Fire discovered too late

200 animals died in zoo fire in Crimea

Most of the animals, including crocodiles and chameleons, giant snakes and turtles, died in the flames.(Bild: Kim Bechthold, stock.adobe.com (Symbolbild))

According to media reports, more than 200 exotic animals have died in a fire at a zoo on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia. The fire was discovered too late.

The emergency call was received shortly after half past two in the morning. The area of the fire was more than 600 square meters. "The main reason for the tragedy is the late discovery of the fire," said a spokesperson for the local civil defense.

Five-storey building in flames
When the fire department arrived, the entire five-storey building housing the tropical zoo was already in flames. Due to the wooden roof and the straw in the enclosures, the fire was able to spread quickly.

The fire department was able to pull a woman out of the burning building to safety. Two bears are also reported to have been rescued.

Short circuit triggered fire
Most of the other animals, including crocodiles and chameleons, giant snakes and turtles, capybaras and capuchin monkeys, perished in the smoke and flames. A short circuit is thought to be the possible cause of the fire.