A popular 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 and emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of all animals and staff.
The zoo expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and stated that individuals holding tickets or bookings for the day would receive notifications for rescheduling. Owner Will Dorrell disclosed to BBC Radio Shropshire that the fire originated in one of the office spaces, with the cause yet to be determined. Dorrell acknowledged the fortunate timing of the discovery, preventing potential spread to nearby areas like the entrance, shop, and cafe.
Reportedly, the fire resulted in minimal damage to 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 picturesque countryside. With a history dating back over 200 years, the site transformed from a dairy farm into a prominent visitor destination. Notably, the zoo holds the second position on TripAdvisor’s ranking of top zoos in England, boasting a remarkable 4.7-star rating, trailing only Chester Zoo.
