Monterey Zoo keeping “fingers crossed” as River Fire burns close to property

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)-- Monterey Zoo officials have been on round the clock watch with the animals, as the River Fire burns close to the property.

In a social media post, employees say yesterday they implemented their Emergency Action Plan to evacuate animals if it became necessary due to the fire.

They say the community’s response was "overwhelming and emotional."

The post goes on to say, "PGE is nowhere to be found and not answering calls so we’re trying to figure out food/water/life support (for those needing such) for the animals. We have generators on site which are being distributed now. If anyone has a PGE connection, we would so very much appreciate a contact to a real human being. We’re gonna let animals out today and keep our fingers crossed for now. I truly believe we are now out of harms way."

The zoo says their hearts and prayers go out to our community up the hill that suffered so greatly and lost so much.