Two female giraffes had already escaped the blaze by the time fire crews had arrived.

Investigators cite an electrical short in the barn that sent embers down to the hay-covered ground.

Officials are monitoring the two female giraffes, Makali, 2, and Nairobi, 17, who are eating and appear to be recovering, an official said.

"The park and the staff are extremely saddened by this, but we have to put that aside and get out there and go on autopilot," said a park spokesperson.

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