Roughly six months after the devastating North Bay wildfires ignited, the Safari West African animal preserve in Santa Rosa reopened for business Monday.
The roughly 400-acre preserve escaped with only minimal damage, and none of the 900 animals or staff members were harmed by the fast-moving flames that wiped out entire neighborhoods across a number of Northern California counties.
[BAY] In Photos: Safari West Wildlife Preserve Survives Tubbs Fire
Safari West was forced to close for more than a month because the facility was using generators for power, there was limited cellphone coverage, and the roads leading to the preserve were clogged with crews clearing debris and repairing infrastructure, according to preserve officials.
Those wishing to visit Safari West won't notice much of a difference inside the park following the firestorm, according to the preserve. Open-air vehicle tours will continue to shuttle visitors across the "Sonoma Serengeti" where about 90 different African animal species roam.
The only noticeable difference at the preserve is along the outer perimeter where the flames burned some vegetation, according to the preserve. Crews have already started to plant new grass in those areas.
The Tubbs Fire torched some outbuildings and cars at Safari West, but not a single animal was killed and only a few reptiles and birds were evacuated, according to the preserve.
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Safari West owner Peter Lang stayed on the property the night when wildfires broke out, fighting the blaze with a garden hose.
Opening up by Thanksgiving allows Safari West to take advantage of the holiday business, but the the park's executive director Keo Hornbostel said it is more significant than that.
"We had employees who lost houses, but not their lives," Hornbostel said. "We didn't lose any animals so I think we have a lot to be thankful for."
Safari West will soon announce open house days to give back to the community by giving away tours to five victims and first responders.
Staff members also escaped harm, but some did lose their homes.
