Overview
- A significant fire ripped through The Jungle Box on Wednesday morning, June 10, prompting ten fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to respond and causing no human injuries.
- Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue initially reported that animals inside had not survived but later revised that account when crews discovered a baby tortoise alive during the investigation.
- Fire investigators remain on site and have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue has said enquiries are ongoing.
- East Herts Council has told media the venue did not hold a licence to keep animals and officials wrote to the owners earlier in June asking them to apply, which could prompt regulatory action.
- The Jungle Box opened last June and had recently added an exotic pets area that listed species such as meerkats, owls, iguanas and tortoises; the fire produced heavy smoke, local road closures and disruption to bookings and nearby businesses.