Several animals were killed in a huge fire which broke out at a wildlife centre in Staffordshire in the early hours of today.
On arrival at Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre in Eccleshall crews found the flames had ripped through one of the enclosures killing a number of animals at the popular sanctuary.
Three sulcata tortoises, a meerkat named Basil and 15 Egyptian fruit bats could not be saved.
Staff at the centre named their meerkats Basil and Sybil, after the Fawlty Towers characters, and it was confirmed the male has perished in the blaze.
Lesley Smith, treasurer for the centre, said the family run business had been left "devastated" by the loss of their beloved animals.
Lesley, whose daughter Jenny Morgan runs the site, added: "We are heartbroken, it is a very sad day for us.
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"We have lost a colony of around 15 Egyptian fruit bats, three sulcata tortoises called Todd, Themla and Louise, and our meerkat Basil.
"His wife Sybil managed to get out by escaping to the outdoor enclosure. The fire crews did brilliantly and prevented other animals from being harmed.
"They managed to shoo two wildcats and two Savannah cats to their outdoor area as the fire spread to their enclosure as well.
"We have to thank the fire crews for their hard work and we will do our best to bounce back from this.
"They said it was caused by an electric fault but we spent a lot of money last year updating all of the electrics, so we're not sure how this has happened.
"We will remain closed for the rest of the day as we still have no electricity, we are just working on getting things back up and running now."
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Crews from Eccleshall, Stafford and Stone called to fire at Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre.
"One enclosure was well alight on arrival. Sadly three tortoises and a meerkat could not be saved.
"The fire affected power cables, some neighbouring properties without power."
The Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre is home to more 30 different species of bird, primates, reptiles, invertebrate, raccoons and cats.
A decision is due to be made later as to whether the centre will open today.
Firefighters confirmed the nearby Fletcher's Garden Centre can continue trading as usual today.
Bosses at Gentleshaw are yet to comment on the fire which is believed to have been caused accidentally by heating equipment.
