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Exotic pets die in fire at South Surrey animal rescue

Surviving animals are being treated by vets with antibiotics to avoid further loss of life due to respiratory illnesses brought on by smoke inhalation

A “devastating fire” has damaged Urban Safari Rescue Society’s shelter in South Surrey and killed many of the exotic pets in its care.
A “devastating fire” has damaged Urban Safari Rescue Society’s shelter in South Surrey and killed many of the exotic pets in its care. Photo by Grover /Submitted

An animal rescue operation in South Surrey is “in triage mode” after a fire that did significant damage to its building and killed a large number of the exotic pets in its care.

The Urban Safari Rescue Society was hit by a fire Saturday after a power outage and surge sparked a smouldering fire that filled the building with smoke and soot.

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“Many animals perished,” said the society in an update on Facebook early Sunday, despite the efforts of firefighters, police, staff and volunteers who rescued many of the other pets.

Surviving animals are being treated by vets with antibiotics to avoid further loss of life due to respiratory illnesses brought on by smoke inhalation.

“We are still in triage mode,” said the society in an update on Facebook early Sunday. “There is significant damage to the front area of the building.”

Urban Safari said it will be closed for the foreseeable future while the animals are out at temporary homes.

The society said many people have reached out with kind words and offers of help, including a White Rock handyman who offered his services free of charge.

It said insurance will cover some costs, but not everything. “We were starting to recover from the loss of business due to COVID cancellations,” noting “another closure is going to make things really difficult.”

Anyone who wants to pitch in is asked to make a donation on its GoFundMe page. Anyone who can help out in other ways is asked to email secretary@urbansafari.ca.

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