Antonio Hernandez/ The Roundup, Rosie Fatemi
Once again Pierce College has become the home for many displaced animals and livestock that have been forced to evacuate due to the raging wildfires across Southern California.
“We have approximately 140 horses alternating on and off campus,” said Paddy Warner, director of the Pierce College Equestrian Center.
It hasn’t been just horses arriving to Pierce, many other livestock have found their way to campus. According to Warner the campus has received pigs, goats, llamas and even a wild boar.
“It’s amazing what people come in with,” she said. Pierce was also scheduled to receive ostrich’s, but many of the volunteers were concerned that they were not properly trained to handle them. However, the giant birds did find a cozy home on the Moorpark campus.
More than 40 students have come in to volunteer, many of which belong to the Pierce College Boots and Saddle club. Using mass text messages, the club sends out notices to its members that an evacuation is in effect.
If available, club members arrive at Pierce to help in the tending and receiving of animals. The Equestrian Center currently has a certified veterinarian on hand to check on the livestock throughout the week.
“Even if the animals have special needs, we are able to accommodate them,” said Warner.
Most residents bringing in animals have been relatively calm, something different from the last time Pierce had to receive displaced animals.
“It’s wonderful. People are great and it’s a great atmosphere. Everyone’s here to help each other,” said Karen Jacobson, 19, who brought eight horses to Pierce.
Jacobson brought her horses to Pierce after hearing of the work done on campus during the last fire.
Pierce has plenty of room for horses and cattle. Warner cited that the Equestrian Center has room for “approximately 200 horses, and can house between 100 to 150 cattle easily.”
“Everything is running quite smoothly,” she said about the process of receiving and caring for the diverse animals on campus.
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Due to numerous wildfires around southern Calif. local horses and wildlife have taken refuge at the Pierce College farm until the fires have been contained and it is safe to return. (Petrina Roudebush)
A llama takes shelter at Pierce College with three others after the animals had to be relocated to Woodland Hills from the La Crescenta area due to the massive wildfires in the area Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009. (Louis Heredia)