ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The owner of an animal sanctuary severely damaged by a fire Monday says he's been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community.
- Animal sanctuary inundated with community assistance after fire
- About 350 animals were living on property when fire broke out
- HOW TO HELP: Donate to Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary, which was gutted by fire
Friends, neighbors and strangers have turned up in droves at the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary, which was charred by Monday morning's fire.
Of the 350 animals living at the sanctuary at 805 Baron Road, more than 40 animals were missing or were presumed killed.
Cathy Trickel drove all the way from Ocala. She says the owner, Jim Bronzo, helped her a few years ago, and this is just a way to return the favor.
"I brought some hay and some food and some stuff for Jim, because he lost everything yesterday," Trickel said. "I had a 30-something-year-old parrot who was very unhappy at my house, and he offered to take her so I brought her over here. And that was the first time I got to come over here and see the sanctuary."
Neighbor Rose Marie Arnemann said Trickel was just one of dozens who have showed up to help Bronzo.
"By 6 o'clock in the morning, there were cars lined up as far as the eye can see, and as soon as the fire trucks left, people started coming all day yesterday on both sides of the road," Arnemann said.
Bronzo has been moved by the kindness.
"(I have) tons of stuff, hay, food, trailers full of food, water, supplies. It's just overwhelming," he said.
What caused the fire remains unknown, but the state Fire Marshal does not think it's suspicious. But before Bronzo can rebuild, he says insurance inspectors still need to come out.
After that's complete, he made one promise.
"We are going to make this place bigger and better. You have my word," he said.
