GOLDEN — Sixteen alpacas, in three groups, huddled in the warmth and safety of a big barn today in Golden after their owners evacuated the animals from the Indian Gulch fire.
The alpacas – adults, youngsters and even pregnant mothers – joined 28 horses that are sheltered at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, and volunteers expect more animals could join them.
Barb Suggs, of the Jefferson County Horse Council, said animal owners in the Golden Gate Canyon area should be proactive about evacuating livestock, and she encouraged people to bring their animals to the shelter as a precaution, even before an order may force the issue.
Acting now could avoid “bottlenecks” if owners have to scramble. In addition to fire danger, smoke is already a health consideration for animals in the canyon, Suggs said.
If pressed, the fairgrounds have the capacity to hold up to 300 large animals.
This morning Annie Oden was among the volunteers who were feeding and caring for the animals.
“I love it,” Oden beamed as she moved hay into a stall.
Smaller animals, including dogs and cats, can be sheltered at the Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden.
The shelter said that there are currently five cats there.
