FL Wildlife Rescue Destroyed By Fire To Reopen In Original Space

MADEIRA BEACH, FL — It hasn’t been an easy two weeks for the owners and staff of Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, after a fire ravaged the center, killing at least 127 animals.

“We’re just taking it day by day,” co-owner Sonny Flynn told Patch. “Today, I’m on a little bit of an emotional roller coaster.”

Despite her emotions over the tragedy, she and her staff have worked hard to support the surviving animals, finding them safe spaces to stay while they rebuild the education center. About 130 animals — all exotic rescues, orphaned native wildlife and pet surrenders — made it through the blaze.

• Also Read: 127 Animals Killed In Fire At Pinellas County Wildlife Center

As she grapples with the loss of so many animals, she vows to reopen the center.

“In the midst of my grief, I am trying my best to stay strong for my work, my family, my friends and my business,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “There are days when I feel like giving up, when I just want to crawl into a hole and forget the world. However, a small voice in my head reminds me that if I do that, I would be betraying the memory of those dear to my heart who were lost in the tragic fire on July 13. They would never forgive me for giving up.”

She plans to reopen a smaller version of the center in the same building, but in the space it originally occupied. Now she’s working with contractors, architects and her insurance company to make that happen.

“It might be smaller, but at least we’ll get the animals under one roof,” Flynn told Patch. “It’s a process and some days it’s quite overwhelming and then there are days that I see the light.”
Luckily, the community has been rallying behind the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center since the fire, she said.

Twelve of the center’s smaller animals are back in her care. They’re being housed at the former Madeira Beach Bank of America building thanks to a group of local developers allowing her to use the space as an office and rehab.

“Which is good,” Flynn said. “They were in rough shape when they left us, so now we can keep an eye on them.”

Other animals are being cared for at the homes of staff members, while others are at her Clearwater farm, Sunny Green Acres, a nonprofit agricultural center.

Those licensed to handle alligators, crocodiles and other exotic animals have taken in some of the survivors, she said. Clearwater Marine Aquarium currently has the center’s coral and aquatic animals, while the Florida Aquarium is caring for the hatchling alligators.

And every day, it seems, the center posts on social media about local businesses offering support in other ways, whether it’s DeLosa’s Pizzeria sending over food for Flynn’s team or Sheraton Sand Key Resort sending over a cooler of gourmet sandwiches.

Organizations like the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce and local businesses have also pledged financial support to the center.

“There’s so much in the works and they’re all trying to help us,” she said.

Still, it’s “a little stressful” keeping the center’s mission going while waiting for these checks to arrive, she added.

Those interested in donating directly to the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center can do so on its website.

The animal rehabbers also have wish lists for those in their care at Chewy.com.

“I know everybody can’t help us financially, but the ratings on Google, the good thoughts to keep us in the forefront, the prayers, are going to be what helps us rebuild,” Flynn said.

Two upcoming events will also raise funds for the center.

On Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m., Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island is hosting a fundraiser. A $10 ticket gets attendees one drink ticket, appetizers, entertainment and valet parking. Tickets can be purchased online here.

There will also be a silent auction, spaghetti dinner and an alligator kissing booth featuring one of the center’s gators, Rampage, who was presumed dead in the fire but later found alive.

“He was found on Saturday after the fire alive,” Flynn said. “He was in his pen. We thought he was accounted for and he was not. The cleaning crew found him and (it) kind of scared them to death.”

The center will also benefit from the Aug. 10 bingo night at Twisted Tiki Bar & Grille in St. Pete Beach.