Updates on Wild Animal Park and San Diego Zoo during San Diego County Fires: October 22, 2007
At the Wild Animal Park
- Due to fire conditions, the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park will be closed Monday, October 22, 2007.
- Pre-purchased tickets can be exchanged for admittance to the San Diego Zoo this day by visiting the Zoo's Guest Relations window.
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 1 p.m., limited personnel are at the Park to evaluate 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.
At the San Diego Zoo
- As of 10 a.m. October 22, the San Diego Zoo has not been impacted by the fires sweeping through San Diego County, but animal care staff will continue to monitor the situation and make modifications to ensure animal health and safety as necessary.
