Devastating fire rips through Safari park killing 10 animals and forcing others to flee

Three giraffes were among the creatures to perish at the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio, as the State Fire Marshall attempts to determine how the fire started

Ten exotic animals were killed as a blaze tore apart a popular Safari park with wildlife running free to try and escape the flames.

Antelope, three giraffes, red river hogs and a springbok all died following the fire which started in a barn overnight.

It devastated African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio - but 300 other animals are all accounted for.

The State Fire Marshall is to visit the park to investigate why fire ripped through the area over the coming days.

The park opened in 1969 and has been visited by thousands of people every week for 50 years.

No humans were injured after a power problem was reported.

The zoo shared a statement announcing the news on Thursday evening.

"Our African Safari Wildlife Park team is devastated by the loss of animals housed in a barn destroyed by fire that was discovered early Thanksgiving evening," it read.

"We are grateful that our staff is safe and no one was injured.

"But the loss of the wildlife that we care for every day is tragic for our team members who love these animals. 

The park is set to remain closed this weekend as staff come to terms with the fire.