Animals die in zoo fire
A number of exotic animals have died at a zoo in Scotland, after a fire broke out.
About 50 firefighters were called to the scene at Five Sisters Zoo in Polbeth, West Lothian, after its tropical house was found ablaze.
Fire crews attempted to contain the fire to the one-storey 25 by 15 metre (82 by 49 foot) building, after the alarm was raised at 3.50am on Sunday, April 14.
While two dwarf crocodiles and an otter were rescued, a number of the zoo's animals died. Reportedly, snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and meerkats.
The full extent of damage will not be known until it is safe for zoo staff to access the affected areas, however, no humans were harmed.
According to to Scotland's Fire and Rescue Service, high winds made firefighting conditions more difficult.
An investigation into the cause has begun.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
