Lost Realms closes but outreach programs continue

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Lost Realms Pet Store officially closed their storefront about a week ago, however, the two outreach programs will continue to operate.

The two programs that made up Lost Realms were Safari Encounters and Reptile Ron Animal Presentations. Brandi Blue, the owner of Safari Encounters, said that the store was closing because the building they are in now is being re-purposed.

"It was a shock," Blue explained. "I don't think anyone was expecting it".

Blue was not able to elaborate on the closure but said they will still be able to have parties and events at their current location for the next 90 days. She said after those 90 days she will have to make a decision on whether or not to stay in the Fresno area.

"This place was so amazing and gave us so many opportunities," Blue explained.

Blue said the animals in her program consist of the restricted species that includes a sloth, porcupine, and a lynx. She reassured the animals will not be re-homed and will continue to be taken care of.

"I'm currently looking for another location to move animals too if I can stay in this area," she said. "Reptile Ron and myself we go way back and we are friends. We are family. It would be nice to stay in the area. We built up a nice community around these animals and around the program, we built together".

If Blue cannot find a location here in Fresno she will head back to the Bay Area to rejoin a program called Classroom Safari and come back to the Fresno area with her animals for special events. Ideally she would love to open up a store similar to Lost Realms, however, that costs money.

"That would be a dream honestly," Blue noted. "I've always had this dream of building a 10-acre sanctuary...it's just the funding for that as you can imagine is very expensive. All the money from the birthdays and the school visits go towards the animals and their care."

A call to the owner of Lost Realms was made but has yet to be returned.

If you are interested in booking Safari Encounters for an event you can call 405-543-7351. If you are interested in booking Reptile Ron for an event you can call 559-970-4881.