Fire Breaks Out at Zoo in Russia, Over 200 Animals Die

Last night, a fire erupted in the five-story building of the 'Tropic-Park' zoo in Yevpatoria. This was reported to RIA Novosti by the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Crimea.

"The alarm about the fire was received by the Ministry of Emergency Situations at 2:33 AM, and it was extinguished by 4:47 AM Moscow time," the agency stated.

The Ministry reported that its personnel saved two bears; however, they have not yet been able to confirm which animals have died. Meanwhile, the Investigative Committee of Crimea announced that the entire five-story building of the zoo was engulfed in flames and has collapsed.

"With the help of the emergency workers, a woman and several animals were rescued from the burning building. Preliminary data indicates that there are no casualties among citizens," the agency added.

According to a representative of the emergency services who spoke to RIA Novosti, more than 200 residents of the zoo perished in the fire, which might include crocodiles, boas, capybaras, suricates, rodents, and numerous rare birds. "More than 200 residents of the zoo have died. The bears, whose enclosure was located on the first floor, and several other animals have been saved," said the agency's source.