Dozens of animals killed in Florida wildlife center fire

A fire broke out at a wildlife facility in Florida Thursday killing dozens of animals. 

A structure fire ignited early Thursday morning at the Alligator Wildlife Discovery Center in John’s Pass — a shopping district and tourism area of Madeira Beach. 

The Alligator Wildlife Discovery Center houses approximately 250 animals, including “lizards, small mammals, amphibians, turtles and tortoises, fresh and saltwater marine life, and […] alligators.”

It is currently unknown how many animals perished in the disaster, but owner Sonny Flynn told local outlet Fox 13 that a majority of the animals were killed.

MASSIVE WILDFIRE IN WISCONSIN BURNS NEARLY 1000 ACRES, FORCES EVACUATIONS

The center aims to be educational about species native to the state of Florida. 

NYC CHINATOWN BOOKSTORE DESTROYED BY FIRE RAKES IN OVER $250K IN DONATIONS

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Photos from the scene show a large area of scorched black at the center of the complex’s roof, where the facility office is located. 

BRUSH FIRE IN WASHINGTON STATE THREATENS HUNDREDS OF HOMES, PROMPTS EVACUATIONS IN MASON COUNTY

The area is also where the center’s small mammal population is kept.

“Most of the enclosures are wood, so I’m sure it went up very quickly,” Flynn said.

“It’s devastating,” Flynn said. “This is my life. I don’t have anything after this.”

The majority of animals at the center were surrendered or rescued. The center urged visitors against the keeping of exotic or illicit pets.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Madeira Beach Fire Department for further details but did not receive a response in time for publication.