The trailer caught fire in Grant County, northeastern Indiana, on Saturday and police rushed to the scene.

Five zebras, four camels and a miniature horse all due to perform for the circus that weekend were saved in the surreal incident.

The driver, a 57-year-old man from Sarasota, Florida, was found unharmed.

Two of the officers involved in the rescue were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation but were later released.

Footage showed the animals grazing on grass after they were led to safety.

Grant County Sheriff's Office, which posted clips of the incident on social media, said in a message: "No harm to our furry friends."

The truck was bringing the animals from Florida to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for four weekend circus performances at the Mizpah Shrine Circus, said Steve Trump, the circus director.

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He said the performances were annual fundraisers to help pay for the Shrine Centre to "allow us to use our other fundraisers for what we're known best for, taking care of kids".

The director said the truck's crew stopped the vehicle to check a problem with it and discovered a fire that quickly spread, posing a threat to the animals inside.

Sergeant Steven Glass of Indiana State Police said it was a "very unique situation to have to deal with".

Some lanes were closed for just over four hours until the area was cleaned up and the animals were taken away by another truck as the first one was destroyed by the fire.

"I was thrilled that things worked out that way," Mr Trump said.