Deadly blaze rips through London Zoo

A HUGE fire has broken out at a cafe in London Zoo.

The Sun reports 10 fire engines and dozens of firefighters are tackling the fire.

Authorities said more than 70 firefighters were battling the blaze.

London Fire Brigade were called at 6.08am to the Adventure cafe and shop near the Meerkat enclosure.

A spokesman for the zoo confirmed the death of Misha the Aardvark, and said that it was currently not possible to say what had happened to four missing meerkats still unaccounted for.

A photograph posted on Twitter by LFB shows smoke billowing from the building as firefighters work at the scene.

London Zoo said it would open tomorrow despite the fire.

It is understood that the cafe contains an animal petting area.

The London Fire Brigade tweeted at 7:50am saying: "Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters and officers are tackling a fire in a cafe and shop at London Zoo."

In a statement on their website the fire brigade said: "Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters and officers have been called to a fire at a café and shop at London Zoo.

"Approximately three quarters of an adventure café and shop and half of the roof is currently alight.

"An animal petting area is nearby.

"The Brigade was called at 0608. Fire crews from Kentish Town, Paddington, Euston, West Hampstead and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

"The cause of the fire is not known at this stage."

More than a million tourists visit the zoo in London's Regent's Park every year.

The zoo tweeted: "ZSL London Zoo is currently dealing with an incident on site. We will update as quickly as the situation allows."

This article first appeared in The Sun and is republished here with permission.