PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WDNews) — A fire that broke out early Thursday at ZooWorld Panama City Beach has been contained, but officials confirmed that some animals died as a result.
According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, a patrol deputy discovered the fire shortly before 5 a.m. behind the zoo’s gift shop in the main structure area. Bay County Fire Rescue responded and quickly brought the fire under control.
Authorities said the fire occurred in one of the animal enclosures. The Bay County Fire Rescue confirmed that some animals did not survive. Firefighters also reported that two animals were released from the enclosure during the response and were safely captured.
Officials said animal safety was the top priority during the incident, and crews worked to remove animals from affected areas where possible.
ZooWorld announced it will remain closed Thursday and Friday as teams assess damage to the structures.
Road closures were reported along Front Beach Road during the response. The Florida Highway Patrol reported the fire started around 5 a.m. The northbound lanes of Front Beach Road have since reopened, while work continues to reopen the southbound side. Authorities said the stretch between Allison Avenue and Joan Avenue was closed during the response, and drivers were advised to use alternate routes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photo courtesy of Zooworld Panama City BeachPANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WDNews) — A fire that broke out early Thursday at ZooWorld Panama City Beach has been contained, but Bay County officials confirmed that six ruffed lemurs died as a result.
According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, a patrol deputy discovered the fire shortly before 5 a.m. behind the zoo’s gift shop in the main structure area. Bay County Fire Rescue responded and quickly brought the fire under control.
Officials said the fire occurred in one of the animal enclosures. Bay County authorities confirmed that six ruffed lemurs did not survive. Two lemurs that escaped the enclosure during the incident were safely captured and are currently being treated by a veterinarian.
Animal safety was the top priority during the response, officials said, and crews worked to remove animals from affected areas where possible.
ZooWorld announced it will remain closed Thursday and Friday as teams assess damage to the structures.
Traffic along Front Beach Road was impacted during the response. The Florida Highway Patrol reported the fire started around 5 a.m. Northbound lanes of Front Beach Road have reopened, while work continues to reopen the southbound side. Authorities said the stretch between Allison Avenue and Joan Avenue was closed during the response, and drivers were advised to use alternate routes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photo courtesy of ZooWorld Panama City Beach
