CHESTER Zoo bosses say they are 'devastated' after some animals died in yesterday's fire.

Chief operating officer at the zoo, Jamie Christon, revealed earlier that the fire was one of the 'toughest' days in Chester Zoo's history.

In a bid to help the zoo rebuild and recover from the fire, the team had set up a JustGiving page to raise £50,000.

However, generous supporters of the zoo have smashed that target which currently stands at £73,621

In a statement Mr Christon said: "Yesterday (Saturday, December 15) was one of the toughest days in Chester Zoo’s long history.

"The remarkable efforts from the zoo team and the emergency services meant the fire was extinguished as quickly as possible.

"Visitors were evacuated immediately and we would like to thank them for their understanding and cooperation.

"Thankfully, no staff or public were harmed in the incident.

"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."

However it was revealed that staff could not save some insects, frogs, fish and small birds who were nearby the fire at the time.

He continued: "We are though, devastated to say that we were unable to save some of our insects, frogs, fish and small birds who were located near to the outbreak of the fire.

"It’s absolutely heart-breaking to lose any animal, especially when conservationists have worked so hard to breed these wonderful species.

"New homes have been found within the zoo for all of the animals that were led to safety and our teams are working around the clock to relocate them as soon as possible.

"The strength and support from the public has been incredibly overwhelming and the messages of goodwill have been of great comfort to our teams.

"We will support each other in rebuilding this part of the zoo and continue our mission of preventing extinction."

He added that the cause of the fire is unknown but Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service say they believe the fire was caused accidentally.

A major incident was declared at the zoo shortly before 11.30am on Saturday which saw 15 fire engines sent to the scene.

Eyewitnesses described how they were rushed to safety and that orangutans had been led to safety covered in blankets.

A spokeswoman from the North West Ambulance Service confirmed that one person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

At the end of his statement, Mr Christon thanked the emergency services for their swift response.

To donate to Chester Zoo's Monsoon Forest fund please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/monsoonforest