I am appealing to Hampshire residents and those in the surrounding areas to help our local zoo following a break-in in which animals were abused and criminal damage was caused. 

On Monday, February 15, a group of men broke into Marwell Zoo. Videos were shared on social media of the men abusing the animals including one video showing a boy throwing a water bottle at a giraffe's face. The bottle struck the giraffe below the eye and caused the gentle animal to flee. In another video, the boys encourage a beautiful tiger to come to the fence before the kicked the fence and threw something at it. The tiger was spooked and ran away.

As well as abusing and tormenting the endangered animals that Marwell cares for, the group also caused a significant amount of damage to the zoo. 

Police arrested three men and one woman on suspicion of burglary, and all four have been released pending further investigation.

Marwell is already struggling - like many other organisations and businesses across the UK - due to the coronavirus pandemic. The zoo has suffered a loss of £4m as people are unable to visit.

I would like to raise as much money as possible to help the zoo recover from this incident as Marwell is full of so many fond memories for myself and others. I would hate to see the zoo struggling and risk losing this amazing place for future generations.  

Thank you for taking the time to read, and please donate anything you can - no matter how little.

LINKS:

www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19096842.video-shows-men-abusing-animals-marwell-zoo/?ref=twtrec

www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18994242.marwell-zoo-needs-support-ever-closure/