All wild animals at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego are safe

[Elspeth]

Just heard this on Channel 8, KFMB, San Diego

[madokie]

1. thats good news

[Sukie1941]

2. I called the Zoo this morning from Oregon

because I am an avid follower of the Panda population.

The woman who answered the phone said only that they were 30 miles from the fires. I wasn't sure if that meant they were and would continue to be safe.

Apparently they have moved some of them?

[Elspeth]

4. The endangered species were moved

The others apparently have watering holes in their habitats where they can take refuge

[Ian David]

8. That doesn't sound very safe to me. n/t

[stevedeshazer]

7. Different from the Wild Animal Park

The pandas are at the zoo in San Diego proper. The WAP is inland 30-40 miles at a separate place.

[Glimmer of Hope]

14. Yeah. Baby panda is safe and sound in her home.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_panda_station.html

[EFerrari]

3. Thanks so much for that report.

They are the ones I worry about most because they have no cell phones or credit cards or wheels or even friends who may have them.

[Elspeth]

5. I was relieved to hear it too.

Poor critters.

[EFerrari]

9. The wild life can manage better than zoo guys or even, the feral kitties.

At least it's not Spring time. :(

[robinlynne]

15. But there are 3500 animals at the wild animal park, and fire is within one mile.

[EFerrari]

17. What a nightmare.

[robinlynne]

6. this is good news. I read that they are evacuating, but don't know any details.

[Elspeth]

10. I am listening to the news and will give further details as I get them

I know a lot of people are worried about the animals.

[DesertRat]

13. Here's a link

http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_295121707.html

[lonestarnot]

11. Yeah!

:applause:

[MedleyMisty]

12. Thank goodness

I can somewhat bear human tragedies, but other species - I have to hide those threads because otherwise I'll just be a puddle on the floor.

I hope everyone is getting their pets out. If I didn't live 3000 miles away I'd offer to petsit for people.

[Arugula Latte]

16. I've been worrying about all the animals ...

and, yes, the human animals too, of course.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[Sukie1941]

18. Info from San Diego Zoo website--up to date as of 3:45 pm PST 10-22-07

Evacuations and fire preparations are underway at the Wild Animal Park due to the threat of nearby wild fires.

As of 5 a.m., all employees and personnel were evacuated from the Wild Animal Park.
As of 3:45 p.m., As fire conditions permit, limited personnel continue to monitor the facility, tend to spot fires, and ensure animal safety.
Evacuations:
Certain critically endangered animals, such as the California condors, were evacuated to a safe zone in the middle of the night. Several of the Park’s other animals housed in threatened areas have also been evacuated, including education ambassador animals.

The Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center has been chosen as the safe zone for the condors and animals not located in field enclosures. The area is free of brush and other fuels, is located near the highway, and is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with sprinkler systems and medical equipment.

A majority of the Wild Animal Park animal collection is housed in open, expansive 80 plus-acre field enclosures. These enclosures contain no dry brush or coastal sage. The grass growing in these areas is heavily irrigated. Chance of fire spreading into these habitats is highly unlikely; therefore, the hundreds of animals who live in these areas will be safest to remain in the enclosures during a fire.

Historically, the Wild Animal Park experienced a fire in October 1993. Several hundred acres of habitat surrounding the Wild Animal Park were destroyed, but the fire did not spread to the field enclosures and no animals were harmed. During the 1993 fire, none of the Park’s structures were impacted with the exception of the Wgasa Bush Line Railway track, which served as a firebreak. The parking lot was used as a staging area for fire fighting units and a command center was operated from the keeper training trailer.

Heavy smoke has reached the Wild Animal Park. However, according to animal care staff, the animals are alert but are not showing behaviors of concern. The animals seem to know when they are in immediate danger and when they are not. Brush has been cleared from around the Park. Fire hoses are laid out and ready for use if needed.