OWNERS of a Scots zoo that was engulfed by fire say hundreds of messages and thousands of pounds in donations have given them hope to carry on.
Dozens of animals and reptiles were killed when fire broke out at the Five Sisters Zoo at Polbeth in West Lothian.
Geckos, snakes and iguanas, as well as some small mammals, died.
The zoo – which last year made headlines when it took in three bears rescued from Belgium – confirmed the total in the fire fund stood at £13,700 yesterday evening, and managers thanked the public for their generosity.
Some have walked into the zoo to ask if they could help.
While the official website was down last night, the zoo managers said this was because it has been under such pressure and they hoped to have it rectified soon.
"A day on from the fire and everything is still very raw at the zoo," managers said. "The hundreds of messages and donations we have received are giving us the hope to carry on."
The zoo managers said dozens of animals at the zoo were in the process of being fed and cared for.
A female otter was very weak and is under close observation, while two crocodiles were "remarkably well".
Of the 14-strong meerkat group at the zoo, the two that survived were responding well to treatment.
It is believed there was a possible sighting of a meerkat in Polbeth but the zoo said this had still be confirmed.
Edinburgh Zoo has also been in touch with Five Sisters to offer assistance.
No humans were injured as a result of the fire.
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