Fire has ripped through the premises (Image: Facebook)

A major fire has completely destroyed an indoor soft play centre in Hertfordshire, resulting in the heartbreaking death of every single animal in its small zoo.

First responders raced to The Jungle Box on Buntingford’s Watermill Industrial Estate after the alarm wa

The children’s attraction, which initially launched in June last year, ran a specialised pets’ corner and micro-zoo as part of its complex. The enclosure provided a home for numerous small beasts—including owls, meerkats, iguanas, giant tortoises, and a 16ft snake—all of which were killed in the devastating blaze, The Mirror reports.

Sadly, after extinguishing the blaze, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all animals in the building at the time of the fire had died. No people were harmed during the incident.

Crews rushed to the scene (Image: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue)

Assistant chief fire officer Darren Cook said: “In the early hours of the morning we received calls to a significant fire at The Jungle Box in Buntingford.

“Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to neighbouring units. I’d like to thank all crews for their professionalism and hard work and fire control colleagues for their calm and efficient handling of the calls.

“We can confirm that a number of animals were inside the building at the time of the fire and did not survive.