ATOKA, OK-Three months after a tornado struck the town of Tushka, an Atoka family struggles to rebuild, not only their home, but also the sanctuary of dozens of animals.
Leslie Chase rehabilitates rescued animals on her property in Atoka and since the tornado struck, she and her family have been struggling to make ends meet for themselves and the 40 animals they are caring for.

"I've loved animals my whole life and been taking care of them my whole life. We've been here for 14-15 years and we've had animals since we've been here."

Licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Leslie Chase, took care of animals for several years on her seven acre property. She provided a home for all types of animals, from horses to deer, even the endangered African Spurred tortoise which requires special care.

"We were under insured and we have to have a warm place for the tortoise in the winter. He can't be out in cold weather and all of our buildings was torn up in the tornado and we lost everything," she said.

Before the tornado struck, over 60 animals were in her care. About a dozen of them were killed in the tornado, while others were scattered across the area. Because the stalls and animal pens were completely destroyed, Chase said a neighbor volunteered to take some of the animals, but only temporarily.

"A lady down the road was nice enough to offer to keep them there until we can get set back up for them. All our fencing and everything was torn down, so we can't get our animals back home," she said.

While people continue to come by to help clean up, Chase said she is in need of funds to rebuild the stalls and feed the animals, costs that add up to more than $400 a month.

"People have been so wonderful, we've had churches come out and help us with some of the clean up and stuff, but as you can see we still have a big mess so, we haven't had any help lately," she said.

If you would like to help, the family set up a fund at the Ameristate Bank in Atoka, under Leslie Chase Tornado:

Ameristate Bank
"Leslie Chase Tornado"
113 South Pennsylvania Avenue
Atoka, OK 74525

So far, they've only received a hundred dollars in that account.