Structure Fire at Richmond Zoo

On June 4, 2023, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the Metro Richmond Zoo fora reported structure fire. Fire crews arrived o n scene to find two structures fully involved with fire. Crews then began a 2,000-foot lay to the structures and a defensive attack. Fire crews and zoo staff worked to rescue 9 of the 10 animals inside. Unfortunately, a meerkat died at the scene. The buildings damaged included the animal hospital, feed storage room, zookeeperservice area, and an animal enclosure fence. It is reported that the fire began in the zoo’s workshop area and quickly spread from there. Fire crews worked on scene forclose to eight hours. The Chesterfield County Fire Marshal’s office was investigating this incident. - Fire News photos by CFN Media