Rescuers from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and volunteers help Hurricane Milton flood victims.

This is extraordinary to see this type of flooding, especially in this type of area,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Ron DeSantis says nearly 1,000 people had to be rescued from floodwaters caused by Hurricane Milton on Thursday. One of those rescue operations took place at an assisted living facility in Hillsborough County.

By Rich McKay (Reuters) -As millions of people were under evacuation orders along Florida's Gulf Coast, the African elephants, Caribbean flamingos, pigmy hippos and about 1,000 other animals are riding out the monstrous Hurricane Milton at Tampa's zoo.

It’s not just the human residents of the Tampa area who’ve been told to ready for Hurricane Milton: the furry and four-legged locals at the city zoo are also relocating to storm-proof quarters.

Floridians are racing to safety ahead of Hurricane Milton, including many animals at the Tampa Zoo. A dozen employees are volunteering to stay with the animals through the massive storm. Senior Director of Animal Programs at ZooTampa Tiffany Burns joins Ana Cabrera to share more.