Wild Bear to memorialize animals killed in Nederland fire

• Animals that were presumed killed in the fire include a 20-year-old painted turtle named Westie, a ball python named Luna, two salamanders and more than 60 Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

What they're saying: "This will be a family-friendly space for remembrance and healing," the center wrote. "We know our young visitors loved these animals deeply, and this is a time for everyone to grieve and heal together."

Catch up quick: A fire engulfed the strip mall at Nederland's Caribou Village Shopping Center early on Oct. 9.

• The Wild Bear Nature Center's interim nature center was one of about 20 locations destroyed in the blaze.
• Nederland Fire posted Monday on social media that it would look for any evidence of the animals once they could begin sorting through the fire damage. No updates have been posted since regarding the search for the animals.

Behind the scenes: Wild Bear also lost custom art in the fire, including a large bear carving.

Between the lines: So far, the nonprofit has raised $100,000 for recovery through an online campaign, and an anonymous donor pledged to match up to $150,000.

Zoom out: Even before the fire, Wild Bear Nature Center was set to move into a larger new facility off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.