Courageous Creatures: How a Sanctuary Evacuated Its Vulnerable Animals During a Wildfire

In the face of a raging wildfire, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in California's San Bernardino National Forest had to act quickly to ensure the safety of its unique and fragile animal residents. From a beloved barn owl named Cowboy to a three-legged kit fox, the zoo's dedicated staff worked tirelessly to evacuate nearly 50 animals to a neighboring facility, providing them with a temporary haven until the danger had passed.

Safeguarding the Sanctuary: A Daring Evacuation Effort

Evacuating the Vulnerable

As the Line Fire blazed through the forest, the zoo's staff knew they had to act fast to protect their animal residents. With billowing clouds of smoke and hazardous particles filling the air, the smaller birds and mammals were at the greatest risk. The zoo's inhabitants were not your typical zoo animals – they were rehabilitated creatures, many of them elderly or with injuries, unable to be released back into the wild. The staff had to ensure that each animal's unique needs were met during the evacuation, from adding perches and stumps for a blind eagle to securing a three-legged kit fox.

A Temporary Respite in the Desert

In less than 48 hours, two-thirds of the zoo's animals had been safely evacuated to the Living Desert Zoo and Garden in Palm Springs, about two hours away. The animals were given a chance to rest and recover, with the staff ensuring they were fed and cared for. Even the most vulnerable, like an arthritic sandhill crane, were closely monitored and provided with the necessary accommodations. The evacuation was a stress-free experience for the animals, with the staff making sure they could see out the windows and feel comfortable during the journey.

Lessons Learned and Preparations Made

This was not the first time the Big Bear Alpine Zoo had to evacuate its animals due to a wildfire. Each time, the staff learned valuable lessons that helped them improve their emergency response plan. The Living Desert Zoo, which regularly drills and prepares for such scenarios, was able to provide a safe haven for the evacuated animals, thanks to its partnerships with government agencies and its ample holding space.

Homeward Bound: Reuniting the Animals

After a week of respite in the desert, Cowboy the barn owl and the other evacuated animals were finally able to return to their mountain home. The staff at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, led by Director of Animal Care and Health Mike Barnes, carefully transported the animals back, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the journey. For one-year-old orphaned red fox Piper, the return to her neighboring foxes was a joyous homecoming, with the staff training the animals to get used to their crates for just such emergencies.The evacuation of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo's animals during the Line Fire was a testament to the dedication and expertise of the zoo's staff. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of their unique and vulnerable residents, they were able to provide a temporary haven for the animals until the danger had passed, ensuring that these precious creatures could continue to thrive in their mountain sanctuary.