All the animals at a children’s soft play centre and mini zoo in Hertfordshire have been tragically k!lled after a fire tore through the building.
Ten fire engines were dispatched to The Jungle Box on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford, Hertfordshire after the fire was reported at around 3am on Wednesday morning, June 10.
The soft play centre, which opened in June 2025 included a mini zoo and pets corner that was home to a number of small animals, including meercats, owls, iguanas giant tortoises and a 16ft snake.
Sadly, after extinguishing the blaze, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all animals in the building at the time of the fire had di£d. No humans were harmed during the incident.
Assistant chief fire officer Darren Cook 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.”
Black smoke could be seen billowing from the building as local residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.
Road closures were put in place on Aspenden Road and London Road. 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.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway.