Late last week, a wildfire called the Sand Fire struck Southern California, alarmingly close to our sanctuary in Acton. As of this writing, a week after the fire began, it is at 85% containment but not before scorching more than 38,000 acres, destroying multiple homes, and leading to at least one human death (and an unknown toll on wildlife and other animals in its path).
The fire came within a few miles of the Southern California Shelter, causing poor air quality and other concerns, and requiring an evacuation of the shelter’s more than 100 residents on Sunday.
Dopey at his short-term home: the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.
Caregiver Jessica has a kiss for Mo sheep. (The paint on his side is meant to make it extra-easy for those who don’t know the animals to identify them as Farm Sanctuary residents.
National Placement Manager Alicia shares a dance with Paul Harvey goat.
Daniel welcomes Bruno steer back to Acton.
Home at last, Yoda llama surveys his kingdom.
Above, National Shelter Director Susie Coston and National Placement Manager Alicia Pell lead viewers on a tour of the evacuation site.
Our pig, sheep, goat, cattle, donkey, and llama residents spent several days at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, being cared for ‘round the clock by a team of staff members and volunteers.
Susie and Alicia check in with Safran and Pinto.
Jimmy the Snout gets a cooling “shower” from his pal Jessica.
Staff members (like Danielle) and volunteers were on site at the evacuation center at all times, making sure our residents had plenty of attention and all the comforts of home, such as clean, soft bedding (which had been generously donated in the wake of the emergency).
Delicious snacks were on offer.
Did we mention the snacks?
Honky Tonk is a big fan of carrots.
—
friendly even under the most trying of circumstances pops up to say “good day.”
It has been a hectic week, to put it mildly. But as of Thursday, nearly all of the animals had been able to return home, with the last arrivals (our four horse residents) coming back to the shelter on Friday. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for those who volunteered with the evacuation and return; those who selflessly offered their help; and our members, far and wide, whose support makes everything we do possible..
An Early Morning for the Pigs
Homecoming day began bright and early for both the “humanimals” and the animals and none earlier than the pigs (for whom the July heat is especially difficult, meaning that the comparatively cool morning was the best time to move them).
Dopey (who had a moment of fame during the evacuation period) prepares to head home.
Sophie was the first member of the herd to head out.
Jimmy walks to the trailer for the ride back to Acton.
Dopey, who has trouble with his legs, brought up the rear. Susie and Chad traveled in (from upstate New York and Northern California, respectively) to ensure we had all the support we needed.
The Birds Hitch a Ride with Friends
Our chicken and turkey residents (as well as our resident cats
— in a separate area, of course!) had spent the evacuation period at another location. Since they’re relatively easy to transport (not requiring a large transport vehicle like their larger sanctuary neighbors), staff members and volunteers transported them home by car.
Val is being watched closely as he works to load up some of our bird residents for the trip home.
A line of vehicles waits to ferry our bird and cat residents back home to the Southern California Shelter.
Home at last! Now for the triumphant return to the aviary…
Once safely back at Farm Sanctuary, it’s time to leave the carrier and get back to life as usual!
Of course, part of life as usual is dustbathing…
…and eating…
…and surveying one’s domain…
…and, of course, crowing.
It feels good to be home!
The Sheep and Goats’ Turn to Go Baack Home
Used to having room to roam, the tighter quarters of the evacuation site meant boredom for the members of our sheep and goat herd. For them, the trip home brought a return to normalcy and an influx of fun. But they’d have to get on the trailer first…
Vince and Paul Harvey get some attention before their group departs the evacuation site.
Members of the sheep flock head to the trailer with some guidance from their humanimal friends.
Mo sheep has a conference with Jessica.
The flock heads into the trailer, some members more quickly than others.
Home at last, Yoda llama, fearless leader of the sheep and goat herd, visited his favorite window (where there are often treats to be had).
Nina and Kelley lambs get back to business (the business of looking for things to snack on, that is).
Their older “roommates” had the same idea.
Yoda had a tough time at the evacuation site because he had to be separated from his sheep and goat pals. Now reunited with his friends, he is feeling much better and enjoys a much-deserved snack.
The stress of traveling behind her, Nina is ready to pose.
Carlee, Mattie, and Lucky sheep and their friends are so happy to be home!
Save the Biggest for Last
Nobody likes riding in a trailer, but if it means returning to the place you love best after an absence, it’s all worth it.
Easygoing Paolo is one of the first into the trailer, with a little help from Susie.
Daniel coaxes herd leader Mr. Ed into the trailer.
Some steers need a little more help than others, but everyone gets there in their own time.
Home at last!
Bruno peers outside.
Mr. Ed leads the way out of the trailer, William and Harry (to whom Ed has been a father figure since they were calves) at his heels..
Harry and Paolo disembark with help from their (and our) new friend Terry, who graciously volunteered to help during both the evacuation and the return trip.
Like all of our residents (and the humans who love them), Mr. Ed is very happy to be home.
Susie and Alicia visit with our residents shortly after their return home. (Want to see more live video from our sanctuaries? Be sure to like our Facebook page.)
Once everyone was offloaded, it was time to celebrate but, as you can see, we were pretty tired (and at about 106°, it was far too hot for a victory lap).
We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated time and resources to this effort. We could not do the work we do without supporters like you!
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