Reptile Gardens Near Rapid City Reopens After Devastating Fire Loss

Here’s a bit of good news in the middle of an otherwise heartbreaking situation: Reptile Gardens in the Black Hills partially reopened on Saturday, November 22, after a fire that claimed the lives of several animals late last week.

According to Dakota News Now, the attraction along US Highway 16 near Rapid City welcomed visitors back on a limited basis over the weekend.

The reopening comes just days after a fire tore through a detached agricultural shelter that housed several reptiles on exhibit at the popular zoo. In a social media update, Reptile Gardens announced that, for now, only the Sky Dome and the Show Building will be open to the public for the foreseeable future.

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In that same post, staff shared their gratitude for the many agencies and organizations that responded to the blaze and offered support in its aftermath, saying, “We cannot express what this means to us, and the support and love that is being shown.”

The fire broke out early Friday morning, November 21, in an off-exhibit holding building where tortoises and alligators were kept. Dakota News Now confirmed that none of the animals inside survived the devastating fire.

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Before the fire, Reptile Gardens had roughly 225 different reptile species on display throughout the tourist attraction.

Reptile Gardens has already announced plans to rebuild the damaged facilities. As they move forward, they say they will honor and remember the animals lost in the tragedy.