As wildfires raged in Spain, the staff at Safari Madrid and other organizations sprang into action to save the animals in their care. The Spanish Civil Guard also played a crucial role in evacuating horses, goats, and other animals from farms and sanctuaries threatened by the blaze.

Evacuation Efforts

The staff at Safari Madrid worked tirelessly to herd the animals into air-conditioned indoor concrete enclosures, hoping to keep them safe from the fire. Meanwhile, the Spanish Civil Guard swept into action, evacuating horses and goats, comforting cows and chickens, and checking in on ostriches, camels, and crocodiles.

The civil guard also rescued household pets like cats and dogs, and took in evacuees from the Kuna Iberica wildlife center, a nearby sanctuary that rescues injured or abandoned animals. The center’s director, Isaac Navarro, said the evacuation plan was to take out as many animals as possible and get them to safety.

Aftermath

Thanks to the efforts of the staff and the civil guard, all the animals were saved, although some got a little stir-crazy from being cooped up indoors for so long. The male Asian elephants, in particular, were restless, but none of the animals were harmed.

The Spanish government has cautioned the public to remain vigilant, and it may be some time before the caretakers at Safari Madrid and other affected organizations can breathe easy once more.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.