ORLANDO, Fla. _ Authorities are investigating a suspected burglary and arson that led to the theft on an incredibly rare white alligator, and the death of 43 other reptiles at a sanctuary run by reality television stars the "Swamp Brothers," Sumter County deputies said.
Now, investigators are looking for the rare Leucistic gator named "Snowball."
The white alligator with dark markings was last seen in the structure at 11:30 a.m. the day of the fire but was nowhere to be found when detectives searched the wreckage.
However, evidence at the scene led detectives to believe the structure was burglarized _ with Snowball being taken _ before the fire began, Sumter Sheriff's Capt. Pat Breeden said.
The fire started June 22 at about 8:30 p.m., and by the time it was extinguished the structure housing the alligators and crocodiles was destroyed, deputies said.
Among the destruction, authorities found 43 other crocodiles and alligators dead within the burned structure.
The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, though evidence suggests it was intentionally set after the theft of the rare alligator, Breeden said.
The Swamp Brothers is a reality television show based on Stephen and Robbie Keszey and aired on Discovery Channel in 2011 and 2012.
The brothers took to social media pleading for the return of their beloved reptile. Central Florida theme park Gatorland says there are only a dozen such gators known around the world.
