Telford zoo reopens after fire that killed beloved pets and gutted office building

A Shropshire zoo has reopened one day after a devastating fire in an office building that killed several animals.

Hoo Zoo is open to visitors on Tuesday (August 4) following the fire at the Telford attraction on Monday.

Will Dorrell, one of the owners, said the family is “absolutely devastated” after the loss of several pets in the blaze, which broke out in an office building at around 7am on Monday.

He said: “We lost some stick insects, a hedgehog, and a snake - all of which were personal pets to us and not part of the zoo.

“We are absolutely devastated, but we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Shropshire Fire and Rescue, who did an amazing job getting here as quickly as possible and stopping the fire from spreading to any other buildings.

“All the buildings immediately around [the office building] are wooden. We spent as much time as we could when we first arrived trying to get to the animals and stop the fire from spreading.

“Without Shropshire Fire and Rescue, that would not have been possible. Without their help, we would have lost significantly more, and many more animals would have been put at risk. I cannot thank them enough for the hard work they put in.

“Fortunately, the damage has been contained to the zoo office - which has been completely gutted - and to the first aid room, which hopefully is rectifiable.”

Will’s father Edward and wife Becky were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure following the incident. Will said the pair were given the all-clear and were back home by Monday afternoon.

On Tuesday, the site was open to visitors, but Will was asking visitors to “bear with us and excuse the mess”.

“The zoo office is right at the main entrance opposite the tea room, and even though we’re doing our best to cordon it off, it’s impossible to miss that it’s a building that has been on fire,” he added.