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Krefeld Zoo monkeys killed as sanctuary burns down | Krefeld Zoo monkeys killed as sanctuary burns down |
(about 5 hours later) | |
A German zoo has confirmed that its "worst fears have become a reality" after a fire destroyed an enclosure, killing almost all its monkeys. | A German zoo has confirmed that its "worst fears have become a reality" after a fire destroyed an enclosure, killing almost all its monkeys. |
Krefeld Zoo initially said all the animals had been killed, but later reported two chimpanzees had survived. | Krefeld Zoo initially said all the animals had been killed, but later reported two chimpanzees had survived. |
The 2,000 sq m (21,500 sq ft) enclosure housed rare Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees and marmosets. | |
Police say the fire may have been caused by Chinese or "sky" lanterns used to celebrate New Year. | Police say the fire may have been caused by Chinese or "sky" lanterns used to celebrate New Year. |
"People reported seeing those sky lanterns flying at low altitude near the zoo and then it started burning," said Gerd Hoppmann, the city's head of criminal police. | "People reported seeing those sky lanterns flying at low altitude near the zoo and then it started burning," said Gerd Hoppmann, the city's head of criminal police. |
He said investigators had also found used lanterns near the burnt down enclosure. | He said investigators had also found used lanterns near the burnt down enclosure. |
Known as a fire hazard, sky lanterns are banned in Germany. | Known as a fire hazard, sky lanterns are banned in Germany. |
The monkey house at Krefeld Zoo was built in 1975 and recreated a tropical climate for rainforest inhabitants, which included fruit bats and free-flying birds, as well as primates. | The monkey house at Krefeld Zoo was built in 1975 and recreated a tropical climate for rainforest inhabitants, which included fruit bats and free-flying birds, as well as primates. |
Krefeld Zoo said it was a "miracle" that two chimpanzees, Bally and Limbo, survived the fire. They are slightly injured but being looked after by vets. | Krefeld Zoo said it was a "miracle" that two chimpanzees, Bally and Limbo, survived the fire. They are slightly injured but being looked after by vets. |
The zoo also confirmed that the Gorilla Garden nearby - which houses western lowland gorillas - was spared. | The zoo also confirmed that the Gorilla Garden nearby - which houses western lowland gorillas - was spared. |
Kidogo - the gorilla that lives there with his family - was fine, Krefeld Zoo said. | Kidogo - the gorilla that lives there with his family - was fine, Krefeld Zoo said. |
The zoo thanked people for their "overwhelming wave of compassion". | The zoo thanked people for their "overwhelming wave of compassion". |
"We ask for your understanding that we cannot be there for you today," it said regarding its decision to close on New Year's Day. | "We ask for your understanding that we cannot be there for you today," it said regarding its decision to close on New Year's Day. |
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