Listen Live

300 animals escape zoo storm

Strong winds ripped open an air vent.

The Reptile Tropics was damaged one morning, exposing vulnerable animals, plants and electrics. 

Staff rushed to save lizards, snakes, turtles, iguanas, chameleons and geckos as the temperature in the building dropped. Meanwhile, maintenance staff were able to carry out running repairs and prevent further damage. 

In all, 65 reptiles and amphibians were saved, along with around 200 birds. 

Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “Staff did an amazing job – they saved many, many animals. We’re still worried about some of the plants. It’s a real shame that the building is closed for half term, but the damage was significant, and will not be easy to repair.”

Assistant Curator of Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates Jay Redbond said: “It was an amazingly smooth operation! My team and the bird keepers did a fantastic job of relocating animals. Although the temporary housing is not perfect, everything has settled in and we hope to get the damage fixed as soon as possible, so we can open Reptile Tropics again and - more importantly – get the animals back in their homes.”

The charity zoo hopes to have the building repaired in time for the Easter holidays.

More from Local News

Listen Live
On Air Now Through The Evening Playing Don't Stop Me Now Queen