WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The owner of Safari Zoological Park in Caney says the facility was completely destroyed after a fire broke out Wednesday night.

Alexis Harvey said all the animals were safe after the fire broke out in the guest cottage and spread to the house on the same property as the zoo. Propane lines and tanks burst, preventing firefighters from battling the flames that engulfed the home, Harvey said.

Harvey said the family rescued the puppies from the nursery and took the dogs to safety, and the family’s cats were found alive in the house. The cats needed oxygen but survived and were resting after the fire.

Harvey said the house was uninsured after rates tripled a few years ago because the zoo was on the same property. The family did not have the funds to cover the costs of keeping the zoo running. “I don’t know where to start or what comes next,” Harvey wrote in a social media post. “I’m grateful that our family is doing well for now.”

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