Small fire Monday night at MPZ’s Katthoefer Animal Building

Posted on October 17, 2023
Fire officials say the cause of the blaze came from a small heating device that malfunctioned in the reptile area of the Katthoefer Animal Building.(Photo courtesy Bloomington Fire Department)

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – A small fire broke out Monday night at the Miller Park Zoo in the historic Katthoefer Animal Building.

A security guard at the zoo spotted smoke coming from the building around 9:30 p.m. Bloomington fire crews arrived on the scene and were able to help zoo staff move animals from the building to contain the blaze.

Zoo officials say no animals were injured during the incident and damage to the buildling was minimal.

Fire officials say the cause of the blaze came from a small heating device that malfunctioned in the reptile area of the building.

Miller Park Zoo director Jay Pratte spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

Pratte says zoo veterinarians will be checking and monitoring animals throughout the week. The zoo will remain open Tuesday and the rest of the week.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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