A San Diego zoo security guard who was doing his rounds in the early morning of Monday 11th July smelt smoke and found on investigation that the shop close to the Panda Exhibit was on fire.

Fire Fighters were called and the fire was out in about 15 minutes. Investigators stayed through the night examining the reason behind the fire. It is believed that the fire was set deliberately, the exact cause has not been released at this time.

The panda keepers checked on the pandas and they were going about their usual routines and were not effected by the fire.

The shop and nearby Cafe will remain close for the time being.