KEY LARGO, FL (CNN) - Hurricane Irma's massive devastation is plain to see, in terms of the cost to human life, as well as widespread destruction.
The impact on animals is heartbreaking as well to household pets and wildlife.
A couple in Key West showed tremendous bravery during the storm, staying behind to protect eight dolphins at the Island Dolphin Care facility they run.
It's a non-profit that provides dolphin-assisted therapy for veterans and individuals who have developmental issues.
Island Dolphin Care Director of Zoology Phillip Admire and his wife Michelle Crosetto, a veterinarian, stayed on Key Largo during Irma.
“When the storm surge was running five feet high, I was afraid that things might spill out,” Admire said. “Leaving these dolphins, to me, would equate to tying your dog up in the yard and just evacuating. We couldn't leave these dolphins.”
Admire said Island Dolphin Care runs strictly on donations, and it has a lot of repair work to do following the storm.
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