All animals die after fire tears through children’s mini zoo

Heartbreaking news.

After a blaze was reported at around 3 am on Wednesday morning, ten fire engines were dispatched to The Jungle Box on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford, Hertfordshire.

The play centre opened its doors in June last year and included a mini zoo and pets corner, housing several small animals, including meercats, owls, iguanas, giant tortoises and a 16ft snake.

After the fire was extinguished, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all animals in the building did not survive the fire.

No people were harmed during the incident.

Assistant chief fire officer Darren Cook said: "In the early hours of the morning, we received calls to a significant fire at The Jungle Box in Buntingford.

"Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring units. I’d like to thank all crews for their professionalism and hard work, and fire control colleagues for their calm and efficient handling of the calls.

"We can confirm that a number of animals were inside the building at the time of the fire and did not survive."

Residents were urged to keep their windows and doors shut at the time of the fire, and road closures were put in place on Aspenden Road and London Road.

The community has been left shaken by the incident, and neighbouring business The Spud Twins have also expressed their sadness at the news.

They wrote on social media: "Absolutely devastated for our friends over at the Jungle Box soft play. If anyone has a visit booked or a party – you will be contacted in due course."

It remains unclear what the cause of the fire was, however, an investigation is now underway.