A POPULAR petting zoo is recovering and making positive changes after a “devastating year” which saw a fire kill 150 of its animals.

The blaze broke out at Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo’s private farm on July 5.

Owners James and Craig Williams were devastated by the fire but were overwhelmed by the support they received from the community.

Craig said: “The outpouring of support we’ve had – we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the community, the council and all our lovely supporters, and first and foremost our lovely staff who have worked through a horrific time.”

He added: “Thanks to the fire service, they saved so many animals, obviously we did lose an enormous amount of animals.

“We have around 500 animals and sadly in that fire we lost around 150.”

The fire was down to a “freak accident” and the insurance received has helped the zoo bosses to rebuild and remember the lives lost.

A plaque and remembrance bench have been installed in the park as a tribute to the animals.

The zoo is rebuilding and has taken in a new honey bear called Mowgli – a brother of one of the honey bears which died in the fire.

It also has a programme of events booked including Halloween and Christmas specials coming up.

For more information about the zoo, visit jandcpartypets.com.