Four Arrested After Armed Police Called To Marwell Zoo Following Report Of Group Who Broke In To Throw Objects At Animals

Four people have been arrested after a zoo was broken into and items were thrown at animals, police have said.

Hampshire Police sent armed officers and a helicopter to Marwell Zoo on Monday night after a member of the public saw a video on social media of objects being thrown at animals there.

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”.

A Marwell Zoo spokesperson, 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.” 

The zoo, which is home to more than 140 species, is currently closed to the public because of lockdown restrictions.

Marwell has already lost £4m in revenue during 2020 and is running a crowd funding appeal to help meet its monthly costs of more than £200,000