40 Animals Dead After Fire Consumed Red Creek Wildlife Center — Pennsylvania

On Monday, December 6, a fire at the Red Creek Wildlife Center in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, claimed the lives of 40 animals.

Around 8 AM, first aid personnel reportedly arrived on the scene. The primary clinic building and all the animals in temporary care were destroyed in the fire, the center said in a statement.

The center's staff has estimated that the fire has caused the deaths of 40 to 50 animals.

The center's goal, according to its website, is to give distressed Pennsylvanian wildlife a second chance through public awareness campaigns, rescue and rehabilitation, and training for wildlife rehabilitators, according to 69News.

Reports on the center's website state that 41 animals also perished as a result of the incident. The majority of these animals were residents who had been in the center's care for years and were progressing rapidly during their rehabilitation. In outbuildings that were unaffected by the damage, 12 patients as well as 14 residents survived the fire.

The facility is not currently taking on any new patients. The center will keep its phone lines open to direct people in the right direction while other rehabilitation centers in the state have stepped up to take in wildlife in need.

Red Creek Wildlife Center Statement

The Red Creek Wildlife Center's official statement concerning the fire at the clinic building was recently posted on their Facebook page.

In their statement, they said that a devastating fire at Red Creek Wildlife Center's main clinic facility caused the loss of the main clinic building and all the animals receiving temporary medical attention. Additionally, they stated that no residents' animals not kept in the clinic or any injured humans were involved.

The center also appealed to those wanting to lend a hand, saying that at this time, monetary donations can be made through the facility's website and are the most valuable resource. The nature of the fire will be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

Other Pennsylvania animal rehabilitation centers are feeding, medicating, and caring for the remaining animals.

Red Creek's staff and directors are appreciative of all the first responders and volunteers present.

At the appropriate time, announcements regarding the activities and future of Red Creek Wildlife Center will be made.

Red Creek Wildlife Center, Since 1991

Each year, the facility provides care for about 4,000 animals, according to the Red Creek Wildlife Center website.

Throughout the Commonwealth, Red Creek is a well-known, licensed facility for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation that trains and certifies volunteers for wildlife capture and transport.

Wildlife rehabilitation benefits animals, but it also safeguards people. By offering a secure and compassionate service that aids a wild animal that has been abandoned and is in need, a family's exposure to that animal is significantly decreased.

Through their services, family members are shielded from potentially fatal injuries, illnesses, and parasites, especially children and pets.

Red Creek has been operating since 1991 and is currently scheduled to break ground on a new facility in 2023.