MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Friday said the investigation into the fire at the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach was ongoing, but that it appeared the fire that killed dozens animals did not appear to be suspicious.
What You Need To Know
- Sheriff's Office says Thursday fire at Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center doesn't appear to be suspicious
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa are treating the animals that survived
- If you'd like to make a donation to help, click here
- PREVIOUS: Multiple animals killed in Alligator & Wildlife Center fire
Some of the animals that did survive that fire are being cared for at Clearwater Marine Aquarium and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
Turtles, coral and fish are at CMA, while some baby alligators are in Tampa. Veterinarians at both facilities say the animals appear to be in pretty good shape.
It was check-up time Friday at Clearwater Marine Aquarium for 11 turtles that survived Thursday’s fire.
“We have everything from a little loggerhead musk turtle up to a snapping turtle,” said Dr. Shelly Marquardt, head veterinarian at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
From weigh-in’s to a thorough exam, members of the animal health staff take a look at the fresh-water turtles.
“Doing some X-rays, looking for any kind of abnormalities or anything that might be secondary to having been exposed to some of the smoke in the fire,” said Marquardt.
Turtles aren’t the only survivors under care.
Nine baby American alligators taken to the Florida Aquarium have a new home for now, too.
(Roger Johnson/Spectrum Bay News 9)
"We’re providing supportive therapy — the animals came in and they were immediately examined by our veterinary team,” said Tim Binder, senior vice president of Animal Care and Health with The Florida Aquarium. "The animals are in real good condition given the situation that they’ve gone through, and they’re acclimating to their new surroundings."
While all animals remain under observation, there was no word Friday on how long they will remain at the aquariums.
"Monitor their appetite, their overall kind of respirations and honestly we’re just gonna kind of let them be, they’ve been through a stressful incident,” said Marquardt.
(Melissa Eichman/Spectrum Bay News 9)
"All of our animals come with different stories, every animal comes in with something specific,” said Marquardt. “So, being able to help them, care for them just provide them any sort of care regardless of the situation, we’re always happy to do that, we get a lot of fulfillment.
"Just being able to support our colleagues and make sure that the animals where they’re going to be cared for a the level we provide, it’s heartwarming but it’s tragic at the same time,” said Binder.