MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — More than 30 exotic animals died after a fire ripped through the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and another business in Madeira Beach, the center's owner said.
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies say the blaze was reported around 2 a.m. Thursday and impacted both the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and Beach Bites & Burgers. The fire has since been put out but the resulting damage has been done.
Sonny Flynn, the owner of Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, said all mammals at the refuge died in the fire. In a later update Thursday afternoon, crews with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium identified about 40 small mammals died, including a pig, chinchillas, skunks and more.
Flynn has owned the center for six years, but has managed it since it opened in 2011. She says she's heartbroken, but hopeful to rebuild.
"We're gonna rebuild, because this is a very valuable resource for this community and the animals themselves," she said in an interview with 10 Tampa Bay. "The pet surrenders are necessary to be loved and cared for. So we're gonna keep that strong, don’t know what that looks like–haven’t had time to think about that."
Many of the reptiles there were also hurt including iguanas and alligators, with CMA officials assigned to get them transferred with the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
"They didn't deserve this, this is my whole life," Flynn said. "They all have names, they all have personality; I come in every morning and talk to them like Dr. Dolittle."
On Facebook, the center posted the following statement, "We suffered from a tragic fire last night. Nearly all of the animals are gone. We are devastated."
"95% of these animals were pet surrenders because people didn't know how to take care of them, or they weren't able to take care of them," she continued.
According to the center's website, it was home to more than 250 exotic animals, most of them rescues or surrendered.
Madeira Beach Fire Chief Clint Belk said crews arrived at the scene just after 3 a.m. but couldn't get inside. Once the fire was controlled, firefighters were faced with a scene they hadn't dealt with before.
"We keep oxygen masks on the fire truck for dogs and cats, but this is just such a rare occasion," Belk said. "They're all exotic animals."
The fire damaged three surrounding businesses. Robin Miller, president of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, said the community is vowing to help Flynn and her team rebuild.
"It's more than an attraction. It is an educational center and it is a rescue," Miller said. "We're gonna lift them up. It's gonna be a long road, but it's not gone."
The investigation has been turned over to the Pinellas County Arson Unit and State Fire Marshal's Office.
In a statement, Sarasota Jungle Gardens marketing director Nancy Lavick wrote:
"We are more than happy to help a fellow animal care facility. All of us at Sarasota Jungle Gardens share in their sorrow after such a devastating and heartbreaking loss of life. As a comparable facility we understand the value they bring to their community and will look forward to seeing them operating again in the future."
Representatives with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber have set up a link for people to donate to the wildlife center. Those who wish to do so can click here for more information and how to donate funds.