Zoo Blames Armadillo for Heat Lamp Fire

INDIANAPOLIS – A fire at the Indianapolis Zoo is being blamed on an armadillo that apparently pushed combustible material or bedding too close to a heat lamp.

Zoo officials said Wednesday that a fire investigator’s report found no indication that the lamp fell or malfunctioned. The lamp had been double-chained more than two feet above the floor in the armadillo area at the Zoo’s Critter Corner exhibit.

The armadillo, three turtles, two birds, a snake and other small animals died in the November 10 fire.

Zoo President Michael Crowther estimates damages at about $120,000 and says the building should reopen in 30 to 60 days.