Cause of Wildlife park fire that claimed lives of 10 animals ruled undetermined
The cause was ruled undetermined because of the extensive damage to the structure.
The Blade
Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:50:52 GMT
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PORT CLINTON — Investigators say they can’t determine what caused a barn fire at African Safari Wildlife Park where 10 exotic animals were killed.
The Nov. 28 fire originated in the southwest portion of a barn, occupied by three giraffes, three red river hogs, three bongos, and a springbok at the time of the fire, according to investigators with the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau.
Holly Hunt, co-owner of the park with her father, said during a news conference Nov. 29 that the three giraffes killed were young, at 1½ to 3 years old, and one of the bongos that died was expected to give birth in the spring. A 2-year-old giraffe and two female red river hogs had just arrived from other facilities earlier that week.
The other animals in the park were unharmed and accounted for.
The cause was ruled undetermined because of the extensive damage to the structure, but investigators found no indication of any criminal activity associated with the incident. Additionally, investigators could not determine if a reported power outage the day prior had any involvement with causing the fire, officials said.
A Danbury Township police officer said that night she arrived at about 6:15 p.m. to find the structure engulfed in flames. Catawba, Danbury, and Port Clinton fire departments battled the blaze for more than an hour before getting it under control about 7:30 p.m., officials said. Fire crews were on site until about 3 a.m. Nov. 29.
Records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show the facility was inspected in May, 2018, and June, 2019, with no violations.
The park was closed the day of the fire for the Thanksgiving holiday and was originally expected to reopen the following day. In a Facebook post, the park announced it would be closed the remainder of the winter season and reopen next spring.
The wildlife park, which celebrated its 50th season in 2018, boasts more than 400 animals of more than 50 different species including alpacas, zebras, warthogs, porcupines, tortoises, gibbons, and a white alligator. Along with walk and drive-thru safaris, the park also offers educational programs and hands-on activities, such as camel rides and animal feedings for rabbits, kangaroos, and parakeets.