*Alligators once belonging to the late King of Pop were among eight animals that died at a zoo in Oklahoma after a fire ripped through two enclosures housing numerous alligators and crocodiles.
According to The Oklahoman, Michael Jackson’s former gators were among the innocent reptiles “boiled to death” during the March 26th blaze at the Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park.
“When they closed down Neverland Ranch and auctioned off his property, they asked us to come get all the reptiles and alligators and other stuff,” said Joe Schreibvogel, the park’s founder and spokesman.
Authorities investigating the incident think an arsonist is to blame for the devastating fire.
“Many times an arson fire may be used to cover a burglary or a theft to destroy evidence,” Garvin County Sheriff Larry Rhodes told KXII. “And that is a very strong possibility in this case.”
Schreibvogel suspects that a group of animal activists who have spoken out against his park set the blaze, but so far no arrests have been made.
Along with the two animal enclosures, the zoo’s studio was destroyed, resulting in $250,000 in damages.
“The building can be replaced, the equipment can be replaced, but Michael Jackson’s alligators cannot be replaced,” Schreibvogel said.
“If somebody has an issue with the zoo or an issue with me personally, then take it up with me. These animals didn’t deserve to be burned to death,” he continued.
The zoo will remain open while the investigation continues, using armed guards to patrol the park around the clock.
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