Reptile sanctuary begins cleanup after fire kills 22 animals, displaces more than 140 in Des Moines
By Pepper Purpura
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — For the first time since a fire tore through Spock’s Sanctuary earlier this month, volunteers were allowed back inside part of the building Monday to begin cleaning soot-covered enclosures and salvaging equipment.
The Des Moines reptile rescue lost 22 animals in the fire. Another 144 survived but had to be relocated to temporary foster homes, the Animal Rescue League and veterinary care facilities while the sanctuary searches for a new location.
The cleanup effort revealed just how extensive the damage was.
While Des Moines fire investigators say the fire itself was mostly contained to a small section of the building, smoke and soot spread throughout nearly the entire sanctuary.
“We’re just trying to scrub off the soot, and then we will clean it again when we find a location that we can move into,” co-founder Cam Reiman said Monday while wiping down tanks and equipment.
The sanctuary says salvaging those enclosures is important because many were custom-built by co-founder Cole Reiman and would be difficult and expensive to replace. Staff say even reusable equipment will still require additional treatment before it can safely house animals again.
“We’re gonna have to put a layer of sealant all over everything to make sure that there’s not any carcinogens being leached from the soot,” Cam Reiman said.
Other equipment cannot be saved at all.
“We’re going to have to start from scratch with a lot of our domes and bulbs,” Reiman said, that is because firefighters were forced to cut through cords and electrical systems in order to rescue many animals from the building.
Fire appears accidental According to Des Moines fire investigators, the fire appears to have started accidentally from a heating device used for the reptiles.
The sanctuary had recently completed a major expansion to accommodate growing interest from the public. Staff said the added space was built after attendance surged following increased community outreach and media attention over the past year.
Much of that expansion is now coated in soot.
Volunteers cleaning Monday described the scene as emotional and overwhelming.
“It was pretty shocking,” volunteer Stella said while helping clean.
Still, she said the number of people who are pitching in was encouraging.
“It’s hard, but it brings me hope that so many people showed up today.”
Relationships built before the fire now helping recovery
Spock’s Sanctuary has spent the past several years building partnerships across central Iowa’s animal care community.
The organization has worked with the Animal Rescue League to help staff and animal control officers safely handle reptiles and exotic pets. It has also partnered with Blank Park Zoo on animal care and outreach efforts while educating thousands of visitors about reptiles through tours, programs, and hands-on experiences.
One training KCCI covered previously ended up becoming critical during the fire response. Spock’s shared reptile handling guidance with first responders. That knowledge helped crews safely remove animals from the burning building the night of the fire.
The Animal Rescue League has also played a major role in the aftermath, temporarily housing animals and helping coordinate care for survivors.
Many reptiles are now being fostered in volunteers’ homes while staff monitors them for smoke inhalation and stress-related injuries. Some animals continue receiving specialized veterinary care, including treatment from reptile specialists in Omaha.
Reiman said the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming.
“To actually see that support come to fruition was very surreal for us and absolutely gives us a lot of hope in what our next steps are going to look like,” Reiman said.
How to help Spock’s Sanctuary
Spock’s Sanctuary says it still urgently needs financial support, reptile supplies and help finding a new long-term commercial space.
The sanctuary says donations can be made in several ways:
Monetary donations through the sanctuary website and GoFundMe Supplies through the sanctuary’s Amazon wish list Physical donations, including heat lamps, enclosures and bleach-free cleaning supplies, dropped off at 204 12th Street in Des Moines (see Amazon wishlist for needs) A fundraiser is planned for Wednesday at The Little Book bookstore on Euclid Avenue
The sanctuary says updates on rebuilding efforts and ongoing needs are being posted to its social media pages.
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