By Dan Corcoran

EUGENE, Ore. -- A fire broke out just before 3 o'clock Friday morning at a pet store in west Eugene, leaving hundreds of exotic animals dead.

The owners of Zany Zoo Pets spent Friday picking through what was left of the store after the blaze, which fire officials say was caused by an overloaded electrical circuit in the reptile room. Hundreds of exotic animals were saved by firefighters, but about 20 birds, a couple dozen reptiles and hundreds of rodents died in the fire.

Many of the injured pets were taken to an emergency veterinary clinic down the street, and are now staying at other pet stores, or with friends and family of the Zany Zoo's owners. If you want to help pay for animal care or help with the rebuilding of Zany Zoo Pets, you can make a donation at Oregon Community Credit Union in the store's name. The owners say they vow to reopen.

Jasper's Deli, an business next door to Zany Zoo Pets, sustained smoke damage but is otherwise OK.