Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World forced to close as fire erupts – update issued on animals

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World forced to close as fire erupts – update issued on animals Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, near Telford in Shropshire, has shut for the day after a fire broke out on site on Monday morning A popular Shropshire zoo that is home to more than 100 species has been forced to close for the day after a fire broke out on site. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, near Telford, said on Facebook on Monday morning that fire crews were at the scene dealing with the incident. "The fire is currently isolated to an area with no animals but our teams are dedicated to ensuring that all of our animals and team members remain safe and well," the zoo said. "We are therefore closed to the public today." The zoo added that anyone with tickets or an experience booked for today would be contacted to rearrange. Will Dorrell, the owner of the zoo, told BBC Radio Shropshire that the fire broke out in one of the zoo's office areas. Flames were discovered at about 7.45am, and the cause of the fire is not yet known. "We're very, very lucky," he told the broadcatser. "The office itself is located right next to our main entrance and our shop and our cafe - probably if the fire had started half an hour than what it actually did, it would've probably engulfed those as well." Mr Dorrell said the only damage was to office equipment and documents. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, formerly known as Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, is a family-run zoo set within 32 acres of countryside. According to the zoo, the site's history spans more than 200 years, having evolved from a dairy farm into a large-scale visitor attraction. It is ranked second on TripAdvisor's list of the best zoos in England, with a 4.7-star rating, behind only Chester Zoo.