UK safari park fire kills 13 monkeys

A fire at a safari park in the east of England has killed 13 monkeys.

The blaze broke out in the Patas monkey house in the early hours of this morning (2 January) and none of the animals could be rescued, said a spokesman for the Woburn Safari Park.

In a statement issued soon after, the park said: "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 that when firefighters arrived on the scene the structure housing the monkeys was already “well alight” and the roof had collapsed.

“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 spokesman added.