SEMA Comes For a Visit

We recently had a visit from SEMA, which is the state’s environmental authority that oversees inspections, manages preservation initiatives, and oversees licensing when it comes to natural resources. They have been in the area making plans in the event of fires this season. Recently, there has been a shift in the mindset of trying to get ahead of possible trouble sources rather than work to handle them once they’ve started. As a proactive organization, we appreciate this way of looking at things. SEMA were looking at some neighboring farms and other areas that might have issues during fire season where they could potentially do a controlled burn, which can stop fire spread.

We have strong relationships with the multiple fire departments around. There’s a military department and a regular city fire department, along with local volunteers who jump in when the need arises. The two times that fires have broached the property and when fires are nearby, all of the firefighters have been incredibly respectful of the elephants, which is always a concern for us. They maintain their distance and keep noise to a minimum whenever possible.

SEMA looked at the new security house that we are constructing and absolutely understood why it’s been placed where it is. From the new house, we will be able to see cars coming down the road from miles away. And from the perspective of fires, you can see a massive expanse to the west. SEMA also appreciated the bush hogging we’re doing to keep the grass low and create fire breaks that could prevent spread, plus the fact that we use our drone to keep an eye on all known nearby fires. We have a great appreciation for how genuine their care and concern is for the elephants and the property here. We appreciated that they would stop by and check on our progress as we head into dry season here at the sanctuary.

Photo of Bambi

Comments(10)

Cintia Abney says
June 21, 2023 at 2:10 pm
Thanks SEMA and SEB to mske all the posdiblo yo kerp our girls and hunsns safe
Rachel says
June 21, 2023 at 2:55 pm
Being proactively ahead of things is a smart move. Wonderful to hear SEMA is a helpful partner in all you’re doing to keep all creatures and neighbors safe. 🙏💝
Carolyn Clarke says
June 21, 2023 at 3:50 pm
What is a new “security house”? Is it a new house to live in or a place to retreat to in case of fire or just a look out post?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  June 21, 2023 at 3:54 pm
  It’s a house to live in that provides an extensive view of the area.
Tammy says
June 21, 2023 at 3:53 pm
Very pleased to hear how SEMA is so proactive with a hands approach to keep all safe! Your lives and those gorgeous beautiful elephants are top priority and just can’t imagine how you quickly corral an elephant to get them to safety! Fires are a very scary destructive long term rehabilitation process as you know but the animals many sadly have no chance of survival with fires constantly changing direction with the wind. My question is do you closely follow upcoming fire danger and keep the girls in yards close to safety? How would you or could you move them if you absolutely had too? Where would they go? Really hoping for enough rain to keep things safe this summer we know the girls really adore the rain too! Thank you 🐘🙏💞
- REPLY
  Sara says
  June 21, 2023 at 4:34 pm
  The fires here aren’t like what you currently see in places like California and Canada. We keep a very close eye on what’s going on, including talking to neighboring landowners and we use our drone. The first fire that reached the property we saw about 4-5 days before it got here. That’s how slow moving and low burning they are. We’re also in close communication with the fire brigades here. The girls move from yard to yard easily if asked, so they would go to the safest yard available.
Barb says
June 21, 2023 at 5:54 pm
Very good proactive measures! Fires can be so devastating!
SHEILA says
June 22, 2023 at 5:08 am
Hi big BAMBI 💖🐘 hope ur doing great. Well Bambi. The visitors r just Safety ppl checking on things. In prevention of Fires. And vehicles coming that maybe shouldn’t be. Have a lovely day. Dear Bambi🐘🥰😍
Carmen says
June 22, 2023 at 9:43 am
Parabéns ao SEB pela cuidadosa atenção com o Santuario e todos os seus habitantes. Parabéns ao SEMA pela parceria e parabéns aos bombeiros da região pelo cuidado com todas essas vidascpreciosas do SEB. Sigamos todos juntos!
Carey says
June 22, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Good, and I hope all stays well and you don’t have dangerous fires. Fingers crossed for you all.

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