Fire at Shropshire zoo kills three pets, zoo closes

A fire at a popular family-run zoo in Shropshire on Monday, August 3, 2026, resulted in the deaths of three animals and prompted the temporary closure of the attraction. The blaze broke out in the zoo office building at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford around 7 a.m.

Owner Will Dorrell confirmed in a video update that three personal pets kept in the office-a collection of stick insects, a hedgehog, and a snake-died in the fire. He said the fire was discovered by the owners and a staff member approximately 30 to 45 minutes after it started. Dorrell expressed devastation at the loss but emphasized that no zoo animals were harmed.

Two of the zoo's owners, identified by Dorrell as his wife and father, were taken to a hospital as a precaution after suffering smoke inhalation. Both were later discharged and are reported to be fine. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

Firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene and prevented the blaze from spreading to neighboring wooden structures on the property. Dorrell praised the crew's efforts, stating that without their intervention, significantly more animals would likely have been lost. The...