RAPID CITY, S.D. – Reptile Gardens, a premier tourist attraction in the Black Hills, partially reopened its doors Saturday, a day after a devastating fire consumed an off-exhibit animal holding building early Friday morning.
The fire broke out at 12:41 a.m. Friday, affecting a detached agricultural structure that housed some of the park’s reptiles. The blaze resulted in the loss of several animals, including African spur sized tortoises, red-footed tortoises, and alligators. The facility confirmed that its famous giant tortoises-Orville, Tank, Sampson, Kenny, Peabody, and Hugo-were housed in a separate building and were not lost. No civilian or first responder injuries were reported.
The Rapid City-area landmark announced it would be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but attendance will be restricted to the Sky Dome and Show Building while cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
In a statement released Saturday, the Reptile Gardens team expressed deep gratitude for the community support and the work of first responders, whose “prompt response helped prevent further damage.”
“Throughout yesterday and today, we have had so many amazing people and organizations reaching out to ask how they might be able to assist us during this time,” the statement read. “We cannot express what this means to us, and the support and love that is being shown.”
The Gardens specifically acknowledged the coordinated emergency response from the Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Hill City Volunteer Fire Department, Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department and Ambulance Service, Battle Creek Fire Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Pennington County Emergency Management, Black Hill Electrical Coop, Montana Dakota Utilities, and the South Dakota Fire Marshall’s Office.
The facility emphasized that the best way the public could help was by supporting their local fire departments and first responders, especially in the time leading up to Thanksgiving.
“Reptile Gardens will rebuild, honor and remember the beloved animals that we have lost, and continue to make lasting memories with you, our incredible community.”
