Barn Fire at VA Zoo Kills Pair of Giraffes
By Brian Niemietz
Source New York Daily News
A pair of giraffes perished Monday following a barn fire in a suburban Washington, D.C., zoo.
Roer’s Zoofari in Vienna, VA, mourned the death of a giraffe named Waffles “and his companion giraffe” on its website, where it claims the blaze began after the zoo closed for the day.
“Waffles was a favorite with our visitors and our team. We are heartbroken,” the statement reads. “We are so grateful that no person or other Zoofari animals were injured or lost. And we deeply appreciate the firefighters who came so quickly to help extinguish the fire.”
Roer’s Zoofari reports roughly 20 other animals in the area where the fatal fire broke out were rescued. Its website lists kangaroos, warthogs and a baby goat among its inhabitants.
The zoo will be closed until Friday as staffers sort through the aftermath of the tragedy.
“Our team is so dedicated to the wellbeing of every animal, so when any are lost, it’s a very emotional time,” the statement reads. “We will be supporting each other through the healing.”
Giraffes live roughly 26 years, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Waffles was 6 years old.
It’s unclear at the point what caused the fire.
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