Caging furore as 13 monkeys are killed in safari park blaze
Other animals in the zone are being monitored for trauma but seem to be unaffected, said staff. The park is staying open, although the African Forest enclosure is being kept closed while the cause of the fire is investigated.
Woburn Safari Park spokesman Drew Mullin said the blaze may have been caused by a faulty generator.
He said: “When the fire crew arrived, the roof had already collapsed and nothing could be done to save the 13 Patas that were inside. Everybody here – staff, animal keepers – are all devastated.
Last night the Captive Animals’ Protection Society said: “Deeply upsetting to hear about the 13 Patas monkeys killed in Woburn Safari Park fire. Another reason animals should not be caged.” Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said its crews arrived at 2.37am after the blaze was spotted by security guards on a routine patrol.
Station commander Paul Goddard said firefighters were “surprised at the amount of animals still in the cage [which] couldn’t get out” while they were putting out the blaze.
A fire service spokesman said: “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 per cent damaged by the fire.”
The fire service agreed it is likely that the fire “started accidentally in a generator”.
Patas monkeys are the world’s fastest primates, capable of running at 34mph. Found in semi-arid areas across central Africa, they grow to be about 33 inches long with a 30-inch tail and can live for 20 years.
At the park they were free to roam a 16-acre enclosure with other species but in winter are housed indoors at night.
A Woburn Safari Park spokesman said: “Devastatingly for everyone at the park, none of the 13 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 enclosure will remain closed for investigation.”
The fire at London Zoo on December 23 ripped through the animal adventure section, destroying a cafe, shop and half of the adjacent petting zoo.
The aardvark who died was called Misha and aged nine.
The meerkat victims were at first thought to have escaped but were later found dead.