Major blaze breaks out at Scottish zoo

The blaze broke out in the tropical house of the Five Sisters Zoo at Polbeth, West Calder, West Lothian, at around 3.50am, the fire service said.

The fire was been confined to the tropical house and the zoo is currently preparing an inventory of any animals not accounted for, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said.

Humans unhurt

No people are thought to have been injured in the blaze. A total of 11 fire engines, including specialist appliances, were involved in the operation at its height.

The privately-owned zoo was established in 2005, according to its website which claims it is “top wildlife, animal and exotics attraction in West Lothian”.

The zoo, a non-profit making organisation, is said to have a collection of over 130 different species of animals, birds and reptiles from around the world.

The cause of the fire is yet unknown and an investigation has been launched.

It is understood that animals in the reptile house have died, although no numbers are known.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters have controlled the fire at the Five Sisters zoo which broke out just before 4am this morning.”

Animals Perished

“Resources have been scaled back to two fire appliances and crews remain on site dealing with small pockets of fire and assisting zoo and vet staff.

“Firefighters were able to help them rescue two dwarf crocodiles and an otter but sadly some animals have perished in the fierce fire.

“The tropical house where the fire broke out was well alight when crews arrived on scene. High winds made firefighting conditions more difficult but crews successfully battled to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring animal enclosures.

“Fortunately the fire is now predominantly out and firefighters are checking to ensure no fire spread and help zoo staff on site to assess the damage.”

Lesley Coupar, of marketing and visitor services at the zoo, described the blaze as “the worst nightmare”.

She confirmed that a range of reptiles and insects living in the reptile house, and an otter housed elsewhere, have died.

“We are devastated. It’s the worst nightmare,” she said.

“We’re in the business of rescuing animals, giving a safe haven to animals. To look now at the shell of the reptile house and everything gone from there, it’s just the worst tragedy ever.

‘Distraught’ owners

“The owners are obviously distraught, as are we all. We’re all animal lovers.”

Describing how events unfolded, she said: “The alarm went off around 4am. The owners, who live on site, woke up to this and came down to see the reptile house ablaze.”

Referring to the reptile house, she added: “Everything has gone from in there. Everything has died – a range of reptiles and insects.”

Ms Coupar said the dwarf west African crocodiles housed behind the reptile house have been saved.

But she added: “One of our beloved otters was found dead. The otters are a huge, popular attraction at the zoo, so many people love them.

“Sadly the male has gone. The female is being looked after by the vet just now.”

Officials are said to be working to establish the impact of the blaze on the meerkat house.