A remarkable tortoise emerged as the sole survivor following a fire incident at a play center and mini-zoo in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. The Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service shared the uplifting news on social media platform Facebook, revealing that the baby tortoise was found alive amidst the aftermath of the devastating blaze. Initially, it was believed that all animals at the site had perished in the fire.
The fire service posted a photo of the resilient baby tortoise, stating, “We have heartwarming news to share after the tragic fire at the Jungle Box in Buntingford. During the fire investigation, we made an incredible discovery of a baby tortoise that survived, despite initial concerns of all animals being lost. It was a small yet powerful moment following a challenging incident.”
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 was reported in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The establishment, which included a soft play center, a mini zoo, and a pets corner housing various small animals such as meerkats, owls, iguanas, giant tortoises, and a 16ft snake, had opened in June the previous year.
Witnesses observed black smoke emanating from the building, prompting local residents to seal their windows and doors shut. Road closures were enforced on Aspenden Road and London Road, while a neighboring business, The Spud Twins, expressed their condolences for the Jungle Box soft play in a heartfelt social media post, assuring visitors with bookings or parties that they would be contacted in due course.
