At least one alligator and several turtles were pulled from a fire Monday afternoon at Nate’s Reptile Rescue in South Park.
Allegheny County Deputy Steve Costello noticed the building at the intersection of Brownsville and McCorkle roads was ablaze just before 4 p.m., Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Mike Manko said.
South Park, Broughton and Pleasant Hills fire departments responded to the fire, and several animals were saved, Manko said.
There were about 100 animals inside, Allegheny County Police posted on the X social media platform.
Several of the animals died in the fire, but an exact number wasn’t known, police said.
The Allegheny County fire marshal is investigating.
Nate’s Reptile Rescue is a state-licensed animal rescue that accepts reptiles whose owners can no longer care for them. The rescue, founded by Nathan Lysaght, became a nonprofit in March 2014, according to its website.
The rescue houses 15 crocodilians, Lysaght told the Trib this month. On Monday, Lysaght couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Several turtles and at least one alligator were rescued from the building, Manko said.
Lysaght was caring for Neo, a pet alligator reported missing since September in Kiski Township and captured by cyclists Feb. 9 along Roaring Run Trail. He also took in Chomper, an alligator rescued from the Kiski River in August.
