A well-known zoo in Shropshire housing over 100 species had to shut down temporarily due to a fire that erupted on the premises. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, located near Telford, made an announcement on Facebook stating that fire crews were on-site managing the situation.
The zoo confirmed that the fire was contained in an area without any animals and assured the safety of all creatures and staff members. Consequently, the zoo closed its doors to the public for the day. The management expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and promised to contact individuals holding tickets or reservations to reschedule their visits.
Owner Will Dorrell disclosed to BBC Radio Shropshire that the fire originated in one of the office sections and was noticed around 7:45 am, with the cause still under investigation. Dorrell emphasized the fortunate timing of the incident, as it was near the main entrance, shop, and cafe, potentially preventing a more extensive impact.
Damage from the fire was limited to office equipment and documents, according to Dorrell. Formerly known as Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World is a family-operated zoo spanning 32 acres of countryside. With a history surpassing 200 years, the zoo evolved from a dairy farm into a prominent visitor destination.
Ranked second on TripAdvisor’s list of top zoos in England with a 4.7-star rating, the zoo follows closely behind Chester Zoo in popularity.