‘We’re overwhelmed’
CHESTER Zoo staff say they are ‘overwhelmed’ by the generosity of supporters who have raised more than £130,000.
It comes after ‘one of the toughest days in Chester Zoo’s long history’ when fire ripped through the Monsoon forest enclosure on Saturday.
The zoo has now confirmed that breeds including question mark cockroaches, Amano shrimps, betta hendra fish, cinnamon frogs, tentacled snakes and grosbeak starlings died in the blaze.
However, keepers were able to guide six orangutans, four gibbons and 18 macaques away from the flames by tempting them with bananas. Some orangutans were also seen wrapping themselves in ‘comfort blankets’ as they fled the fire.
Shocked supporters of the popular attraction have so far raised more than £130,000 via a Justgiving page set up following the fire far surpassing the original £50,000 target.
Jamie Christon, the zoo’s chief operating officer, said: “Now that our teams have started to assess the site, we are devastated to confirm the small number of species that we were unable to save. These include a number of question mark cockroaches, Amano shrimps, betta hendra fish, cinnamon frogs, tentacled snakes and birds such as grosbeak starlings.
“These animals were all part of conservation breeding programmes and we will look to be part of those vital projects once again in the near future.”
But he added: “The whole Chester Zoo team have been humbled by the incredible amount of support and kindness from the local community, our members, visitors and the general public.
“On one of the toughest days, it reminded us all that the zoo holds a very special place in the hearts of so many people, and lifted spirits of the whole team here.
“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of spontaneous donations made to the Just Giving page. All the money given will go directly towards our conservation projects both here in the zoo, and around the world. As a wildlife conservation charity, we will continue our mission to prevent extinction.”
Emergency services declared the fire, which broke out at about 11.30am, a ‘major incident.’
At its height, around 75 firefighters battled the blaze, which caused significant damage to the entrance area and first floor visitors walkway. An investigation into the cause of the blaze has now been launched, but fire chiefs say it is believed to have started accidentally.
Money raised by the public will be used to help fund conservation projects, the zoo has said, because the costs of rebuilding the Monsoon Forest habitat will be covered by insurance.
Anyone wishing to donate money to the zoo should visit the Justgiving page. You can also make a donation via text. Just send WILD34 £5 to 70070.