New Year’s lanterns could be to blame for devastating zoo fire

Blaze kills dozens of animals

KREFELD, Germany (KYMA, KSWT, KECY) - A fiery tragedy in Germany leaves dozens of animals dead.

The devastating New Year's fire destroyed the Krefeld Zoo's monkey sanctuary. The blaze killed more than 30 animals including chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, birds and fruit bats.

Two chimps did survive. They suffered burns, but are in stable condition. The zoo's director expects them to survive.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but police say they suspect sky lanterns launched for New Year's Eve could have sparked the blaze.

The zoo was closed on Wednesday, but people created a temporary memorial for the animals at its entrance.