IMAGES captured by a drone reveal the scale of the devastation caused by a huge fire at Chester Zoo on Saturday.

The blaze broke out in the Monsoon Forest area of the world-renowned attraction at 11.30am leading to the deaths of some exotic animals.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Keepers managed to save six orangutans, 18 macaques, four gibbons and some larger birds - but frogs, fish, snakes and other small birds did not survive.

The Monsoon Forest area remains closed to the public five days on from the blaze and well-wishers have so far raised more than £142,000 towards ongoing conservation projects.

Now dramatic birds-eye images reveal for the first time the extent of the damage caused to the £40m structure, said to be Britain's biggest indoor habitat.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Aerial photos show a large gaping hole in the roof with the charred remains of several enclosures where some animals perished.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service revealed on Wednesday (December 19) that their investigation had concluded the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

Zookeepers had managed to entice the monkeys and apes away from the fire with bananas and some orangutans were seen wrapped in comfort blankets.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Bosses spoke of their devastation by the loss of some of their animals and described the fire as one of the "toughest days" in its history.

Chief operating officer Jamie Christon added: "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 remain in good health."

Braintree and Witham Times:

He added: "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 in our long history, it reminded us all that the zoo holds a very special place in the hearts of so many of us, and lifted spirits of the whole team."

At its height more than 80 firefighters were battling the blaze, which caused significant damage to the entrance area and visitor walkways.

Braintree and Witham Times:

North West Ambulance Service said one person was treated for smoke inhalation and armed police were also in attendance in case any animals posed a threat to the public.