Animals die in Scottish zoo fire

Animals including a number of reptiles and an otter have died in a fire at a zoo in Scotland.

The blaze broke out in the tropical house of the Five Sisters Zoo at Polbeth, West Calder, West Lothian, at around 3.50am, this morning.

A total of 11 fire engines and 50 firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze at its height.

The privately-owned zoo, established in 2005, houses over 130 different species of animals, birds and reptiles from around the world.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known and a fire investigation team will look into what happened.

Zoo spokesperson Lesley Coupar described the blaze as ``the worst nightmare''.

She confirmed that a range of reptiles and insects living in the reptile house, and an otter housed elsewhere, have died.

“We are devastated. It’s the worst nightmare,” she said.

“We’re in the business of rescuing animals, giving a safe haven to animals. To look now at the shell of the reptile house and everything gone from there, it’s just the worst tragedy ever.

“The owners are obviously distraught, as are we all. We’re all animal lovers.”

Describing how events unfolded, she said: “The alarm went off around 4am. The owners, who live on site, woke up to this and came down to see the reptile house ablaze.”

Referring to the reptile house, she added: “Everything has gone from in there. Everything has died – a range of reptiles and insects.”

Ms Coupar said the dwarf west African crocodiles housed behind the reptile house have been saved.

But she added: “One of our beloved otters was found dead. The otters are a huge, popular attraction at the zoo, so many people love them.

“Sadly the male has gone. The female is being looked after by the vet just now.”

Officials are said to be working to establish the impact of the blaze on the meerkat house.