Chester zoo 'overwhelmed' by public donations after devastating fire

Chester Zoo has been recovering from the "toughest days" they've ever experienced after a devastating fire broke out.

Sadly, keepers are mourning the loss of "insects, frogs, fish and small birds" who were located near to the outbreak of the blaze.

In a time of great sadness, the public has rallied around the zoo and raised over an incredible £120,000 (€133,000).

A statement on the Zoo’s JustGiving appeal page said: “We’re totally overwhelmed by the love and concern from everyone wanting to help in any way they can."

“With such a huge number of you asking what you can do to support, we’ve set up this page so anyone who wants to donate has the opportunity to do so."

“All the incredible supporters who’ve given are providing us with a fund which will help us continue with our mission to prevent extinction," it added.

Fire in the Monsoon Forest. Hoping animals as everyone involved ok. @CheshireLive @chesterzoo pic.twitter.com/YMdpFfPHD1

— Rebecca Clough (@_becky_clough) December 15, 2018

The zoo went onto thank the public for their kindness and said that their teams have been working around the clock, but their support made an "awful time a little easier to bear."

“Thank you again. You’re all amazing,” they finished.

At the time of the blaze, visitors were evacuated immediately and luckily no staff or public were harmed in the incident.

Although the zoo experienced loss, keepers were able to encourage all mammal species away from the fire and to safety – including the zoo’s group of critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, Sulawesi macaques, endangered silvery gibbons and birds such as rhinoceros hornbills.

New homes have been found within the zoo for all of the animals that were led to safety.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but it is reported that more than 15 fire crews and ambulance staff were at the scene.

It is believed that the blaze broke out around 11.30am on Saturday.

The fire disrupted the zoo's Saturday schedule but it was fully reopened on Sunday.