What’s a Zoo to Do: Preparing for smoke and fire at Sequoia Park

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Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- With fires continuing to scorch the northern part of the state, keeping emergency procedures in mind seems as important as ever. The Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka may be small, but it’s ready for fires, earthquakes, and even visitor injury.

That’s according to Zoo Director, Gretchen Ziegler. She explains that the Redwood Forest is unique, and makes the threat of a direct hit from a wildfire unlikely. Still zoo keepers and staff know what to do in the event of a brush or building fire. They know how to handle the animals in an emergency, and even understand evacuation protocol. Evacuations can be devastating (sometimes even fatal) for some species, so they’re kept as a last resort in emergencies.

Along the North Coast, the biggest concern during fire season is generally linked to air quality. So, there are plans in place to help sensitive animals through.

“We’re always watching the animals no matter what’s going on, everyday throughout the day to make sure they are doing alright.” Ziegler explains. “But in a heavy smoke event we pay particular attention, especially to the birds because birds are pretty sensitive to air pollution and smoke in particular. If we felt that we were seeing symptoms that were giving us concern about the health or welfare of a bird, or any animal, we would probably attempt to move it in doors until that event passed.”

Luckily, Ziegler says, the oldest zoo in California hasn’t had many emergencies to cope with. That hasn’t stopped their steady preparations. Staff is ready to keep their otters splashing, and flamingos strolling through Sequoia park for years to come.

 

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