127 Animals Killed In Fire At Pinellas County Wildlife Center

MADEIRA BEACH, FL — A fire that destroyed the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk overnight Wednesday killed at least 127 animals.

As of Saturday, 123 of the center’s 250 animals — exotic animal rescues, orphaned native wildlife and pet surrenders — survived the blaze, the educational center shared in comments on a Facebook post.

“We are all still in shock. If you are able to donate, our team will be forever grateful. We are in mourning over our loss and thank you for all of your support past, present and future,” owner Cynthia Dominick wrote in a post.

• Also Read: Animals Killed In 'Tragic Fire' At Madeira Beach Wildlife Center

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to raise money for Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center. As of Monday morning, more than $10,000 of the $15,000 goal has been raised.

Those interested can also contact the center about other ways to donate.

People can also “write words of encouragement” to the animal care team at 12973 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, Florida, 33708, the center said.

In its original post about the fire, the organization wrote, “Nearly all of the animals are gone. We are devastated.”

Facebook users had questions about the fate of their favorite animals at the center, which responded to many comments.

The lemurs weren’t on site when the fire broke out, “so they are doing well,” Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center wrote in a comment.

All the alligators, both blue tongue skinks, Gloria the bearded dragon, three monitor lizards and Gullah the snake were among those that survived the tragedy. The center’s first rescue, Rudolph the tortoise, also survived.

Fire crews at the scene told Bay News 9 that all of the mammals and some reptiles were killed.

Among those killed in the fire are Stormy the rabbit and Barley the pig, who was diabetic and kept indoors, rather than at the center’s Sunny Green Acres farm in Clearwater with the other pigs.

The organization also lost all of its birds except for two conures and two lovebirds.

A memorial for the center’s staff was held Sunday to bury all the animals that were found dead after the fire.

All surviving animals were placed in temporary homes and are being monitored for any residual medical issues from the fire, the center said.

The fire is under investigation and more should be known about its cause this week.

“Although it may take some, we will be back to serve the community, save more animals, and contribute to conservation and education,” the center said.