A miraculous tortoise was the sole survivor of a fire that engulfed a play center and mini-zoo in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. The Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service shared the uplifting news on Facebook after locating the baby tortoise unharmed amidst the aftermath of the fire. Initially, it was believed that all the animals had perished in the tragic incident.
In a post showcasing the resilient tortoise, the fire service expressed, “We have some heartwarming news to share following yesterday’s devastating fire at the Jungle Box in Buntingford. While conducting the fire investigation, we astonishingly found a baby tortoise alive, defying earlier concerns of all animals being lost. A small yet profound moment after a challenging event.”
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which prompted the dispatch of ten fire engines to The Jungle Box on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford after the blaze erupted around 3 am on Wednesday. The facility, which featured a soft play area, a mini zoo, and a pets corner housing various small animals like meerkats, owls, iguanas, giant tortoises, and a 16-foot snake, opened in June of the previous year.
Local residents witnessed thick black smoke billowing from the building and were advised to keep windows and doors shut for safety. Road closures were implemented on Aspenden Road and London Road. Meanwhile, a neighboring business, The Spud Twins, expressed their condolences for the Jungle Box soft play establishment and assured visitors with bookings or parties that they would be contacted promptly.