Waffles, the beloved giraffe at Roer’s Zoofari, died in Monday’s fire. (File photo 2018) Photo by Mercia Hobson.
Two giraffes at Roer's Zoofari at 1228 Hunter Mill Road in Reston died in a barn fire Monday evening. The blaze claimed the lives of "Waffles," who arrived at the zoo in 2016, and his recently acquired companion giraffe, yet unnamed.
“We are heartbroken,” said Roer in a post on Roer’s Zoofari’s website. Waffles, beloved by the team staff, was a favorite with visitors, he said. "Our team is so dedicated to the wellbeing of every animal, so when any are lost, it's a very emotional time. We will be supporting each other through the healing."
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported on the department's official Twitter account flames on the roof and two floors of a 2-story barn when firefighters first arrived. In an update Tuesday morning, the department said no other animals were injured, and they were being attended to by zoo staff. There were no reported firefighter injuries at this time. Fire investigators were on the scene.
According to Roer, zoo staff members and veterinarian arrived within minutes to help rescue and care for approximately 20 other animals housed in the same area. "We deeply appreciate the firefighters who came so quickly to help extinguish the fire."
The zoo will be closed until March 12.