1 wallaby killed, 2nd injured in fire at zoo in Prescott

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP/KSAZ) -- Authorities say one wallaby was killed another seriously injured when a fire at a nonprofit zoo in Prescott destroyed one small exhibit building and damaged a second.

Fire officials say a heat lamp in the building that was destroyed was "the only possible source of ignition" for the fire that occurred Monday evening at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, formerly Heritage Park Zoo.

"Our staff did open up the gate to allow them freedom, access through the park so we could get fire trucks in and get them safely out," said Executive Director Pam Mclaren.

Initially, all of the five Wallabies got out safe, but two males ran back into the night house, where the fire started. One of them did not survive.

Officials say there were no injuries to firefighters or zoo personnel and that damage to buildings and contents was estimated at $10,000.

Wallabies are marsupials that resemble kangaroos but generally are smaller.

Meanwhile, zoo officials are not sure how long it will take to get the area back up and running. Although they are sad at the loss of the one wallaby, they're thankful the staff members were still here, and acted quickly keeping the fire from causing more damage to the exhibit and animals.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
www.heritageparkzoo.org/