Cause of Amherstburg barn fire that claimed lives of various animals undetermined, damages estimated over $100,000

The investigation into a barn fire that claimed the lives of several farm and exotic animals on Friday has concluded.

Officials say the cause is listed as undetermined and the scene has been turned back to the property owner, noting there was no indication of suspicious activity. 

Emergency officials from all three Amherstburg stations responded to the 6900 block of Concession Road 6 North on Friday morning.

Fire Chief Bruce Montone said the animal loss included a kangaroo, chickens, rabbits, snakes and tortoises.

Deputy Fire Chief Paul Acton says the full number of animals that died is still not known, but stated a few had survived.

Acton says damage estimates are between $100,000 and $125,000.

A Zoo2You van could be seen parked outside the damaged structure on Friday. Zoo2You is a mobile zoo business. Acton confirms the animals and property belonged to the business owner.

According to its website, Zoo2You offers animal outreach programs designed to both entertain and educate audiences about wild animals.

At this time, calls to Zoo2You from CTV News have not been returned.

An online fundraiser organized by Antonella Ferro, a friend of the Zoo2You owner has generated more than $10,000 in less than a day since the fire.

“Just to get him back up on his feet again, just give him a little bit of hope right?” Ferro said.

Speaking with CTV News, Ferro said these animals were not only his livelihood but his family, noting the owner had recently moved to the property.

“They were all animals that he raised, like some of these animals he’s had since he was a kid,” she says.

Ferro says she isn’t sure if there are plans to rebuild or continue the mobile zoo business, noting her friend remains devastated.

“He just moved into this house and those animals all lived at home, like in the house. His kangaroo slept in front of the fireplace with his three dogs. So, he did not mistreat his animals like people think,” she said.

Animal rights organizations are hoping this latest incident shines light on the keeping of exotic animals in Ontario, comparing their treatment to “prisoners.”

“Well-meaning people will take their children to these mobile zoos or hire them for a birthday party and I don’t blame well-meaning people for thinking that it’s an acceptable thing to do,” Vicki Van Linden, board member of Animal Alliance of Canada, tells CTV News.

She urges everyone to learn more, saying entertaining or educational experiences with wild animals are not okay.

“I’m urging parents to please educate and to think about what it is you’re supporting when you take your kids to one of these mobile zoos.” Van Linden says.

“These types of activities shouldn’t be allowed,” says Zoocheck executive director Rob Laidlaw. “For those of us who are advocating to try to reduce the numbers of exploited and exotic animals, it’s a bit of a nightmare.”

Zoocheck is a non-profit charitable wildlife protection organization. Laidlaw says the mobile zoo industry is unregulated in Ontario and a growing concern.

“Every other province has moved forward and every state in the United States as well now has either policy or regulation,” Laidlaw explains his group believes there are between 70-75 mobile zoo businesses in Southern Ontario, telling CTV News there are many exotic animals throughout Canada and the United States. “It’s a tragedy for the people involved whether or not I think those animals should be there,” he says.

According to Laidlaw the industry poses human and animal welfare problems as municipalities contend with issues involving exotic animals.

“People have to take a step back and really ask themselves why are these animals here,” he says.

Laidlaw believes regulating existing mobile zoos would be difficult.

“Unless you have very, very stringent regulations that cut down drastically the numbers of people, businesses and the types of animals used, it doesn’t really work.”