Klause said in his statement, it’s important to remember the animals were incredibly distressed. Klause can verify that we pragmatically and swiftly addressed all safety concerns facing our animals. Team Two was tasked with loading small animals into trailers while Team Three worked on moving the large animals.

We had three teams working in tandem: Team One evacuated the main barn area including boarded horses. I know what you’re thinking: Why not immediately move all animals offsite at the same time?

Smaller animals were transported offsite, and larger animals were relocated to a portion of acreage on the ranch not threatened by the fire. Our animals, including Stanley, were either evacuated or moved into these safe and protected enclosures prior to 7:30 a.m. On November 9 at 12:30 a.m., Malibu Wine Safari carried out this longstanding planned procedure of evacuation of animals and staff. This was also verified by the USDA.Īs prepared as we were, we could not stop the destructive path of the Woolsey fire. Effectively, this barren enclosure has little to no “fuel” to power a fire or facilitate the spread of one for eighty acres, ample space to store all of our exotic and domestic animals. How did we know this land would be safe from flames? Fortunately, this wide open area at Saddlerock has no trees or brush-and only consists of gravel, dirt, and a large lake. Klause stated yesterday, our “fire” evacuation plan has always consisted of moving the larger animals to land on the property that would be safe from potential fire. In addition to drills, we have been involved in helping others evacuate animals during fires (such as the Thomas Fire), by providing resources like trailers, shelter for animals, and even by physically helping evacuate animals.Īs Dr. Our plan was developed with the USDA, and they also helped us train the safari staff through educational materials. Because of our geography, Malibu Wine’s evacuation plan is designed around the impending threat of wildfires. In addition to giving animals food, water, love, and a clean living space, caregivers should ( and are required by law) develop a plan to evacuate the animals to a safe location in the event of a disaster. We are also extremely thankful that our staff and volunteers are safe, as well. And while we hope to find the one sheep that is still unaccounted for, we can report that the remainder of our animals are in good hands-they’re alive, safe, secure, and receiving around-the-clock care. We care deeply for all of our animals as well as staff, and we’re incredibly grateful that our expert staff was able to transport our animals to safety before Friday’s tragic fire reached the ranch.įirst and foremost, we’re extremely happy to report that our beloved Stanley the Giraffe is alive and well. And it’s a responsibility that we at Malibu Wine Safari do not take lightly. “Caring for animals, especially exotic ones, is a very big job. Stephen Klause, the CEO and founder of Malibu Wine Safari at Saddlerock Ranch, Dakota Semler, is providing an official statement (below) on how he and his staff handled the safety of their animals in the early hours of last Friday morning. In addition to the statement from the ranch’s veterinarian Dr. The staff at Saddlerock Ranch received a two-hour evacuation notice in the late evening hours of Thursday, November 8, and staff officially began evacuation procedures at 12:30 a.m. 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Malibu Wine Safari at Saddlerock Ranch, a popular, family-owned destination for southern Californians, was overcome by the Woolsey/Malibu Fires on Friday, November 9.

Malibu wine safari