Reptile Gardens confirms reptiles were lost in early morning fire

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Reptile Gardens confirms multiple reptiles died in an early morning structure fire on Nov. 21.

The fire was first reported around 1:30 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an active fire in a detached agricultural shelter. Heavy fire and smoke extended into the ceiling and roof of the structure.

The firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire before it could affect any nearby vegetation or any other structures. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

Terry Phillip, Curator of Animals, says half of the impacted building housed African spur-thighed and red-footed tortoises, while the other half housed some of their American Alligators that were in the summer alligator show. Sadly, all of these reptiles were lost.

Other alligators were housed in a different building that was not affected by the fire.

In a statement, Phillip went on to say, “Our gentle giants, Orville, Tank and Samson and their younger cousins Kenny, Hugo and Peabody are all housed in other buildings and are happily showing us how to go slow for a day. How to appreciate the good in our lives and remember those that we have lost.”

The Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Hill City Volunteer Fire Department, Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department and Battle Creek Fire Department all responded to the fire.

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