Two of Scotland’s biggest birds – an endangered vulture and a white-tailed sea eagle – have been killed in a fire at a popular wildlife park.
Staff at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling, raised the alarm after the fire broke out in its bird of prey centre at about 9pm on Wednesday.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze, thought to have been sparked by a faulty heating system, under control within an hour.
But safari park officials yesterday confirmed that two of its much-loved birds of prey – including a Ruppell’s griffon vulture – had died.
The raptor centre was cosed to visitors yesterday, and the other birds moved to other areas of the park. It is expected to reopen today.
A spokeswoman said: “We are sad to announce that two birds of prey have died in a fire at Blair Drummond Safari Park.
“The fire, which we believe was caused by a fault with our heating system, started in the corner section of the aviary in our bird of prey centre.
“The fire has destroyed two aviaries and a store room in our bird of prey centre. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done to save the birds in these aviaries and a Ruppell’s griffon vulture and a white tailed sea eagle both died.
“Our vet has checked the other animals in this section and we will continue to monitor their health. Early signs suggest that they have not been affected.”
Incident commander and station manager Alex McCutcheon said: “On arrival the fire had already taken hold of two aviaries, but quick and decisive action ensured that the fire was contained to stop further fire spread and extinguished.
“Safari park staff and crews managed to save the majority of the birds and relocate them but sadly two did not survive.”
The dead birds were among the largest anywhere in Scotland, with wingspans of over eight feet.
Last year, Blair Drummond hoped to become the first in Scotland ever to breed one of their endangered Ruppell’s griffon vultures, with hopes it descendants might be returned to the wild to help the species recover or repopulate.