This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42541011
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Woburn Safari Park fire: Thirteen patas monkeys killed | Woburn Safari Park fire: Thirteen patas monkeys killed |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Thirteen monkeys have died in a fire at Woburn Safari Park. | Thirteen monkeys have died in a fire at Woburn Safari Park. |
The roof of the patas monkey house, within the African Forest drive-through enclosure, collapsed as a result of the blaze. | The roof of the patas monkey house, within the African Forest drive-through enclosure, collapsed as a result of the blaze. |
Fire crews arrived at 02:37 GMT to find the outbuilding "well alight", and spent two hours extinguishing the flames. | Fire crews arrived at 02:37 GMT to find the outbuilding "well alight", and spent two hours extinguishing the flames. |
"Devastatingly", the park said, none of the animals could be saved despite the efforts of staff and crews. | "Devastatingly", the park said, none of the animals could be saved despite the efforts of staff and crews. |
In a statement, the park said all the other animals in the jungle drive-through enclosure were being monitored, but early signs suggested they had not been affected. | In a statement, the park said all the other animals in the jungle drive-through enclosure were being monitored, but early signs suggested they had not been affected. |
A member of the park's security staff spotted the fire during a routine patrol, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said. | A member of the park's security staff spotted the fire during a routine patrol, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said. |
It took fire crews two hours to put out the blaze after they arrived at 02:37 GMT. | It took fire crews two hours to put out the blaze after they arrived at 02:37 GMT. |
At the scene: Sarah Jenkins, BBC News Online | |
When I entered the park I was told ticket prices had been reduced due to "an incident in the monkey enclosure". The rest of the safari park is operating as usual. | |
It's a quiet day at the park, and visitors I spoke to at the popular attraction said they were not aware of the blaze. | |
But staff had told them the monkey enclosure was closed, and said they would be entitled to a partial refund on their pre-paid tickets. | |
The road leading to the enclosure has been cordoned off and it is difficult to see any evidence of the blaze. | |
While I've been at the park, I have seen a police car on the grounds but it is unclear whether it is related to the fire. | |
Station commander Paul Goddard said crews were "surprised at the amount of animals still in the cage [which] couldn't get out" while they were putting out the blaze. | |
"The staff at the site were devastated," he added. | |
An investigation into the cause has begun. The attraction will remain open to the public. | An investigation into the cause has begun. The attraction will remain open to the public. |
It follows a fire at London Zoo on 23 December, in which an aardvark and four meerkats died. | It follows a fire at London Zoo on 23 December, in which an aardvark and four meerkats died. |
A cafe, shop and about half of an adjacent petting zoo were also destroyed. | A cafe, shop and about half of an adjacent petting zoo were also destroyed. |
The park's website says its troop of patas monkeys is housed overnight during winter, but can roam their 16-acre exhibit during the summer. | The park's website says its troop of patas monkeys is housed overnight during winter, but can roam their 16-acre exhibit during the summer. |
They can grow to a length of up to 85cm (33in) and can live up to 20 years. | They can grow to a length of up to 85cm (33in) and can live up to 20 years. |