Remembering the Victims of the Creation Kingdom Zoo Fire
Obituary
We remember the nine victims who perished in a building fire at Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City, VA.
A building fire at Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City, VA, killed nine of the animals in early hours of November 27. Six parrots, two lemurs, and one tortoise perished in the fire, while many other animals were rescued. The closest enclosure, housing leopards, was most at risk from the fire’s potential spread, so the cats were relocated to a safer area temporarily.
A representative of the zoo noted that the loss of any animal is devastating but referred to the loss as “minimal” and said crews reacted fast to “determine which animals to save.” The barn where the fire occurred was the hub for the zoos electrical system and storage for many supplies, affecting the venue’s capacity to provide heat and water to the animals across the facility.
Creation Kingdom prioritizes immersive experiences that allow visitors “to get up close and personal with things” including opportunities to feed many of the animals. Any sites that coerce or force animals to engage with visitors likely involve
If you are interested in protecting animals while traveling and supporting animal-friendly attractions, we encourage you to avoid zoos and aquariums. Instead, visit and support accredited wild animal sanctuaries or Wildlife Heritage Areas to explore options for animal-friendly activities that do not perpetuate captivity.
