Fire Forces Zoo To Move Animals

A wildfire that began just outside the city zoo Saturday forced officials to evacuate about 2,000 visitors and move 30 animals. No injuries were reported.

The fire, which began around 10 a.m. close to MetroZoo’s southeastern section, was contained by late evening after scorching hundreds of acres. It burned about 100 of the zoo’s 740 acres, said Ron Magill, the zoo’s spokesman.

Workers moved koalas, kangaroos, antelope and other animals into the zoo’s hospital or into trailers. The zoo will remain closed today while the animals are moved back to their homes, Magill said.