By Desmond Ogbonmwan | World News Desk
A devastating fire has destroyed a children’s soft play centre and mini zoo in Hertfordshire, killing all the animals housed inside and leaving a local community in shock.
Emergency services were called to The Jungle Box, located on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford, during the early hours of Wednesday after reports of a major blaze.
According to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters battled the fire for several hours after receiving emergency calls at around 3 a.m.
Ten fire engines were deployed to the scene as crews worked to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby businesses.
While no people were injured during the incident, officials confirmed that every animal inside the attraction died in the fire.
Family Attraction Opened Less Than a Year Ago
The Jungle Box had become a popular destination for families since opening in June 2025.
Alongside its indoor play facilities, the attraction featured a small animal section that housed a variety of creatures including meerkats, owls, iguanas, giant tortoises and a 16-foot snake.
The loss of the animals has sparked sadness among residents and customers who had visited the attraction with their children.
Firefighters Confirm Animals Could Not Be Saved
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Cook praised emergency crews for preventing the fire from spreading further.
“In the early hours of the morning we received calls to a significant fire at The Jungle Box in Buntingford,” he said.
“Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to neighbouring units.”
He confirmed that several animals were inside the building when the fire broke out and did not survive.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how the blaze started.
Community Reacts to Tragedy
Images from the scene showed thick black smoke rising above the industrial estate as emergency responders worked to bring the fire under control.
Residents in the surrounding area were advised to keep windows and doors closed while road closures were introduced on nearby routes.
Local businesses also expressed sympathy following news of the incident.
The Spud Twins, a neighbouring business, described the development as heartbreaking in a social media post.
“Absolutely devastated for our friends over at The Jungle Box soft play,” the business wrote.
The company also advised customers with bookings or children’s parties to await further communication from the attraction’s management.
Investigation Underway
Fire investigators are now working to determine the cause of the blaze.
Officials have not indicated whether the fire is being treated as accidental or suspicious.
For many local families, however, the focus remains on the tragic loss of the animals that had become one of the attraction’s most popular features.
The incident has left staff, visitors and animal lovers mourning the destruction of a venue that had quickly established itself as a family favourite within the community.
Author
By Desmond Ogbonmwan | World News Desk
About the Author
Desmond Ogbonmwan is a digital media strategist and editor at RoseOnAllSidesHQ, covering world affairs, public safety, human-interest stories, and major global events. His reporting focuses on the people and communities affected by breaking news.
