Chester Zoo has launched a £50,000 fundraising campaign after a fire destroyed much of the vast roof covering its Monsoon Forest area. Orangutans, gibbons, crocodiles, turtles and exotic birds were among the species housed in the artificial habitat designed to mimic a south-east Asian environment. Zoo staff were working to account for all species held at the attraction after the blaze tore through the plastic material covering the enclosure on Saturday. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident after it was called to the zoo shortly before 11.30am. Meanwhile zoo staff led the animals housed in the structure to safety as firefighters arrived on the scene.

Source: Huffington Post December 16, 2018 08:48 UTC