Monday morning fire destroys part of Whispering Acres property in Jansen

JANSEN, Neb. - A Monday morning fire destroyed much of the property of an impactful Southeast Nebraska farm, zoo, and social programming center, claiming the lives of many of the small animals who called it home.
Now the community is stepping up to help the people involved rebuild.

A fire that broke out in the early morning hours Monday destroyed a large part of the Whispering Acres Tails and Treasures property in Jansen, between Fairbury and Beatrice. The fire claimed the property's farmhouse, garage, and pond building that served as the home for many of the zoo's small animals.

 "At approximately 4:30 a.m. this morning, Plymouth, Diller, Jansen, and Fairbury Fire Departments were paged to a house on fire at Whispering Acres," Diller Fire Chief Jeff Nelson said in a statement Monday. "When crews arrived on scene, the house was already fully engulfed in flames. Crews from the four departments worked on the fire, bringing it under control at about 7:00 a.m. The fire is currently under investigation at this time of press release. Everyone made it out of the house safely with no injuries."

Jill and Jamie Kuzelka, the owners and proprietors of the operation, were able to escape the scene with "only the clothes they were wearing and a cell phone," according to social media posts. 

Some of the small animals that are kept inside, such as reptiles and birds, were not as fortunate. The larger animals such as horses and donkeys that are housed outside were reported safe.

In addition to its expansive farm featuring an extensive collection of animals, Whispering Acres also provides educational, social and developmental programming, especially for teens and women. 

Many individuals, groups and organizations from Fairbury to Beatrice and in between immediately rose up in the wake of the blaze to show their support for the Kuzelkas, their animals, and the many people their programs have positively impacted. Plymouth Industries, Barber's Furniture in Fairbury, the Gage County Extension Office and the Gage County Veteran's Service Office are just some of the organizations that immediately acted as donation sites and coordinated relief efforts, alongside other members of the Kuzelka family and the nearby communities. 

Whispering Acres is accepting direct donations via its Venmo account: @whisperingacres. Be mindful of fake accounts - this is the correct Venmo account handle. 

This story will be updated when further information becomes available.