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San Diego Zoo animals are reported safe (UPDATE)

By Karyn Chenoweth Oct 23, 2007, 14:26 GMT

What a difference a day makes, as the winds have seemed to died down slightly, and local San Diego authorities now report that the world famous San Diego Zoo is out of harms way despite nearly 500,000 people fleeing the flames and smoke in the San Diego area. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) receives a briefing on the Canyon Fire and other Los Angeles area fires from CAL FIRE Director Ruben Grijalva (C) with, from left to right, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky in Malibu, California USA 22 October 2007. EPA/DUNCAN MCINTOSH / HO M

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) receives a briefing on the Canyon Fire and other Los Angeles area fires from CAL FIRE Director Ruben Grijalva (C) with, from left to right, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky in Malibu, California USA 22 October 2007. EPA/DUNCAN MCINTOSH / HO MZoo officials report that the animals at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park are staying put.

- courtesy San Diego Zoo- Koala resident

CNN reports that Zoo spokeswoman Yadira Galindo says the park's 3,500 animals are safest in their enclosures, protected by the park's fire break and irrigated areas, and, if conditions get worse, the animals can take refuge in their watering holes.However as we reported previously, the Zoo staff spent most of yesterday and last night moving critically endangered animals, like the California condor and the African cheeta, and a variety of snakes and small birds to the park's veterinary hospital, which is fire-resistant and equipped with sprinklers.

The World Famous San Diego Zoo Balboa Park's lush landscaping and Spanish architecture provide a memorable setting for municipal galleries and museums, as well as the world famous San Diego Zoo.

Galindo says the animals are "alert but not showing any concerned behavior."

Headlines from The Tech Herald

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Meredith SimondsOct 23rd, 2007 - 15:28:37

The first thing I heard about the fires today was that the San Diego Zoo was next, with no hope of getting out the animals. My heart broke imagining their horrendous pain and suffering, with nowhere to run. Thank God they're safe and out of harm's way. I pray it stays that way.

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Charity16CaliOct 30th, 2007 - 21:55:57

I am so happy that the animals are going to be ok i really think i would cry alot if anything happened to any of them so thatnk GOD!

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