Fire at UK safari park kills 13 patas monkeys

The fire reportedly broke out in the early hours of January 2 inside the Patas monkey house within the African Forest drive-through enclosure at Woburn Safari Park near Milton Keynes, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of London.

"Staff and fire crews attended the scene, however, devastatingly for everyone at the park, none of the thirteen animals could be saved," the park said in a statement

"All other animals within the jungle drive-through enclosure are being monitored, but early signs suggest that they have not been affected."

A spokesman from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said: "When firefighters from Woburn and Dunstable Community Fire Stations arrived along with the water carrier from Toddington they found the outbuilding housing Patas monkeys was well alight and its roof had fallen in."

Patas monkeys – also known as hussar monkeys – are native to parts of central Africa. They are known as the fastest primates in the world, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph (55 kph)

Park still open to public

A member of the park's security staff reportedly spotted the fire during a routine patrol. The cause of the blaze is now under investigation, for which the jungle enclosure will be closed. The rest of the safari park remains opens to the public. The safari park houses a wide variety of animals including elephants, lions, and zebras.

The fire follows a blaze at London Zoo on December 23 that killed an aardvark and four meerkats.

ss/rc (dpa, AP)