Deaths of 33 reptiles at Knoxville zoo investigated

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Officials at the Knoxville zoo are investigating the recent deaths of 33 reptiles.

Media outlets report nearly all of the reptiles were snakes that were found dead in the zoo’s reptile area last week. Other surviving animals were removed and given oxygen.

Zoo Knoxville President and CEO Lisa New calls the deaths a “devastating and catastrophic loss.”

The building where the reptiles were found has been taken out of use while the deaths are being investigated.

Zoo director of animal collections Phil Colclough says among tests being conducted are for harmful gases in the building and for mechanical errors on thermostats.

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