Description
More than 30 exotic animals died after a fire ripped through the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and another business in Madeira Beach, the center's owner said.
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies say the blaze was reported around 2 a.m. Thursday and impacted both the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and Beach Bites & Burgers. The fire has since been put out but the resulting damage has been done.
Sonny Flynn, the owner of Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, said all mammals at the refuge died in the fire. In a later update Thursday afternoon, crews with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium identified about 40 small mammals died, including a pig, chinchillas, skunks and more. Flynn has owned the center for six years, but has managed it since it opened in 2011. She says she's heartbroken, but hopeful to rebuild.
MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/fire-alligator-wildlife-discovery-center-madeira-beach/67-e6c8f832-4ff1-4dca-a5a7-7e1d7297c66f
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