Roer’s Zoofari said in a Facebook post that staff were “crushed” by the loss of their “beloved giraffe” named Waffles and his new unnamed companion.
“Waffles were a favorite among our visitors and our team. We are sad,” Vanessa Roer, owner, said in a statement on the zoo website. “We are so grateful that no person or other Zoofari animal was injured or lost. And we appreciate the firefighters who came so quickly to help put out the fire.”
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said in a Facebook post that the two giraffes were found dead after the fire was brought under control at the zoo in Hunter Mill Road in Vienna. No other animals were injured, the department said.
According to the zoo post, the Zoofari owner received a call around 5:30 p.m. that the barn was on fire. The zoo website said the fire occurred after the zoo closed for the day.
Zoo staff and the veterinarian arrived at the scene to help rescue and care for 20 other animals.
“Heart counselors are being made available to staff who are devastated by this tragedy and who care deeply for these members of the Zoofari family,” the zoo said on Facebook.
Stir Zoofari was closed until Friday, according to their website.