California fires: Celebs share anger after claims Malibu winery failed to evacuate animals including Stanley the giraffe

Katy Clifton12 November 2018

Celebrities have shared their anger at a Malibu winery which pledged to get its animals out of harm’s way during the wildfire but “failed to do so”, according to a comedian.

The devastating Californian wildfires caused Whitney Cummings to criticise Malibu Wines after hundreds voiced concerns about the welfare of their animals which include Stanley the giraffe.

Responding to the concerns, Malibu Wines released a statement on Saturday which said most of its animals were accounted for after staff began evacuation preparations late on Friday night.

The statement said Malibu Wines had “lost a considerable portion of barns and facilities” and had “a small number of animals unaccounted for”, but said the search for them was ongoing.

Stanley the giraffe at the ranch owned by Malibu Wines
Instagram

However, posting on Sunday, comedian Whitney Cummings said that staff on the property “did not evacuate their animals and still won’t”, suggesting they have still been left at risk of dying.

After visiting the site, she wrote: “I wanted to be understanding and gracious, but once you treat your animals like this (when you have plenty of money) we simply aren’t on the same page.

Celebrities have claimed Malibu Wines did not evacuate its animals, including Stanley the giraffe

“The pastures were still burning in areas when I got there, an injured pig was found by us that nobody was looking for.

"The owners of boarded horses were told they were evacuated which is a lie.”

The comedian also posted a picture of Stanley the giraffe, who featured in The Hangover Part III, behind a charred gate inside a paddock, with burnt posts seen on the ground.

Claiming the animals had just been moved to a paddock nearby at the Saddlerock Ranch, she added: “Shame on you Malibu Wines for not evacuating this animal or any of your animals.

“I tried to reason with you, tried to help you, and I brought you food for the animals. I am trying to help you do the right thing and take better care of the animals (you use to make money.)

“I know moving a giraffe is incredibly dangerous but not having an evacuation plan at all isn’t acceptable.

"They keep saying they 'evacuated' but that means into a pasture that’s still smokey and burning on their premises.”

Another celebrity voicing concerns about the giraffe was actress Ariel Winter, who shared a tweet which showed the animal surrounded by smoke from the wildfire.

​Khloe Kardashian also posted about the giraffe, writing: “No way [the owners] would do this?!?!”

She added: “I have to find out if Stanley the giraffe is ok and if I can help in any way. Oh I feel terrible for him. He’s probably so scared and confused!”

Horse spooked as the Woolsey Fire moves through the property near Paramount Ranch
Getty Images

The statement from Malibu Wines said: “Our amazing animal care and facilities team began preparing for evacuations late last night and because of their efforts we have survived the fire.

“Our management team and animal trainers are on site right now feeding, providing water, repairing enclosures, and caring for our animal family (including Stanley).

“While we have lost a considerable portion of our barns and facilities, our primary concern is the lives our animal and human families.

"We have a small number of animals unaccounted for but the search is continuing through the night.

“Your offers of support are deeply appreciated and as we begin the reconstruction process we will reach out to neighbors to help with this process!”

Malibu Wines has been approached for further comment.

Equine veterinarian Jesse Jellison carries an injured goose in California
REUTERS

On Saturday, animals also affected by the fire in the area - including geese, goats, dogs, horses and llamas - were being cared for by kind-hearted animal lovers.

One evacuated horse had a contact number written on her hooves as she waited in a shelter at the Pierce College Equine Centre, where evacuees were bringing animals to safety.

Llamas in California were tied to a lifeguard stand on the beach in Malibu as the fire came down the hill. A pony was also among the rescued animals who were tied up on Zuma beach.

Butte County Sheriff Search and Rescue crews rescue an abandoned goat
EPA

Some 29 people have died in the Camp Fire in Northern California, matching the state's record for deaths in a single fire.

Another 228 remain unaccounted for as crews stepped up the search for bodies and missing people. A further two people were killed in the Woolsey Fire in Southern California.

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