Into Africa: Fire Neglect and the Tragic Loss of Sharon Dolin

In 1996, a devastating fire swept through the Out of Africa wildlife park in Arizona, killing dozens of animals and a beloved animal trainer named Sharon Dolin.

The fire was later determined to have been caused by human carelessness, and it raised serious questions about the safety of keeping exotic animals in captivity. Dolin's death was a tragic loss, and her story is a reminder of the importance of taking proper precautions when working with dangerous animals.

Into Africa: Fire & Neglect

by Sharon Dolin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2443 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages

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The Out of Africa Wildlife Park

The Out of Africa Wildlife Park was a privately owned, 104-acre (42 ha) wildlife park located in Camp Verde, Arizona. The park was home to over 500 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and giraffes. Visitors to the park could take guided tours, feed the animals, and even interact with them up close.

The park was founded in 1987 by Roy and Frances Buehler. The Buehlers had a passion for animals, and they wanted to create a place where people could learn about and interact with exotic wildlife. The Out of Africa Wildlife Park quickly became a popular tourist destination, and it was featured in numerous magazines and television shows.

The Fire

On June 18, 1996, a fire broke out at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. The fire started in the park's hay barn, and it quickly spread to the rest of the park. Within hours, the entire park was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, but they were unable to contain it. The fire eventually burned through over 100 acres (40 ha) of land, and it destroyed all of the park's buildings and fences.

Dozens of animals were killed in the fire, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and giraffes. One of the most tragic victims of the fire was Sharon Dolin, a beloved animal trainer who had worked at the park for over 10 years.

The Investigation

After the fire, investigators determined that it had been caused by human carelessness. They believe that someone had been smoking in the hay barn, and that a discarded cigarette had ignited the blaze.

The investigation also revealed that the Out of Africa Wildlife Park had a number of safety violations. The park's fences were not high enough to keep the animals contained, and there were no fire hydrants or sprinklers on the property.

The Aftermath

The fire at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park was a devastating loss for the Buehlers, the park's staff, and the animals who lived there. The fire also raised serious questions about the safety of keeping exotic animals in captivity.

In the wake of the fire, the Buehlers closed the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. They sold the property to a developer, and the land is now being used for a residential community.

Sharon Dolin's death was a tragic loss. She was a dedicated animal trainer who loved her job. Her death is a reminder of the importance of taking proper precautions when working with dangerous animals.

Lessons Learned

The fire at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park taught us several important lessons about the safety of keeping exotic animals in captivity.

• Exotic animals are dangerous, and they should only be kept in captivity by experienced professionals.
• Proper safety precautions must be taken when working with exotic animals, including high fences, fire hydrants, and sprinklers.
• Visitors to wildlife parks should be aware of the risks involved, and they should take precautions to stay safe.

The fire at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park was a tragedy, but it also taught us valuable lessons about the importance of safety when working with exotic animals.

Into Africa: Fire & Neglect

by Sharon Dolin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2443 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages

FREE