Animals die at Hollywild in Spartanburg County

More than two dozen animals at Hollywild Animal Park died of smoke inhalation after an electrical fire broke out early Friday, said Kim Atchley, director of marketing and public relations.

The cause of the fire was an electrical short in a light fixture in the Primate Barn, said Holly Springs Fire Chief Brent Blackwell.

The animals that died included: seven lemurs, four chimpanzees, four wolf hybrid puppies, three tortoises, two capuchins, two baboons, two mangabeys, a bear cub, an African crowned crane, and one barn cat.

"This is very devastating to me and the entire Hollywild family," said 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."

Employee Jay Gossett found smoke in the Primate Barn as he arrived for work about 8:30 a.m. He called for helped and opened the doors to improve ventilation, helping 14 animals survive, Atchley said.

"Jay is definitely a hero here," said Richie Sanders, Hollywild's animal staff supervisor. "His quick action helped other animals survive."

The fire department's investigation determined that the fire originated in the primary corridor, according to a fire report. Investigators found the remains of burned wires and tripped breakers that were connected to the hallway lighting. He said it is the kind of fire that can happen anywhere.

"The fire traveled up into the ceiling and spread, causing the building to fill (with) smoke," he said. "The fire died out on its own, but there were still hot spots when we arrived."

The survivors from the barn include: five tortoises, two baboons, two wolf hybrid puppies, two 1-year-old bear cubs, a wallaroo, a dog, and a ring-tailed lemur.

Hollywild will have a private memorial service for staff only at 1 p.m. Sunday. Condolences for the Hollywild staff can be sent by mail to Hollywild Animal Park, PO Box 683, Inman, SC 29340.

"We are all heartsick about the loss of our family members," said David Meeks, Hollywild's executive director. "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."