Amid a devastating fire at a play center and mini-zoo in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, a miraculous tortoise emerged as the sole survivor. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service made a heartwarming discovery when they found a baby tortoise alive in the aftermath of the blaze, initially believing all animals had perished.
Sharing a photo of the resilient tortoise, the fire service announced the uplifting news, highlighting the tiny creature’s survival in the face of tragedy. The cause of the fire at The Jungle Box on the Watermill Industrial Estate is under investigation, with ten fire engines responding to the early morning alarm on Wednesday.
The play center, which boasted a mini zoo and pet corner housing various small animals like meerkats, owls, iguanas, giant tortoises, and a 16-foot snake, suffered significant damage as black smoke billowed from the building. Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut, with road closures on Aspenden Road and London Road in effect.
Neighboring businesses, such as The Spud Twins, expressed sadness for the Jungle Box’s loss, offering support to affected parties awaiting updates on bookings and events. The community mourns the tragedy while investigations into the fire continue, hoping to shed light on the incident’s cause.
