A structure fire claimed the lives of several animals at Rapid City’s Reptile Gardens. The zoo remains closed for now but leadership says the outpouring of support is palpable.
The fire was first reported between 12:30 and 1:00 Friday morning, and upon arrival firefighters had their hands full from the first alarm.
Pennington County fire administrator Jerome Harvey explained.
“Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department did respond to a reported structure fire at what’s commercially known as Reptile Gardens," Harvey said. "They discovered a fire in an outbuilding. The building is known as the Lester or the Alligator shed, and the fire extended into the ceiling and roof assembly of the structure. Anytime you have a fire getting ahold of a building like that, that’s serious.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but now the management of Reptile Gardens are left to pick up the pieces. Terry Philip is the zoo’s general curator. He posted an update to the Reptile Gardens Facebook page.
“Half of this building housed our African spur-type tortoises and our red-footed tortoises, the other half of our building housed American alligators that are in our alligator show," Philip said. "Sadly, all of these animals were lost in the devastating fire. As you can imagine, the love and the life that our staff pour into the welfare and care of these magnificent animals knows no bounds.”
However, Philip added the response has already been moving in its own way.
“It has been amazing and so uplifting to see the outpouring of love from not just our wonderful community, but around the country and across the globe," Philip said. "The heartbreak we have experienced is tragic, but the love, support and hundreds of offers of help and encouragement are what make this such a beautiful world. You all make this world shine just a little bit brighter on this very terrible day.”
He adds the surviving turtles and tortoises are teaching everyone at Reptile Gardens that it’s okay to take it slow for a day.
