An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway
Woburn Safari Park has issued a statement after 13 of its patas monkeys were killed in a fire. The deadly blaze tore through the park’s Jungle enclosure in the early hours of Tuesday morning (2nd January).
In the statement, the park said that none of the monkeys could be saved despite the best efforts of staff and fire crews. It adds that all other animals within the enclosure are being monitored, but early signs show they have not been affected.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway. The park will stay open during this investigation but the Jungle enclosure will remain closed.
Speaking to BBC News, Woburn’s managing director Drew Mullin said that some of the keepers were in tears as they attempted to cope with what they had witnessed.
"People come here in their cars and the monkey will climb over the top of the car. For them, that's a joyous, fun moment," he said.
"But behind the scenes, you've got animal keepers who know each and every one of those monkeys, they know them by name and every day when they come in, they go to see them. This morning they didn't."
Woburn Safari Park’s website states that its patas monkeys roam in their 16-acre exhibit with Barbary macaques and herd of Eastern mountain bongo. In the winter they are housed at night time, but during summer they have 24/7 access to their large exhibit.
Image (C) Eric Kilby
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