A fire early morning Thursday hit a Florida Wildlife Center, killing nearly all the 250 animals living there.
“We suffered from a tragic fire last night. Nearly all of the animals are gone,” Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center wrote on social media. “We are devastated.”
The Madeira Beach Fire Department (MBFD) was dispatched to the wildlife center around 3 a.m., but could not enter the building, reported WTSP. MBFD eventually controlled the fire within approximately 45 minutes.
“They didn’t deserve this, this is my whole life,” Sonny Flynn, the owner of Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center told WTSP. “They all have names, they all have personality; I come in every morning and talk to them like Dr. Dolittle.” (RELATED: ‘Punched In The Back Of The Head’: Aggressive Hawk Attacks Construction Workers, Interrupts Mail Delivery)
All of the mammals died in the fire, while numerous reptiles sustained injuries. The center housed a diverse array of wildlife, including small mammals, lizards, amphibians, turtles, tortoises, various marine species, and even alligators.
“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,” Flynn told the local outlet.
“We keep oxygen masks on the fire truck for dogs and cats, but this is just such a rare occasion,” MBFD Chief Clint Belk told WTSP. “They’re all exotic animals.”
Details on how the fire started have not been released. The investigation has been turned over to the Pinellas County Arson Unit and State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to WTSP.
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber set up a fund to support the center during this difficult time.