A well-known zoo in Shropshire, housing over 100 species, had to shut down temporarily 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, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of all animals and staff, leading to the closure for the day.
The zoo expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and assured those with tickets or bookings that they would be contacted for rescheduling. Owner Will Dorrell disclosed to BBC Radio Shropshire that the fire originated in an office area, discovered around 7:45 am, with the cause yet to be determined. Dorrell acknowledged the fortunate timing of the discovery, preventing further damage to the nearby entrance, shop, and café.
Reportedly, the fire caused minimal harm, affecting only office equipment and documents. 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 of over 200 years, starting as a dairy farm and transforming into a prominent visitor destination, the zoo ranks as the second-best zoo in England on TripAdvisor, with an impressive 4.7-star rating, trailing behind Chester Zoo.
