The Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh will be closed today (Thursday, 26 April 2018) following a fire overnight.
The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a fire at the park just before midnight. Whilst the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished, the new gentle lemurs’ enclosure was completely destroyed.
The enclosure housed four lemurs, a breeding pair and two daughters. Two of the lemurs were safely recovered from their outdoor area and although unhurt are being cared for in the park’s hospital unit. Two lemurs remain missing, with searches ongoing.
The park houses lemurs as part of a captive breeding programme coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. Lemurs are a critically endangered species and it is thought there are less than 2,500 of the animals left, primarily in a small region of their native Madagascar.
The park will reopen tomorrow (Friday, 27 April 2018) at 10am as normal. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience and understanding.
