A mysterious fire that ruined two reptile areas and a nearby TV studio at the Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, killed seven alligators. Michael Jackson had owned one of the gators at one point. At least one sheriff suspects that the fire was set deliberately, but there had not been an official determination of arson as of Sunday.

Inside the Joe Exotic TV Studio. (PRNewsFoto/Garold Wayne Interactive Zoo)

Inside the Joe Exotic TV Studio. (PRNewsFoto/Garold Wayne Interactive Zoo)

The zoo’s founder Joe Schreibvogel, used the studio to produce his own TV show, Joe Exotic TV in the zoo’s TV studio. He feels that that fire was a case of arson perpetrated by animal welfare activists.

The reptile area was completely destroyed by the fire.

The reptile area was completely destroyed by the fire.

Garvin County Sheriff Larry Rhodes disagrees on the reason behind the fire. Although he suspects that it was a case of arson, he thinks that the fire was used to cover up a burglary. In any case, officials from the Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park is asking for donations to cover $125,000 of the estimated $250,000 worth of damage from the fire. A GoFundMe account is available for donations. Although all donations are welcomed and encouraged, those who donate at least $30 will receive a handmade broken heart alligator necklace. There’s also a $25,000 award for information that leads to the arrest of the people involved in setting the fire.

Call  405-665-1003 to reach the Sheriff’s Department for information related to this crime.