EMERGENCY services swung into action following reports of a diesel spill in a lake used by hippos at Dubbo's Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) crew from Dubbo and personnel from Cumboogle Rural Fire Brigade were called to the zoo about 10am Tuesday following reports of the incident.
Firefighters set up a boom on the water surface to contain the spill and excavated contaminated soil, according to a Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson.
"The lake is home to hippos, which were immediately isolated from the spill to their back of house night yards," a Taronga Western Plains Zoo spokesperson said.
"Zoo management contacted NSW Fire Service to seek advice and assistance to contain the spill, and as a result NSW Fire Service (HAZMAT) and Rural Fire Service attended the scene.
"The spill is believed to have been caused by rain pooling in a diesel pump which is used to aerate the lake."
The spokesperson said the spill was "small" and the hippos would be back on display on Wednesday morning.
