CHITA, March 21 (RIA Novosti) - Two monkeys and many fish were killed early on Friday in a fire in a zoo in East Siberia, the head of the Chita City Zoo said on Friday.

Five fire engines were sent to put out the blaze but were too late to save Anya and Rocky, two pig-tailed macaques. The two monkeys climbed to the top of their enclosure in a desperate effort to avoid the flames, but were overcome by fumes.

The fire also inflicted at least 270,000 rubles ($11,000) damage.

Firemen have cited arson as a possible reason for the blaze. The zoo's administrative building, which housed the accounts department, was also set ablaze.

An investigation has been launched into the fire.