Animals have sadly died after a devastating fire at a popular petting zoo which broke out due to an electrical fault.
Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo's barn in Essex confirmed the animals that were killed include cockatoos, macaws, parrots, meerkats, armadillos and skunks.
Some animals were saved and will be moved to a safe location, Essex Live reports.
Firefighters were called to the fire at the zoo's barn in the Dengie Peninsula at around 1.15am on Monday morning.
Three fire crews, including those from Burnham, Maldon, and Tillingham, managed to control the fire within an hour but sadly, a number of animals died in the incident.
When crews first arrived at the scene they found the barn completely alight and a later investigation into the cause of the fire found that it started accidentally due to an electrical fault.
The zoo said investigations have confirmed that the fire likely started with a freezer.
A spokesperson at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service yesterday said: "Firefighters were called to a barn fire in the Dengie Peninsula during the early hours of this morning (July 5).
"On arrival, crews reported that a barn measuring 20 metres by 30 metres was 100 per cent alight.
"Crews worked to extinguish the fire in sections by 12.15pm.
"Sadly, a number of animals died at the incident.
"An investigation into the cause of the fire found that it started accidentally due to an electrical fault."
Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo took to Facebook to update their customers after the tragic incident.
Their post read: "Overnight on July 5, 2021, we have suffered a devastating fire at our private farm on the Dengie Peninsula, with the help of the fire brigade, friends, and family we have managed to save some animals but we have suffered numerous losses.
"We do ask for privacy at this time whilst we assess the full extent of the damage and move our unaffected animals to a safe location.
"We will provide you with an update in due course.
"Sincere thanks for all the well wishes so far and we will hopefully get some answers as to what has caused these tragic events.
"Our office manager will contact any customers so we please ask that you await their call and not call us at this time."
The petting zoo has since confirmed through another Facebook post that the fire may have started with a freezer.
They added that they take 'every precaution' to prevent fires and have paid tribute to the animals they have lost.
Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo said: "Fire investigation has confirmed that the fire likely started with a freezer.
"The fire once taken hold quickly spread throughout the farm, absolute thanks to the fire service, staff, family & friends who help save countless little animal lives.
"We will never forget the beautiful animals that we have lost in such tragic circumstances, some of the little guys kept at our private farm were retired, resting, or previous unwanted pets that we tried so hard to care for.
"We take every precaution to prevent fire/accidents happening, our appliances are regularly pat tested, we have certified electrician on hand for any problems, regularly have health & safety audits from our own but also external consultants, fire risk assessment regularly carried out, we also received guidance from the fire service two years ago to try & prevent accidental fire.
"With all this said we still couldn’t prevent an electrical freezer fire but we will do all we can to learn from what has occurred & heartfelt apology to our beautiful animals lost, staff, family & of course customers who have all felt this loss."
A fundraiser has since been launched to help those at J&C Petting Zoo, who own the Maldon petting zoo.
The fundraiser read: "Not only have animals' lives been lost but a wonderful business that rescues animals has been dramatically affected."
So far, the fundraiser has reached £630 of its £1000 goal.
If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, click here.
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