In Big Bear, California, Cowboy the barn owl experienced an unexpected adventure amid a nearby raging wildfire. Due to the Line Fire threatening the area, Cowboy and around 50 other animals were evacuated from the Big Bear Alpine Zoo on September 12. This evacuation was carried out to ensure the safety of the animals as the fire spread through the San Bernardino National Forest, covering over 60 square miles.
The evacuation process was successful, with nearly two-thirds of the zoo’s animals transported to the Living Desert Zoo and Garden in Palm Springs. One of the staff members, Mike Barnes, mentioned that Cowboy, who traveled in the front seat of a truck, seemed to enjoy the journey and was well-behaved during the evacuation. Heather Downs, the animal curator at the Living Desert, described the animals’ stay there as a little “holiday” before they returned home about a week later.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo houses animals that cannot be released into the wild, including elderly animals and those with injuries. During the evacuation, special care was taken for animals with specific needs, such as adding accommodations for a blind eagle and a three-legged kit fox. Meanwhile, the remaining animals at the zoo, like bears, bobcats, and wolves, were moved indoors for protection from the wildfire.
Transported animals were not fed before the journey, but the zoo staff made sure they were fed upon arrival at the Living Desert. Despite the stressful situation, many animals adapted well to the evacuation process, like two foxes who enjoyed watching the drive down the mountain from the vehicle. The Living Desert regularly prepares for such scenarios, partnering with government agencies to house and rehabilitate confiscated wildlife.
The animals were returned to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in a meticulous process, with birds like cranes, hawks, barn owls, and a pelican being transported back in crates. Staff members explained that training animals to become accustomed to crates by placing treats inside was beneficial for smooth transportation, ensuring the animals’ comfort and safety during the journey back to their mountain home.
