Photos: Springfield, N.J. zoo back open after two fires

Although the rebuilding continues, zookeepers at the Animal Kingdom zoo in Springfield opened the gates for business this week after two fires killed the zoo’s owner and several animals.

On the Animal Kingdom website, a message thanked zoo patrons for their donations and emergency responders for their work during the fires.

“Thank you to everyone who helped us find homes for all of the puppies and a special thank you to the EMS, firemen, policemen and neighbors who helped rescue them from the burning building. True heroes in the eyes of all of us here at Animal Kingdom.”

According to the Animal Kingdom website, many of the zoo’s animals are considered endangered species.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Zookeepers say many of the animals have returned to the zoo, however, the zoo giraffes still remain at their temporary home until construction on their stall is completed.

The Times of Trenton reports the zoo was cited for 19 violations of the Animal Welfare Act prior to the fires. Zookeepers say the violations have since been fixed. 

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal