Chester Zoo fire: Staff 'overwhelmed' after donations reach £124,000
The zoo says it will spend the money on conservation after some of its animals died during the fire on Saturday.
Monday 17 December 2018 13:19, UK
Chester Zoo has been "totally overwhelmed" as animal lovers raised more than £124,000 less than two days after a devastating fire.
The original £50,000 target was smashed in just a few hours after members of the public began donating moments after Saturday's fire.
Bosses at the wildlife attraction said the cash, which stood at £124,000 by midday on Monday, will be spent on conservation work.
Insurance will pay for damage caused by the fire which killed frogs, fish, insects and small birds in the Monsoon Forest habitat building.
Staff were left "heartbroken" by their deaths but managed to move all of the zoo's mammals to safety, including its critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, Sulawesi macaques, endangered silvery gibbons and birds, including rhinoceros hornbills.
Visitors were also safely evacuated.
A statement on the zoo's JustGiving 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.
"Thank you so much for your kindness. Our teams have been working around the clock and knowing how much support there is behind them has made this awful time a little easier to bear.
"Thank you again. You're all amazing."
More than 15 fire crews and paramedics helped battle the blaze after it broke out just before 11.30pm on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses said strong winds fanned the flames in the roof of the building, which was almost entirely destroyed.
One person was treated for smoke inhalation, North West Ambulance Service said.
The fire is thought to have been accidental.
Chester Zoo, which has 21,000 animals and attracted 1.8 million visitors last year, reopened on Sunday.
The animals that were saved are being rehoused on the 125-acre site.
