Thirteen monkeys have died following a fire at Woburn Safari Park. The fire broke out in the Patas monkey house in the early hours of 2 January, a park spokesman said, but none of the animals could be saved. The park issued a statement which added: “Staff and Fire-Crews attended the scene, however devastatingly for everyone at the park, none of the thirteen animals could be saved.
“All other animals within the jungle drive-through enclosure are being monitored, but early signs suggest that they have not been affected. “An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire and whilst the park will remain open, the Jungle enclosure will remain closed for investigation. “The park is grateful to the quick response from Bedfordshire Fire Brigade, who attended with three appliances.”
The fire broke out in the jungle drive-through enclosure of the park at about 2.30am. A spokesman from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at a monkey enclosure at Woburn Safari Park at 2.37am this morning (Tuesday 2 January 2018).
“When firefighters from Woburn and Dunstable Community Fire Stations arrived along with the water carrier from Toddington they found the outbuilding housing Patas monkeys was well alight and its roof had fallen in. They fought the fire using fire hoses while wearing breathing apparatus to protect themselves from the smoke and fumes. The building was 90% damaged by the fire.
“The fire was spotted by security guards on a routine patrol. There were a number of fatalities amongst the monkeys housed in the building. The incident was closed at 4.46am.”
It comes 10 days after several animals, including a nine-year-old aardvark called Misha, were killed in a fire in London Zoo. The fire broke out on Christmas Eve and killed four meerkats as well as Misha. The zoo had to close temporarily and an investigation into the cause it under way.
According to the safari park’s website, the monkeys had a 16-acre exhibit, which they roamed with Barbary macaques and a herd of Eastern Mountain Bongo. They were free to roam all night during summer months, but would have been housed indoors during the colder winter nights. Patas monkeys are classified as being of “least concern” so are not thought to be under threat.
Source: Sky news
