Big Bear wildlife rehab facility evacuates animals due to Line Fire

A wildlife rehabilitation zoo evacuated its animals from its property in Big Bear Lake and transported them to a facility in Palm Desert due to heat and fire danger presented by the Line Fire.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo , which specializes in the rehabilitation and release of native species in the area, relocated nearly 50 animals earlier this week and transported them to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a nonprofit zoo and botanic garden, about two hours south.

Foxes, owls and other birds were among the animals packed up and transported to the Living Desert for safe keeping while firefighters in the north battled the Line Fire , which has burned more than 38,000 acres and is around 21% contained.

Officials for the Big Bear Alpine Zoo contacted the Palm Desert zoo early on when the severity of the Line Fire was becoming more evident with smoke and haze on the horizon. They asked their animal welfare cohorts if they could evacuate to their zoo if needed; Living Desert Zoo said yes.

Once it was clear that the animals would need to be taken somewhere else, the two zoos immediately mobilized to work together and coordinate on the evacuation effort.

“The animal care team at The Living Desert drills constantly to be prepared for these types of emergencies and to assist in any way possible for all animals in need,” said Heather Down, Animal Care Curator at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “We remain at the ready if the situation escalates and further evacuations are needed.”

The bulk of the evacuation efforts took place Thursday and Friday, and all but the zoo’s snow leopards and bears have been moved into their temporary accommodations.

Bill Hoffman, regional manager of the Big Bear Recreation & Parks District, said zoo lovers should feel reassured that the animals are in good hands in Palm Desert.

“We are incredibly proud and privileged to work with The Living Desert and to have their support. Our relationship with them spans many years, and we deeply appreciate how they have welcomed us with open arms in this time of need,” Hoffman said.

He added that the staff is experienced and its facilities are state-of-the-art and is held to the highest standards in animal care and welfare as an accredited member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“We are beyond grateful for them,” Hoffman said.

The relocated animals will be kept out of the public eye during their stay, officials said.

For more information on the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, click here .

All recreation and parks programming and facilities within the Big Bear Valley remains closed until further notice.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that the relocated animals will not be on display.

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