Polish zoo blaze claims close to 300 amphibians

The burnt pavilion: photo - PAP/Krzysztof Swiderski

Director of the zoo Leslaw Sobieraj confirmed the extent of the losses on Monday evening.

Guards initially spotted smoke rising from the pavilion on Sunday night, and firemen spent twelve hours battling with the blaze.

Close to 250 amphibians suffocated before firemen could attempt to rescue any animals.

“About 70 amphibians, mainly those in water, were evacuated from the pavilion,” Sobieraj revealed, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

“Unfortunately, on Monday morning, after they had already been taken out of the burnt pavilion, more animals died – about twenty,” he said.

“Amphibians are very sensitive creatures, and during the fire they got an immense dose of smoke and toxins,” he added.

At present, the cause of the fire is uncertain.

“We have conducted an inspection at the scene,” confirmed Maciej Milewski, spokesman for the Opole police.

“As regards the cause of the fire, it is difficult to say anything at the moment.”

Zoo staff had spent ten years building up the collection of amphibians in the pavilion, and the losses took in 25 species in total, including rare frogs. (nh)