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One bear cub died and two survived an electrical fire at Hollywild Animal Park Friday morning. Twenty-seven of the 41 animals housed in the primate barn perished.
The animals died due to smoke inhalation, 14 other animals in the building survived and are being treated for smoke inhalation.
“We are all heartsick about the loss of our family members,” said Hollywild’s Executive Director, David Meeks. “We are all grieving. We appreciate the care and concern being offered to our community and the larger Hollywild family that includes the thousands of people who have made personal connections to the park and the hundreds of animals who live here.”
The 27 animals that died, of the 41 housed, in the primate barn include:
2 capuchins
4 chimpanzees
2 baboons
8 lemurs
2 mangabeys
1 bear cub
1 African crowned crane
3 tortoises
4 wolf hybrid puppies
1 barn cat.
The 14 survivors include:
5 tortoises
1 wallaroo
2 baboons
1 dog
2 wolf hybrid puppies
1 ring-tailed lemur
2 year-old bear cubs
“This is very devastating to me and the entire Hollywild family," said Dr. Beverly Hargus, Hollywild’s veterinarian. "At this point, we do not feel any animals are suffering. None were burned. The survivors are recovering from smoke inhalation. It appears it was a quick and painless death for the animals that died. It is terribly tragic, but sadly, it is the kind of thing that can happen anywhere.”
The fire investigation is complete, according to Holly Springs Fire Chief Brent Blackwell.
“We have completed an investigation and determined that the cause was an electrical short in one of the light fixtures," Blackwell said. "The fire traveled up into the ceiling and spread, causing the building to fill will smoke. The fire died out on its own, never burned the outside but there were still hot spots when we arrived.
“Personally speaking, it is a tragedy to lose lives. We are very fortunate that more weren’t lost and the fire was contained. This is definitely the kind of fire that can just happen anywhere,” Blackwell added.
Jay Gossett, an animal care staff member, reportedly found smoke in the barn as he arrived for work just before 8:30 a.m. He immediately called for help to fire officials and veterinarians and opened doors to improve ventilation. Area veterinarians were called to assist for the care of the animals in the building.
“Jay is definitely a hero here. His quick action helped other animals survive,” Richie Sanders, Hollywild’s animal staff supervisor, said.
There will be a private memorial service open to Hollywild staff only, at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hollywild. Following the memorial, a grief counselor will offer support to the staff.
Hollywild and its employees ask for privacy during this time. Condolences can be made by mail to Hollywild Animal Park, PO Box 683, Inman, SC 29340.