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Fire at German zoo kills dozens of animals in monkey house

A firefighter inspects a burned monkey house in the zoo of Krefeld, Germany, January 1, 2020. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

A fire ripped through the monkey house at a German zoo on New Year's Eve, killing roughly 30 animals inside, the zoo said on Wednesday.

Chimpanzees, orangutans, a gorilla, bats and birds were among the animals who died at Krefeld Zoo, near the Dutch border. Two chimpanzees, Bally and Limbo, survived, the zoo said.

Describing the fire as an "incomprehensible tragedy", it said the cause was not known. Local broadcaster WDR said investigators were exploring the possibility it had been started by a celebratory firework.

A fire is seen at the Zoo in Krefeld, Germany January 1, 2020, in this picture obtained from social media video. BIRGIT CHRIST/via REUTERS

(Reporting by Madeline Chambers and Reuters Television; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

A burned monkey house is pictured in the zoo of Krefeld, Germany, January 1, 2020. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen
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