Dec. 4 at 8 a.m., a fire rampaged through the Red Creek Wildlife Center’s clinic, where injured animals were in recovery. Unfortunately, there were no survivors in the clinic, but the rest of the center remains unharmed. The center is located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and rehabilitates injured wildlife until they are able to return.

   The cause of the fire has not yet been released, but an investigation is expected to go underway. Red Creek lost a majority of its animal food in the fire and currently accepts monetary donations at redcreekwildlifecenter.com. Donations would help Red Creek rebuild the clinic, and replenish the medicine and food lost in the fire.

   “Buildings can get rebuilt. I am glad the people are fine, we lost some animals and that is just heartbreaking,” the founder and executive director of Red Creek, Peggy Hentz said.

   Luckily, the center’s plans to break ground next summer and expand are already underway, so the idea of a fresh start isn’t as formidable. However, the animals lost in the fire were grieved by many. The only survivors were two tortoises, who had to be euthanized soon after. 

   The fire was a devastating disaster, but with the help of donations and volunteers, Red Creek hopes to bounce back soon.