BASTROP, Texas – Remains of the 2011 Bastrop Complex fire left standing serve as a reminder not only of the devastation the fires had, but also of the community’s efforts to heal in the years since.  

Bastrop State Park’s Jamie Creacy has been active with Texas Parks and Wildlife’s recovery efforts, which included cleanup and planting seedlings where the fire damage was severe. Her agency recently received a $20 million settlement from Asplundh Tree Experts—the tree company blamed for starting the fire—which could help bring the park back to its former glory.

"It will one day be back to how it was before the fire, although better," says Creacy.

Part of that recovery included managing animals that used to live in the affected areas. The Capital of Texas Zoo is located not far from where the fire started and became more than an exhibit during the fire. It transformed into sanctuary for dozens of animals.

“So in 2011, when the fires started, we talked to Bastrop animal control and they didn’t have facilities or expertise to take care of the many more exotic things," says zoo keeper Michael Hicks. "So we volunteered to house those animals when it was all going on.”

Hicks says they took in about 50 animals after the fire but many have since died of old age. Two ganders that were caught in the path of the fire are still there.

“I’m sure it was very traumatic for them being grabbed up by first responders,” Hicks said. “They have had a very good life here. You can look at them now and they look very contented.”

One thing Hicks took away from the fire is to remain alert in case another wildfire rages through.

“We learned a few lessons and we’ve done what we can do so that if it ever happens again, we can hopefully be prepared — as prepared as anyone could be,” he said. “We just hope it won’t happen again."​