At least 10 animals perish in fire at African Safari Wildlife Park in Ohio

PORT CLINTON, Ohio — Ten animals perished in the fire at the African Safari Wildlife Park in northern Ohio.

Danbury Twp. Police Officer Carolyn Demore told WOIO there were two explosions in a barn where the fire broke out. According to Demore, the general manager/animal keeper was on the premises when the flames started.

Demore confirmed three bongos, three giraffes, three red river hogs, and one springbok in the barn when it caught fire are assumed dead.

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The park was not open during the time of fire.

The Danbury Twp. Fire Department is leading the investigation and is being assisted by the Port Clinton and Catawba Twp. fire departments.

Park officials said the 100-acre drive-through facility, where patrons can feed animals from their vehicles, will be closed Friday.

The park's team, in a Facebook post, said it is devastated by the loss of animals housed in a barn destroyed by the fire:

Park officials said they are continuing to assess the loss of wildlife housed in the barn for overnight care and security.

"Park staff members are on the scene with firefighters and official responders. An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire.

The animals lost in this tragedy were part of our African Safari family, and the Park will be closed on Friday as we mourn their loss and care for the other animals living on the 100-area Park.

We deeply appreciate the first responders who worked on the holiday to try and save animals affected by the fire and thank the community for its support during this very difficult time."

Cox Media Group