ANIMALS SAVED AS ZOO BURNS
DOZENS of animals were rescued as a major fire broke out at Chester Zoo yesterday morning.
Flames and huge clouds of smoke rose from the domed roof of the Monsoon Forest building – home to orangutans, gibbons, turtles, exotic birds and crocodiles.
Staff are said to have helped at least 40 animals, including apes, to safety as hundreds of visitors were evacuated.
Fifteen fire engines battled the blaze, which was fanned by strong winds, from 11.30am.
Last night fire chiefs said all 21,000 animals at the zoo – the UK’S No1 wildlife attraction – were safe.
David Clough, 50, a university professor who lives nearby, said: “Flames were shooting high into the sky and there was a lot of smoke.
“Plastic on the roof was burning and bits of burning plastic were flying.
“A hydraulic platform was sent up and they sprayed water on to the fire. It took at least an hour to extinguish it. After the main fire was out another sprung up at the end of the building. This lasted for about 20 minutes.
“We were scared, hoping that the visitors and staff were not in danger.”
The Monsoon Forest, which fully opened last year, is the zoo’s star attraction, with tropical temperatures to replicate conditions in South East Asia.
The zoo is currently shut while an investigation takes place.
A zoo spokesman said in a statement issued later: “Critically endangered Sumatran orangutans and other mammals are all accounted for.”