News Summary

The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach is actively caring for wildlife impacted by recent wildfires. Currently, they are housing 44 animals and have been coordinating rescue operations with local authorities. The center’s dedicated staff and volunteers are providing critical care to rescued animals as various wildlife species suffer from habitat destruction due to the fires. The facility also seeks donations to sustain its ongoing efforts while community support is essential for both wildlife and residents affected by the wildfires.

Huntington Beach Tackles Wildlife Rescues Amid Ongoing Wildfires

The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center (WWCC) in Huntington Beach is actively caring for wildlife impacted by the recent wildfires, specifically the Eaton and Palisades fires. As of now, the facility is housing 44 animals, including 18 eggs, and has relocated several bird nests from fire-affected areas.

The center credits its dedicated staff and volunteers for providing vital medical care and nurturing to the rescued animals. These efforts not only enhance the well-being of wildlife but also benefit the surrounding community by aiding in restoration and clean-up processes. The organization’s Executive Director has underscored the dual role of WWCC in facilitating healing for both wildlife and human communities.

Following the outbreak of the Eaton fire on January 7, the WWCC began receiving calls for assistance from the Pasadena Humane Society regarding animal sanctuary needs. The types of rescued animals include Indian peafowl, desert cottontails, a raccoon, and Virginia opossums, illustrating the diverse wildlife affected by these blazes.

In collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, WWCC is establishing an incident command to coordinate rescue operations for wildlife impacted by the fires. Current rescue efforts involve clearing toxic ash and debris from animals, as well as treating them for injuries sustained during the wildfires. As neighborhoods are gradually reopening, the organization anticipates an increase in admissions of injured wildlife, highlighting the ongoing struggles animals face due to habitat destruction.

The severe impact of the fires is evident in the statistics: the Eaton fire has scorched over 2,200 acres, while the Palisades fire has ravaged more than 5,000 acres, destroying approximately 1,000 structures in its wake. Furthermore, these fires have caused widespread power outages, affecting around 300,000 energy customers in the Los Angeles area, further complicating the human and animal rescue operations.

As thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes, local animal shelters are feeling the pressure, having received over 180 animals since the fires began. The Pasadena Humane Society has reported an influx that includes more unusual rescues, such as a pig and a pony. In response, local shelters are appealing for volunteer assistance and supplies to help manage the overflow of animals.

Authorities have also cautioned against price gouging for essential supplies during the state of emergency that has been declared because of the wildfires. This concern comes amid the pressing need for resources both for families displaced by the fires and the animals they may have left behind.

Looking ahead, as the incident command structures are set up, WWCC is planning to transport animals to rehabilitation facilities for further care. The organization is actively accepting donations to sustain its rescue and rehabilitation efforts. With the devastation brought by the wildfires, ongoing support for WWCC and local animal shelters will be crucial in addressing the needs of the wildlife and ensuring their recovery.

The situation remains fluid as rescue efforts continue, and those involved are dedicated to both the immediate care of affected animals and the eventual rebuilding of the ecosystems that these wildlife depend upon.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• KCRW: Fire and Wildlife in Altadena
• Wikipedia
• Los Angeles Times: Eaton Fire Update
• Google Search: California Wildfires
• NBC News: Pacific Palisades Wildfire Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfires
• The New York Times: California Fires and Animals
• Google News: Wildlife Rescue California
• Westside Current: Help Animals Affected by LA Wildfires
• Google Scholar: Wildfire Impact on Wildlife

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.