Zebras and camels rescued after trailer carrying them catches fire, officials say

GRANT COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA/Gray News) - Indiana authorities came to the rescue of a group of exotic animals alongside a highway over the weekend.

On Saturday morning, a state trooper spotted a semi-trailer fire while on patrol in Grant County.

The trooper said the driver of the vehicle had gotten out safely, but the trailer being hauled was filled with exotic animals headed to the Shrine Circus in Fort Wayne.

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A Grant County deputy arrived at the scene and helped the trooper rescue the animals, which included five zebras, four camels and a miniature horse. All of the animals were unharmed.

Officials kept the animals secure until they could be loaded into another trailer and taken to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

The trooper and deputy who carried out the rescue were treated for smoke inhalation and released.

Officials said the fire was caused by equipment failure.

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