KEEPERS at the West Midland Safari Park had to move rhinos from their enclosure after a blaze broke out during visiting hours.
The fire started on land next to the African reserve at the park, near Bewdley, on Sunday.
Trees and wooden fencing at the rhino enclosure caught alight while the park was packed with visitors.
Flames climbed 20ft up trees and smoke covered a wide area.
Keepers had to move the park's six rhinos back into their overnight accommodation as a safety precaution.
"The smoke and flames spooked them so we had to move them indoors," said Bob Lawrence, head warden at the park.
"The place was packed with cars. You can't have six rhinos flying around.
"One car did get a dent. It was controlled chaos and a well-rehearsed drill.
Little ones
"The bigger rhinos were okay, but the little ones hadn't seen it before."
Firefighters from Stourport-on-Severn, Kidderminster and Bewdley were able to put out the blaze within an hour of arriving at 4.45pm.
The park remained open throughout the incident.
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