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Krefeld zoo fire: German police quiz suspects over deadly blaze Krefeld zoo fire: German police suspect three women
(about 1 hour later)
German police have questioned several suspects after a zoo fire in the western city of Krefeld killed more than 30 animals, including rare apes and monkeys. German police suspect a mother and her two adult daughters of having caused a deadly zoo fire by releasing illegal sky lanterns on New Year's Eve.
There are suspicions that flying New Year's Eve lanterns - illegal in Germany - may have sparked the blaze. The blaze killed more than 30 animals, including rare apes and monkeys, in the western city of Krefeld.
It gutted the zoo's tropical ape house. Police say they have questioned the three women - they live locally and "are extremely sorry".
Rare Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees and marmosets lived in the 2,000 sq m (21,500 sq ft) enclosure. Two chimps and a family of gorillas survived. They allegedly did not realise that the lanterns - bought on the internet - were banned in Germany.
The survivors were in a neighbouring Gorilla Garden, and firefighters managed to prevent the flames spreading from the ape house. The fire on the night of 31 December gutted the zoo's tropical ape house.
However, the zoo is mourning the loss of Massa, a 45-year-old western lowland gorilla, and his female partner, who were living in the ape house. Massa was one of the oldest captive gorillas in Europe. Rare Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees and marmosets lived in the 2,000 sq m (21,500 sq ft) enclosure.
German media say flying "Chinese" lanterns - which have a candle burning inside - were seen in the area shortly before the fire broke out on New Year's Eve. Three used lanterns were found by police investigators near the gutted ape house. Two chimpanzees and a seven-strong family of gorillas survived. They were in a neighbouring Gorilla Garden, and firefighters managed to prevent the flames spreading from the ape house.
It is not yet clear who the suspects are. They could be charged with arson through negligence, and police are now studying their statements. Five orangutans died, along with a chimpanzee and many monkeys. The ape house - replicating a rainforest habitat - was also home to birds and fruit bats.
Firefighters saved two chimpanzees - Bally and Limbo - in the ape house. The zoo says they have light injuries and are now in the Gorilla Garden. Flying "Chinese" lanterns have a solid fuel flame inside a thin paper shell. Police say five were let off, including three that were found near the gutted ape house.
A seven-strong family of western lowland gorillas survived in the neighbouring enclosure. They are the family of male "silverback" Kidogo, and the youngest, Boboto, is just one year old. State prosecutor Jens Frobel said "the case is focused on three women from Krefeld, who are from 30 to 60 years old.
Five orangutans died, along with a chimpanzee and many monkeys. The ape house - replicating a rainforest habitat - was also home to birds and fruit bats. It was built in 1975. "They are suspected of arson through negligence." They could face up to five years in jail or a fine.
The zoo thanked people for their "overwhelming wave of compassion". It remained closed on Thursday. A makeshift memorial with flowers, candles and mourning placards has been set up at the zoo's entrance. The women reported to police on Wednesday, and police praised them for "courageously" coming forward with information.
The zoo is mourning the loss of Massa, a 45-year-old western lowland gorilla, and his female partner. Massa was one of the oldest captive gorillas in Europe.
Firefighters saved two chimpanzees - Bally and Limbo.
One firefighter, Andreas Klos, said: "We were amazed that the building burned down so quickly". He noted that it did not have a sprinkler system.
The zoo thanked people for their "overwhelming wave of compassion". It remained closed on Thursday. A makeshift memorial with flowers, candles and mourning placards has been set up at the entrance.
It is the most devastating zoo fire in Germany in recent years. In November 2010, a fire at a zoo in Karlsruhe killed 26 animals including alpacas, miniature donkeys and Shetland ponies.It is the most devastating zoo fire in Germany in recent years. In November 2010, a fire at a zoo in Karlsruhe killed 26 animals including alpacas, miniature donkeys and Shetland ponies.