Lions, tigers and bears … oh my!

If you’ve ever been to the Wildlife Waystation in Little Tijuanga, you know what a Herculean task it will be trying to move 400 lions, tigers, bears, ostrich and other exotic animals.

Here’s what the Associated Press reported: “The Waystation holds about 400 animals, including lions, tiger, leopards, mountain lions, wolves, bears and even more exotic animals such as ostriches. Workers began evacuating the animals Sunday and up to 275 were being evacuated on Monday ….” Waystation founder Martine Collette said on KPCC today said they were moving more exotic animals.

One stumbling block: She needed more large trucks to transport them. Another news agency said someone showed up with a large Budweiser truck.

I would hate to be on the 134 or 101 freeways behind that truck. Let’s hope they all make it safely to the LA Zoo and Pierce College.

During a visit there 12 years ago, I took my sons who were 6 and 8 years old. People can get so close to the lions and tigers it was frightening. There was a grizzly bear who thought my youngest was lunch. He growled as my son walked gingerly by.

The place is so crowded with wild and dangerous animals it is a miracle that is even exists. Now Collette is asking for another miracle — a modern Noah’s Ark — to get these animals to a second waystation until the Station Fire blows over.

My prayers are with her.

This entry was posted in environment, land use, Pasadena by Steve Scauzillo. Bookmark the permalink.

About Steve Scauzillo

I love journalism. I've been working in journalism for 32 years. I love communicating and now, that includes writing about environment, transportation and the foothill/Puente Hills communities of Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Walnut and Diamond Bar. I write a couple of columns, one on fridays in Opinion and the other, The Green Way, in the main news section. Send me ideas for stories. Or comments. I was opinion page editor for 12 years so I enjoy a good opinion now and then.

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