What we know: Four charged after animals abused at Marwell Zoo

Last year, a group of people broke into Marwell Zoo and filmed their crimes before posting it on social media.

Now, three men and one woman have been charged in connection with the incident.

Here is what we know so far.

What happened?

Screenshots from the viral videos showing the animals being abused at Marwell Zoo.

Last year between February 15 and February 16, videos emerged on social media following a break-in at Marwell Zoo.

The videos showed people creeping around the zoo at nighttime and captured them abusing the animals.

In one video, a bottle is thrown at a giraffe, striking the animal in the face.

In other footage, the group encouraged a tiger close to the fence before kicking out at the animal, causing it to bolt in fear.

Police were called to the zoo at 11.40pm on February 15 after a member of the public saw footage of people breaking into the site on social media.

At the time, police confirmed that entry had been forced into the zoo and multiple buildings within the grounds.

Police armed response (ARV) officers, a dog unit and a helicopter were all scrambled to the site and four people were arrested.

Who has been charged?

Nathan Daniels, 21, of Alexander Grove, Fareham, Bradley Green, 23, of Salterns Estate, Fareham and Jason Huggitt, 23, of Brockhurst Road, Gosport, have each been charged with burglary with intent to commit criminal damage.

They have also been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Coral Lock, 23, of Southway, Gosport has been charged with assisting an offender.

All four have been served a postal requisition to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on September 15.

What have the police said?

This image was taken by an ARV officer using Night Vision during the Police search of Marwell and shows one of the resident Marwell Cheetahs

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "Four people have been charged following an incident that took place at Marwell Zoo between Monday, 15 February and Tuesday, 16 February 2021.

"Nathan Daniels, 21, of Alexander Grove, Fareham, Bradley Green, 23, of Salterns Estate, Fareham and Jason Huggitt, 23, of Brockhurst Road, Gosport have each been charged with burglary with intent to commit criminal damage and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

"Coral Lock, 23, of Southway, Gosport has been charged with assisting an offender."

What did Marwell say? 

Last year, Marwell confirmed they were aware of the "appalling" videos circulating online. 

A spokesperson from the zoo told the Daily Echo: “We are aware of the appalling videos being circulated online showing our endangered animals in distress and we continue to assist the police with their investigation. 

"Our animals are all safe and those affected are being carefully monitored and cared for by our expert animal teams.”

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