Updated: Waffles, Companion Giraffe Killed In Zoo Fire

Updated (March 9, 7:05 a.m.): This story was updated with information from Reston Zoofari management.

RESTON, VA — Waffles, a giraffe at Roer's Zoofari in Reston, and his companion giraffe were found dead Monday night after a fire damaged a barn at the neighborhood zoo, according to posts on the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Twitter account.

“Waffles was a favorite with our visitors and our team. We are heartbroken,” said Roer, in a statement on the zoo's website. “We are so grateful that no person or other Zoofari animals were injured or lost. And we deeply appreciate the firefighters who came so quickly to help extinguish the fire.”

Fire and rescue units responded around 6 p.m. for the report of a barn fire in the 1200 block of Hunter Mill Road. The arriving units found fire coming from the roof of the two-story barn.

Firefighters had the blaze was under control around 7:25 p.m., according to a Twitter post. No firefighters were injured.

Zoo staff members and veterinarians assisted in the rescue and care of about 20 other animals housed in the area of the barn, according to Roer's statement. The zoo will remain closed until March 12.

“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,” Roer said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

UPDATE: 1200 block of Hunter Mill Road: The fire is under control. Tragically, two giraffes were found deceased. No other animals injured, and all are being attended to by zoo staff. No reported firefighter injuries at this time. Fire investigators on scene. #FCFRD pic.twitter.com/uT1ND7lnvD
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) March 9, 2021