Wildfires Threaten Madrid Region; Animal Rescue Efforts at Safari Madrid and Local Shelters

A fast-moving wildfire swept west of Madrid, scorching roughly 131 square miles of forest and grassland. The blaze pressed within 300 meters of the Safari Madrid wildlife park in Aldea del Fresno and, at one point, came as close as 10 meters to the nearby Kuna Iberica sanctuary. Despite mandatory evacuation orders, staff at Safari Madrid and partner rescue centers worked through the night to move animals into air-conditioned concrete enclosures and transport others to temporary facilities.

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The fires erupted amid a prolonged heatwave that officials described as the most severe in recent Spanish history. The government declared a state of emergency for the Madrid and Ávila regions, later lifted by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez after the flames were largely contained. Authorities warned that lingering high temperatures could spark new ignitions across the burned landscape, which spans tens of thousands of hectares.

How Safari Keepers Risked Everything to Save 2,000 Animals From Spanish Wildfires

• Area burned: ? 131 sq mi ? 77,000 hectares.

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• Additional 25,000 hectares reported as “in smoke” by Spanish authorities.

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• Approximately 2,000 exotic animals faced danger at Safari Madrid.

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• Fire proximity: ? 300 m from park perimeter; 500 m from Safari Madrid’s outer fence; 10 m from Kuna Iberica enclosures.

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• Staff: 26 keepers on duty, 22 evacuated, four remained to protect the animals.

How Safari Keepers Risked Everything to Save 2,000 Animals From Spanish Wildfires

• Animal evacuees included a Eurasian lynx, an Iberian wolf, four vultures, birds of prey, and numerous farm animals such as goats, horses, and donkeys.

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A Safari Madrid spokesperson, José Luis Cano Becerro, said park staff inspected burned ground each day, extinguished smoldering logs, and maintained a nocturnal vigil until conditions improved enough for staff to rest.

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Caretakers at Safari Madrid herded roughly 1,000 resident animals and additional evacuees into indoor enclosures, using hoses to dampen surrounding vegetation and create firebreaks. The park also received animals from the Kuna Iberica wildlife center; some, such as a Eurasian lynx and an Iberian wolf, required anesthesia for safe transfer.

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At a makeshift shelter in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, a former bullring housed horses, donkeys, goats, cats, and dogs, coordinated by Mayor Aránzazu Povedano Fraguela.

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The Majadahonda Comprehensive Canine Centre (CICAM) opened its facilities to dozens of dogs and cats rescued from fire-hit neighborhoods, providing quarantine and veterinary assessment amid limited health records.

Madrid shelter fills with pets evacuated from Spain’s record wildfire

• “I had never experienced a situation like this, we had never faced a fire like this, and (the evacuation) was done with all the haste, as best as we could,” — Isaac Navarro

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• “Some (animals) got a little agitated,” — Cano Becerro

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• “Moving an elephant requires months of preparation,” — Christian Cabrera

How Safari Keepers Risked Everything to Save 2,000 Animals From Spanish Wildfires

• “We started receiving calls on Friday and immediately offered our facilities to take in animals until we reached the capacity we had available,” — CICAM

Madrid shelter fills with pets evacuated from Spain’s record wildfire

Spanish authorities continue to monitor the region’s heatwave, urging residents and park personnel to stay alert for possible flare-ups. Safari Madrid has reopened to visitors, but staff remain prepared for rapid response should the fire return.

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