Marwell Zoo break-in: 'Significant damage' and animal abuse leaves staff 'deeply saddened'

Police were dispatched to the venue in Thompson's Lane, between Bishop’s Waltham and Winchester after a member of the public saw social media footage showing a break-in at 11.40pm last night.

Officers have made four arrests in connection to the incident, with an ongoing investigation into objects being thrown at the animals and ‘significant damage’ caused to the site.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘Entry had been forced to the site, and multiple buildings within the grounds, causing significant damage.

‘A 20-year-old man and a 22-year-old man, both from Fareham, and a 22-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, both from Gosport, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary.

‘They remain in custody at this time.

‘We are still in the early stages of this investigation, we do not believe anything has been stolen at this time.’

Zoo keepers are working with the police as enquiries continue, according to a spokeswoman from the venue.

She said: ‘We are deeply saddened by an incident at the zoo last night and we are today assisting police with their enquiries.

‘We’d like to reassure our supporters that all our animals are safe and our expert teams are on site caring for them to the highest standard.’

Marwell Zoo, home to more than 140 species, is owned by Marwell Wildlife, a global conservation charity.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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