Tippi Hedren | SCVTV File Photo

Tippi Hedren sent out the following message Tuesday afternoon:

Know that the Shambala Preserve has not evacuated.

We were asked to stay in place due to the professional knowledge gained over 40 years of work with the Big Cats and experience of the Shambala staff (headed by the Shambala Director, Chris Gallucci), the qualified Shambala animal crew and veterinarians (Gay Naiditch D.V.M., Chris Cauble D.V.M.), the Fire Dept and the Dept of Forestry.

I was asked to leave by Chris Gallucci, which I declined.

The knowledge of these amazing men and women is to be commended. The animals did not have to be put through the dangerous and agonizing stress of evacuation. We have been bless by our staff who evaluated the situation, both the pros and cons of the situation and the pros and cons of a solution, as well as officials who work with us and who I respect on the highest level.

My most sincere gratitude to Chris Gallucci for his expertise in keeping Shambala safe, with the highest level of clear thinking and control.

The force of the Sand fire has been demonic.  May we never have to witness this display of horror ever again.

Thank you to all of you who have been standing by us and trying to reach out to us with to no avail. All of our power and communication with the outside world has been out since the fire peaked.

The Sand fire has brought us up to really understand our journey and how to protect it.Thank you again for caring about the wild ones of Shambala.

Tippi Hedren

President/ROAR Foundation

The Shambala Preserve

Below: Shambala was still being protected by firefighters after a flareup late Tuesday afternoon. Photos by Will Davison.