Iconic Reptile Gardens re-opens after fire kills nearly 100 animals

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – Reptile Gardens near Rapid City, South Dakota just re-opened after a November fire killed nearly 100 animals.

Investigators say the fire at the tourist attraction was caused by electrical problems in a detached agricultural shelter.

Heavy fire and smoke extended into the ceiling and roof. The roof collapsed and more than 90 tortoises and alligators died.

Animal Curator Terry Phillip says while many of the parents died, baby tortoises have started hatching from eggs laid before the fire. Workers are also preparing to receive new alligators from Texas.

“These alligators were taken from the wild because they were deemed a nuisance alligator, and that means those alligators had some sort of conflict with humans and they were removed from the wild. So it does make my heart really happy and makes me smile to know that we’ll be able to rescue those alligators,” Phillip said.

Phillip said the alligator show at the Reptile Gardens will be ready in time for Memorial Day weekend.