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‘UNFATHOMABLE TRAGEDY’
German zoo fire kills 30 apes after ‘New Year’s Eve fireworks spark horror blaze’ at sanctuary
NEW Year's Eve fireworks and lanterns are feared to have sparked a horror blaze at a German zoo which killed 30 animals when it tore through its 'ape house'.
Krefeld Zoo - located north of Dusseldorf and near the Dutch border - said its "worst fears have become reality" in the wake of this morning's shocking fire.
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In a post on Facebook, it said: "An unfathomable tragedy hit us shortly after midnight. Our ape building burned down to the foundation."
Chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans are among those that burned alive. Fruit bats, birds and other animals were also killed.
However, two chimps called Bally and Limbo were saved from the flames by firefighters who heard their screams.
Both suffered minor burns and the zoo director described their last minute rescue as nothing short of "a miracle".
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The Zoo said it was thankful for the many offers of help, but added: "We are still in shock and cannot yet say exactly if and where help is needed."
The greenhouse-style building - which opened in 1975 - burned to the ground within a couple of hours, say reports.
Orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, marmosets, epaulet fruit bats and birds were inside at the time.
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