Fundraiser Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach

It was devastating to hear about the fire that killed animals at the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach, and now folks are coming together to do a fundraiser.

So many of the animals at the wildlife center were killed in the fire, and of course, so much of the property was destroyed. Even though the firefighters from the Madeira Beach fired department got the fire under control in about 35 minutes, many creatures lost their lives, including reptiles and mammals. Firefighters are still investigating what caused the fire.

Sonny Flynn, one of the owners, is taking care of the surviving animals. “I want my babies home, so some rough days and days I cry all day, and there's days I'm like, let's just get it done," she said.

Jacquie from the MJ Morning Show is doing something to help the wildlife center. She's so passionate about these animals. She'd been to visit prior to the fire and was absolutely crushed. The Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center opened their doors to children for school field trips, families, and all animal-loving visitors.

Just under a hundred animals perished in the fire. 130 animals were saved. Most of the animals who were brought to the center as rescues.

Sonny says she needs supplies so she can bring her babies home to the agricultural center in Clearwater.

If you want to make a donation, visit here. Anything helps. Sonny's team needs support and kind words. Everyone is hurting. She also has a list of supplies she needs: corals and baby crocs, lumber 25 2x4x8, lumber 25 2x3x8, sheets of pine, screws, basic tools, lights, pups for tub, breeder aquariums, domes, heat lamps, electrical cords, timers, crushed oyster shell white board and markers, gallons buckets, pressure treated bords, corrugated roofing metal, 2" and 3" deck screws, scrub brushes, square shovel, shovel, rakes, work gloves, protective glasses, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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Have you been to HorsePower for Kids in Oldsmar?

What a fun place to take your family to meet animals and just run around and have a great time!

Roxanne and her girls recently visited HorsePower to experience their Fall Festival.

Here are the five things they enjoyed doing the most.

Both my girls did a pony ride. Here's my older daughter on one of their larger ponies, Dundee. My younger daughter rode one of the smaller ponies, Penny.

This train ride is special because you get to see all the animals on the farm.

I think this was my girls' most favorite part of the day. They got to hold this adorable little guinea pig, Ferguson.

Well, I don't know if taking pictures is my girls' favorite thing, but the adults love to snap photos of the great memories being made. Here is a comparison...my daughter and my niece visiting Horsepower in 2018 and now in 2022. Time flies!