All animals dead in tragic blaze at mini zoo & kids soft play centre including meerkats, owls, and giant tortoises

ALL animals trapped inside a children’s mini zoo were tragically killed after a devastating blaze tore through a family soft play centre.

Among the animals that perished in the deadly fire were meerkats, owls, iguanas, giant tortoises and a huge 16ft snake.

Heartbroken staff and locals have been left devastated after every animal inside The Jungle Box in Hertfordshire died in the fire.

Shocking photos shared on social media by the fire service show the vast devastation caused by the blaze.

The blaze ripped through the popular family attraction on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford at around 3am on Wednesday.

Ten fire engines rushed to the scene as flames engulfed the building.

Black smoke could be seen billowing from the building with local residents urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

The Jungle Box, which opened last June, was home to a children’s soft play centre as well as a mini zoo and petting corner packed with exotic creatures.

Despite firefighters’ efforts to tackle the blaze, none of the animals trapped inside survived.

No people were injured in the fire.

Darren Cook, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “In the early hours of the morning we received calls to a significant fire at The Jungle Box in Buntingford.

“Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to neighbouring units.

“I’d like to thank all crews for their professionalism and hard work and fire control colleagues for their calm and efficient handling of the calls.

“We can confirm that a number of animals were inside the building at the time of the fire and did not survive.”

The cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation is now under way.

A neighbouring business, The Spud Twins, expressed their sadness at the news in a heartfelt post on social media.

It said: “Absolutely devastated for our friends over at the jungle box soft play.

“If anyone has a visit booked or a party – you will be contacted in due course.”

Shocked social media users also expressed their shock at the tragedy.

One commented: “Those poor animals.”

Another said: “Very sad about the soft play n those poor animals. Well done to the fire brigade for putting it out.”

Somebody else said: “Very sad about the animals. However, thank you to our fire service for their hard work.”

A woman said: “How very sad is the loss of life. Those poor animals.”

The Jungle Box ‘s Instagram page shows a range of exotic animals on site including iguanas, snakes, genets, barn owls and tortoises, as well as food served at the café.

The venue organises children’s days and birthday parties.

It was equipped with slides, tunnels and interactive activities alongside a dedicated area for under-fives, a sensory room and an on-site café.