Jeff Sandstoe / Roundup
As fires ravage Los Angeles, animals from an animal sanctuary find refuge at Pierce College.
Many individuals have come to our campus with their animals seeking shelter from the flames. Wildlife Waystation, an animal sanctuary located in Sylmar, was among them. The Waystation’s main focus is to “rescue and rehabilitate wild and exotic animals,” according to their website.
Kelly Whitis, an employee of Wildlife Waystation, smiles as she feeds one of her llamas a strawberry.
“They are very friendly animals,” Whitis said. Her face lights up as she talks about her animals that have been moved to the Pierce Equestrian Center. She tells of the very personable goat, Roscoe, and the piano playing pig, Oreo.
They are only a couple of the over 400 animals that have been evacuated from their homes.
So far the organization has brought in horses, goats, pigs, llamas, and a cow.
“Our more exotic animals, such as tigers, bears, and chimpanzees have been taken to the Los Angeles Zoo,” said Whitis.
For more on this story and conituned fire coverage, check back soon.
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Kelly Whitis feeds the visiting llamas strawberries while the animals take shelter at Pierce College until the fires are contained and they are free to return to their homes. (Louie Heredia)