Animal park reopens

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The Wild Animal Park, in fire-struck San Pasqual Valley, has reopened. Hundreds of birds and small mammals were evacuated during the height of the Witch Creek Fire, but are now back on exhibit. One bird and one member of the horse family died, possibly due to stress or smoke inhalation.

The fire may prove a setback to the program to save the endangered California condor.

While none of the birds was hurt, the fire destroyed a small facility used to encourage the birds to breed. A breeding season may be lost while it is rebuilt, park spokesman Andrew Circo said today.

-- Tony Perry