Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Entertainment
Tom Embury-Dennis

Woburn Safari park fire: 13 patas monkeys die in blaze at Bedfordshire animal enclosure

Thirteen patas monkeys have died following a fire at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire. 

An investigation has been launched after the blaze broke out in the monkeys' enclosure in the early hours of Tuesday morning. 

A Woburn Safari Park spokesperson told The Independent no other animals were harmed.

A statement released by the park said: "Staff and fire crews attended the scene, however devastatingly for everyone at the park, none of the thirteen animals could be saved.

"All other animals within the jungle drive-through enclosure are being monitored, but early signs suggest that they have not been affected.

"An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire and whilst the park will remain open, the Jungle enclosure will remain closed for investigation.

"The park is grateful to the quick response from Bedfordshire Fire Brigade, who attended with three appliances."

A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service told The Independent: "Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at a monkey enclosure at Woburn Safari Park at 2.37am this morning.

He added: They found the outbuilding housing patas monkeys was well alight and its roof had fallen in. They fought the fire using fire hoses while wearing breathing apparatus to protect themselves from the smoke and fumes. The building was 90 per cent damaged by the fire.

According to the park's website, the monkeys shared their 16 acre exhibit with a troop of Barbacy macaques and a herd of Eastern Mountain antelope. 

Patas monkeys are adapted to live on the ground instead of trees, and are the fastest runners among the world's primates, reaching speeds of up to 34mph. They are found in many parts of central, western and eastern Africa.

The park remains open to the public.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.