DETAILS have been revealed about the creatures that perished in Saturday’s devastating fire at Chester Zoo.

They include cockroaches, shrimps, betta hendra fish, cinnamon frogs, tentacled snakes and birds such as grosbeak starlings.

All were part of conservation breeding programmes at the Monsoon Forest attraction.

In a statement, Jamie Christon, the zoo's chief operating officers said: "All of our mammal species - such as critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, Sulawesi macaques, endangered silvery gibbons and even birds such as rhinoceros hornbills were led to safety by our conservationists in partnership with the emergency services.

"However, 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.”

He added: "In a more positive light, 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 those animals and get them settled.

"Our conservationists will continue to move animals into their new habitats over the coming days. Some species such as the Sunda gharial crocodiles, painted batagur turtles and giant Asian pond turtles remain inside Monsoon Forest in an area unaffected by the fire, and are in good health.”

Mr Christon continued: "The investigation into the fire and its cause is ongoing, and we will continue to work hand in hand with the relevant authorities in the coming days and weeks.

"As a world class visitor attraction, we are fully insured and we will be working with our insurers as we look to start rebuilding the UK’s largest zoological building, Monsoon Forest.”

Meanwhile, staff are said to be “overwhelmed” as people have donated more than £125,000 in the wake of the fire.

The world-renowned attraction initially aimed to hit £50,000 but animal-lovers have helped them more than double that target in less than two days.

Mr Christon said: “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. The generosity has been truly humbling and 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."

To help, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/monsoonforest