VIDEO: Suspected tornado hits Marwell Zoo
It pulled down trees, signs and damaged cars
Last updated 24th Oct 2022
Marwell Zoo near Winchester say it believes a tornado swept through its car park yesterday, pulling down trees, signs and overturning bins.
Cars were also damaged.
The attraction says the rest of the zoo was untouched - with no animals or staff hurt.
In a statement, Marwell Zoo said: "On Sunday 23 October, just after 4pm, what can only be described as a ‘tornado’ swept through the car park at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire.
"Thankfully, the wind was highly localised, and the rest of the zoo was undamaged. Both the zoo’s animals and staff are also safe.
"CCTV footage caught the sudden moment extremely high winds caused damage to signage, lamp posts, trees, and cars.
"Thompsons Lane, via Winchester Road, was also closed this morning due to safety concerns regarding tree damage, however, there is still access to the zoo entrance via Hurst Lane.
"Marwell staff and volunteers have been all hands on deck with the clean-up effort to get the car park safe again and capacity back to normal during half term week. The zoo will be open and operating as usual tomorrow (25 October)."
James Cretney, Chief Executive at Marwell Wildlife said: “I couldn’t believe it. The car park looked like something from a Hollywood movie set, such was the force of this tornado.
“More evidence, as if we needed it, of the increased volatility and ferocity of weather due to climate change.
“Thankfully no one was hurt, and it didn’t affect the zoo. My sincerest thanks to the emergency services, AA, and of course Marwell staff for sorting the mess out.”