Temporary shelters open to animals displaced by fires

“Horses and livestock displaced by the CZU Lightning Complex wildfire are being housed at the Cow Palace as of Friday,” said Buffy Martin Tarbox of the Peninsula Humane Society, which is working with the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group on the arrangement.

The CZU August Lightning Complex of fires burning in southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Cruz County expanded to 63,000 acres overnight and was 5 percent contained Saturday morning, according to Cal Fire.

An estimated 77,000 residents of the area have been evacuated due to the fires, and as they scramble for housing, their pets and livestock are temporarily homeless as well.

So far, 50 goats, at least one donkey, one horse and a number of llamas displaced by the CZU Lightning Complex are staying at the Cow Palace as of Saturday morning, Tarbox said.

“The Cow Palace is set up perfectly to handle this disaster,” said San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa. “It's like Noah's Ark for these lost animals who will one day hopefully be reunited with their owners.”

To contact the Large Animal Evacuation Group regarding housing horses or livestock at the Cow Palace, call Laura at 450-0520; Robin at 450-0516; or Emilie at 773-8780.

The all-volunteer evacuation group provides qualified large animal handlers and horse trailers in emergency situations and evacuates large animals in emergencies.

The group works with the San Mateo Office of Emergency Services and other emergency agencies.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter in Santa Cruz is also helping care for the pets of evacuees for free.

care for the pets of wildfire evacuees for free.

Evacuees who can't care for their animals during the crisis can

drop them off at the shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz between 10

a.m. and 6 p.m. People can also call (831) 471-1182 for any emergency animal

services.