A well-known zoo in Shropshire housing over 100 species had to shut down for the day due to a fire incident on the premises. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, located near Telford, announced on Facebook that fire crews were on-site addressing the situation. The zoo assured that the fire was contained in an area without animals, and their priority was the safety of all animals and staff, leading to the closure to the public for the day.
The zoo expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and mentioned that individuals holding tickets or reservations for the day would be contacted for rescheduling. Owner Will Dorrell informed BBC Radio Shropshire that the fire originated in one of the office sections, discovered around 7:45 am, with the cause still unknown.
Dorrell emphasized the fortunate timing of the incident, noting that the office’s proximity to the main entrance, shop, and cafe could have led to more extensive damage if not contained promptly. Fortunately, the damage was limited to office equipment and documents.
Formerly known as Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, a family-operated zoo spanning 32 acres, has a rich history of over 200 years, transitioning from a dairy farm to a prominent visitor destination. The zoo holds the second position on TripAdvisor’s ranking of the best zoos in England, boasting a remarkable 4.7-star rating, just behind Chester Zoo.