American biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin is raising awareness about how the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires threaten animals and destroy their habitats.
Speaking to TMZ on Jan. 10, the 57-year-old wildlife expert explained how the fires have caused an “unprecedented catastrophe” for endangered species and local ecosystems.
“We’re kind of caught up in this horrible moment right now with the immediate impact on people that have lost their homes, their livelihood, people have died. In the background, there are animals that have been impacted,” he said in a video.
“Critical coastal habitat, mountain habitat of California has been scorched. There are endangered species, including California condors, mountain lions, black bears. There are many creatures now that, if they have not died in these fires, they have been displaced.”
Corwin expressed concern about the California condors, many of which live in areas affected by the Pacific Palisades fires.
“There are only 350 California condors left, and a significant piece of that population lives in ground zero of where these fires have happened,” he said. “The last fires, we lost condors, and it is likely with these fires, we have lost condors.
“And when you’re a critically endangered species, everyone matters.”
In a separate video, the “Wildlife Nation With Jeff Corwin” star drew attention to other “non-human members of our families,” such as cats, dogs, and horses, that have been injured, killed, or displaced by the ongoing disaster.
“People have been separated by their pets. It is an absolutely catastrophic situation, a true dire emergency,” he said before explaining how owners can set up feeding stations at their homes to encourage their pets to return.
Corwin donated $31,000 to wildlife relief through his partnership with the Brady Hunter Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to protecting animals and wildlife.
Animal Care
Amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, local animal welfare organizations are urging residents to assist in sheltering displaced animals.Local shelter Pasadena Humane has taken in more than 400 animals from the Eaton Fire and is seeking monetary donations to purchase medical supplies and provide necessary care.
“These animals are suffering from smoke inhalation, singed paws, burns, dehydration, and more. We have been treating each animal based on their needs, providing fluids, oxygen, pain medications and wound care as quickly as we can.”
Insured losses already exceed $20 billion, JPMorgan analysts said in a note emailed to The Epoch Times on Jan. 10.
The financial impact of the wildfires is estimated to exceed a substantial $50 billion, according to JPMorgan analysts. This makes it one of the most economically devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.
