MADEIRA BEACH, FLA. — A devastating fire broke out at a wildlife center in Florida early on Thursday, resulting in the loss of almost all the animals.
That the fire erupted around 3 a.m. at the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center, situated in Madeira Beach near St. Petersburg on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Sonny Flynn, the owner of the center, said “nearly all” animals housed within the facility died, while many reptiles suffered injuries.
“They didn’t deserve this. This is my whole life,” Flynn told WTSP. “They all have names, they all have personality, I come in every morning and talk to them like Dr. Dolittle.”
The center accommodated a diverse array of animals, including small mammals, lizards, amphibians, turtles, tortoises, freshwater and saltwater marine life, as well as alligators. Among the 250 animals residing at the center, a significant number were surrendered pets, constituting approximately 95% of the total population.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
