London - An aardvark is missing at the London Zoo after a fire engulfed a cafe and shop near an animal petting area.

Several staff were treated for smoke inhalation and shock following the blaze, which broke out in the Animal Adventure section shortly early on Saturday morning, the zoo said.

Difficult conditions

"Duty staff that live on site at the zoo were on the scene immediately and started moving animals to safety," it said in a statement.

"The London Fire Brigade were on the scene within minutes and the fire was brought under control after about three hours. 

"Our staff are now in the process of assessing the situation in difficult conditions.

"At present one aardvark is unaccounted for".

The zoo, in Regent's Park not far from the popular Camden Market, said it would remain closed "until further notice", adding that investigations were underway to establish the cause of the fire.

It took more than 70 firefighters more than three hours to bring the fire under control, the London Fire Brigade said.

Tourist attraction

Fire officer Clive Robinson said: "The fire mainly affected the cafe and shop. Part of nearby animal petting area was also affected.

"Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible and to stop it from spreading to neighbouring animal enclosures.

The zoo opened in 1828 and is now a leading conservation organisation as well as a major tourist attraction.