Tragedy as animals die in fire at Britain’s ‘2nd-best zoo’ with staff ‘devastated’ as two people also rushed to hospital

TRAGEDY struck Britain’s “second-best zoo” as animals died in a fire, leaving staff “devastated”. Two owners of Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Hadley, near Telford in Shropshire, were taken to hospital as a precaution. Hoo Zoo co-owner Will Dorrell stands in front of the office which was ‘gutted’ in the fire Credit: Hoo Zoo/Facebook The zoo thanked the fire crews for their quick response and for stopping the fire from spreading Credit: Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World They have now been discharged. The Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the attraction on Monday morning, August 3, after a fire was discovered in the zoo’s office. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! One of the zoo’s owners Will Dorrell said in a video statement posted on Facebook that some animals had perished in the blaze. He added that all the animals that had died were pets of the owners and not on display to the public. Two co-owners were taken to hospital as a precaution and were later discharged Credit: Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World has been closed today but intends to reopen tomorrow, August 4 Credit: Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World The zoo said: “We are saddened to announce that several stick insects, a snake and a hedgehog have died as a result of this morning’s fire at the zoo. “These animals were privately owned by the zoo’s owners and have never been on display to the public. “The owners are devastated at the loss of these animals but would like to thank Shropshire Fire and Rescue for all of their efforts in trying to extinguish the fire.” Thanks to the speedy response by the fire crews they were able to prevent the fire from spreading to other wooden buildings surrounding the office. Most read in The Sun Mr Dorrell did though confirm the office had been “gutted” by the fire. The attraction has been closed all day but it intends to re-open tomorrow, August 4. Mr Dorrell asked that visitors “please bear with us and sort of excuse the mess” as they try to clear up and cordon off the area affected. An earlier statement had said: “Our team have been monitoring the animals across the site to ensure that they all remain safe and well. “If you had booked tickets or an animal experience for today, then please email info@hoo-zoo.com to re-arrange your visit for an alternative date. “Please quote your order reference number and preferred new date in your email. Thank you for your support and understanding.” Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World was rated the second best in the UK by users of travel website Tripadvisor. It’s the second year running Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World had been able to claim the runner-up prize. Earlier this year it was also voted the ninth-highest rated zoo in Europe. The site, which used to be a farm, had been in the hands of the Dorrell family since 1988. Chester Zoo was rated the top-rated zoo in the UK by Tripadvisor users in the same survey. Mr Dorrell said the achievement was surprising because there were “some fantastic zoos in the UK and in Europe”. The ratings are based on customer reviews on the tourism website. Comment now