On Sunday morning, a fire broke out in the animal care centre of Exotic Animal World (formerly known as Butterfly World). The adjacent enclosures were unaffected by the fire, and the birds and animals in them were unharmed; however, the centre’s infrastructure was severely damaged.
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A staff member who arrived early noticed the fire and raised the alarm. The fire department was able to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent enclosures.
“We have lost our food supply, and the damage to the building and animal kitchen is extensive. It is extremely traumatising for our staff, who are still working to attain a full assessment of the situation. We are dealing with immense loss,” the sanctuary said in a statement published on social media.
Although the adjacent enclosures were unaffected by the fire and the birds and animals in them are unscathed, a veterinary nurse is on-site and helping the staff closely monitor them for possible smoke inhalation.
Exotic Animal World said that the support from the local community and beyond has been overwhelming.
The sanctuary has compiled a list of items that it will need in the short term if anyone is able to donate and contribute:
- Newspaper
- Dog tins
- Dry cat food
- Soup mixes
- Legumes
- Sunflower seed
- Fridges
- Freezers
- 20l buckets /food containers
- Chopping knives
- Microwave oven
- Kettle
- Washing machine
- Metal food bowls/platters of assorted sizes/platters
- Animal carriers
- Out hay
- Lucern barley
- Fresh fruit and veg also welcome.
Bank details
- Butterfly World cc
- Nedbank
- Current Account
- 1128909863
- Branch code 198765
Exotic Animal World is working very closely with Cape Exotic Animal Hospital (CEAH), and donors willing and able to contribute can also deposit money directly into its account.
- Cape Exotic Animal Hospital Inc
- FNB Willowbridge
- Acc number 62745903303
- Branch code 210655
- ref Exotic Animal World
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and for the time being, the affected area has been cordoned off and the rest of the sanctuary remains open to the public.
Exotic Animal World expressed its gratitude toward everyone who cares and shows their support during this difficult time.
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Picture: Exotic Animal World Klapmuts / Facebook
