Animals Evacuated from the Aspen Acres Fire Returning Home Following Temporary Housing at the Colorado State Fairgrounds

Livestock and animals of all shapes and sizes are beginning to return home after being evacuated to the Colorado State Fairgrounds beginning on June 30 due to the Aspen Acres wildfire. This move comes after the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and incident commanders have adjusted the evacuation areas as crews continue to battle the Aspen Acres fire.

During this time, the fairgrounds welcomed 1,339 head of livestock - horses, cattle, poultry, goats, and sheep - providing a safe place for animals in need. This response was truly a team effort, made possible through strong partnerships with CSU Extension, the Pueblo Community Animal Response Team and volunteers, Front Range Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps, and the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. Team members from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, including staff from divisions of Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Brand Inspection and the Communications team, also assisted in the response. Special thanks to the CDA Emergency Management Team's Jerry Casebolt, Southern Colorado Ag Emergency Specialist, for his coordination work on this historic fire.

"Pueblo is known for coming together in tough times, and the past few weeks have shown exactly what that means for the communities impacted by the Aspen Acres fire," said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. "The state fairgrounds provided a safe place for those who were displaced - both people and animals - and the Colorado State Fair staff have been working double duty to help their community while preparations for the fair are ongoing."

The incredible outpouring of donations and support from the Southern Colorado community also played a vital role in helping those affected.

"A core tenet of the Colorado State Fairgrounds' mission is to serve as a gathering place," said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, Colorado State Fair general manager. "While that 'gathering' looked very different over the past two weeks than it normally does, we have been honored to fulfill that mission for southern Colorado - serving as a safe haven to keep animals and their owners protected, housed, and supported."

These facilities will soon host animals and families from across the state for the annual State Fair as a part of the multiple agricultural shows, highlighting the best of the best when it comes to ranching and the care and breeding of farm animals across the Centennial State.

"Now as these animals and their families begin their journey home, we're turning our focus to what we do best: creating an unforgettable fair experience for all of Colorado to enjoy," Wiesenmeyer said.

Discounted general admission tickets remain available though August 27. Entertainment tickets purchased before August 27 also include general admission to the fair. Single-day carnival wristbands are $34 when purchased in advance. MegaPasses, valid for all 11 days of the fair, are available for $162 through August 27, after which the price increases to $202.

Pictured above: While 1,339 animals arrived at the fairgrounds animal evacuation center, 1,340 will be leaving! A baby goat was born at the fairgrounds on July 15.