," Huff said. "We've all been standing around waiting for updates, praying for Gifford and the animals."
Isaacs is still waiting to learn about the state of the farm's buildings. Gifford will start looking to temporarily foster animals elsewhere and will work to welcome back visitors as soon as possible.
"The help we're going to need the most is once the flood waters recede," Isaacs said. "We need people to help clean and put the farm back together for the school groups as they come down for the spring season."
