The Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh has been closed following a fire overnight.

Two lemurs are missing following the blaze which completely destroyed their enclosure.

Staff at the government-owned Wildlife Park say they are devastated.

The enclosure housed four lemurs, a breeding pair and two daughters.

Two of the lemurs were safely recovered from their outdoor area and although unhurt are being cared for in the park’s hospital unit.

Searches are ongoing for the two missing lemurs.

Firefighters were alerted to a fire at the park just before midnight. While the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished, the new gentle lemurs’ enclosure was completely destroyed.

The park houses lemurs as part of a captive breeding programme co-ordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

Lemurs are a critically endangered species and it is thought there are less than 2,500 of the animals left, primarily in a small region of their native Madagascar.

The park will reopen tomorrow (Friday) at 10am as normal.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has apologised for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience and understanding.