'Storm caused £20,000 of flooding damage but our community has been amazing'
Exmoor Zoo say they've been overwhelmed by the response after their reception, cafe and gift shop were flooded during the storms at the weekend.
They say all the animals are safe and weren't affected, but estimate the incident's caused at least £20,000 in damage.
The zoo's currently closed due to the lockdown and an ongoing crowdfunding appeal to support them has now raised almost £50,000
Lynn Reynolds is one of the trustees there, and says people have been very generous:
"The community have absolutely been brilliant, as always.
"Even if they don't donate, they message on Facebook help us know that people are thinking about us.
"Most of what's been damaged is our electrical equipment, because a lot of it is on ground level.
"It's just left a lot of mud, a lot of leaves, a lot of debris and a lot of damage."
On Thursday night the zoo posted online: "At 11:30pm we stopped sweeping the water out the main building.
"We’ve had a quick check to see what stock we missed whilst frantically trying to get the drain open- which took two people and 20 mins of heaving as it was under water... the 6 inches of water in the kitchen disappeared, but left us with the gift shop and cafe to deal with.
"We had music on, we ( I mean me) sang and boogied to keep the directors (aka mum and dad) from cracking.
"We spent some quality family time for a good few hours, but we’re off to bed now and hopefully when the team come in tomorrow it will look slightly better... if not slightly muddy."
A later post added: "Quick update.. all animals are safe and well, it was the commercial block that got hit, the reception, gift shop and cafe -thanks for all your offers of help but can’t have too many people In the building."
For more about Exmoor Zoo click here
For more about the ongoing crowdfunding appeal click here