Chester zoo is on fire

[KathrynOfArrogance]

And I really want to go and help the animals but I know they wouldn't let me anyway!
People are important too but the poor animals must be so so stressed!
AIBU to want them to escape :(

@Loopylou6 Ohla waves I'm from the plane place ;)

@IShitChristmasGlitter that's what I thought about the birds! But maybe they couldn't fly through the flames :(

twitter.com/CheshireFire/status/1073944625554096128

All animals accounted for, according to this.

I was worried about the birds as extreme change of temperature can be dangerous for them. Also they will be vulnerable to smoke fumes.

Poor animals being hemmed up in an environment they don't need to be in. Awful places that should.have been abolished years ago.

I can't remember if there was free flying birds there, if so they may have flown away when the roof broke. They'll never survive this weather .

I'm glad everyone's safe. And I want to see a picture of a orangutans in a line carrying blankets.

KathrynOfArrogance fingers crossed it was in another section of the building away from them.

So sad

I am positive their disaster plan will involve appropriate temporary housing for all the animals.
My biggest concern would be keepers getting hurt by scared animals - I imagine in this situation you might feel more inclined to take risks to ensure the animals' safety. My lodger was a zookeeper and it sounded like a pretty dangerous job - for her a bad day at work was one where she narrowly avoided getting kicked by a zebra.

Poor creatures. I hope that they're all ok or at least as many as possible.

I wouldn't worry about escaped crocodiles. They're extremely unlikely to be a threat should they escape.

Poor animals being hemmed up in an environment they don't need to be in. Awful places that should.have been abolished years ago.

Whilst things like poaching, trophy hunting etc. still happen zoos are a necessary 'evil' in the world. Chester is by far one of the better ones.

I'm glad everyone's safe. And I want to see a picture of a orangutans in a line carrying blankets

Same! Such a relief after seeing the pictures! And I love the orangutans, curious to see them lined up with their blankets! We once watched a mum orangutan trying to keep her babies/toddlers in check and our favourite one was sucking it’s thumb and clutching a blanket. The livelier one was going round in circles with his blanket over his head apparently pretending to be a ghost or something so cute!

Has anybody got a link to the picture of the orangutans with their blankets please?

@kathrynofarrogance ab? ;) I'm right near the place with the gigantic tree

Chester Zoo is nothing like the pent up places of years ago, it's a home from home. The animals have plenty of space, the zoo is really into conservation. The staff are great, hand picked and well trained. They have their own on site veterinary clinic.

Secret Life of the Zoo is a great programme, I've learned so much from it!

Great news that it appears there are no human or animal casualties/deaths.
However, someone (on Twitter) is asking if tonight's Lantern Walk is still on
Nah - they've changed it to a Torchlight Procession.

BabySharkAteMyHamster good zoos (of which Chester is one) are vital to education and conservation

@Otterseatpuffinsdontthey all people must think about is themselves! Although I'm not sure they have thought about tonight yet! And think lanterns is near front of zoo so it may still go ahead! "Tiki touch tour" perhaps?

@Loopylou6 AB indeed. Giant tree? Are you Enid blyton?

My daughter worked there when she was in sixth form. It's a fab place. So glad no human or animal has been hurt

The animals may have to be housed at other zoos for the time being. I know Blackpool and Chester have looked after each other's orangutans during building work.

Local paper has reported that all animals are safe and no casualties.

I'm currently dancing around my living room singing circle of life

The animals are all safe, my dsis and niece are there as niece is a volunteer in the chimp house.

I read they just put the orangutans in their outside enclosure. Assuming the pic was a hoax?

BabySharkAteMyHamster
Chester Zoo also provide a home to rescued animals that can not live in the wild.

For example, their Sun Bears:

The pair were rescued as cubs by conservationists working in Cambodia after their mothers were killed by poachers and they were found as mistreated pets

These two sun bears have gone on to have a cub whilst living at Chester Zoo. Who is absolutely beautiful.

Out of curiosity, without places like Chester Zoo, what do you think should have happened to these Sun Bears?

@RomanyRoots thanks for that! I know it's been reported but always nice to hear from someone that's actually involved 🙌

@BrendasUmbrella I hate to say that the chimp/blanket pic probably never existed, however we all have lovely images in our own heads haha

I did hope they would be able to put the chimps elsewhere, the crocs would of been alright if underwater, but god knows how the birds coped