VISITORS were left in shock after strong winds tore down trees at Marwell Zoo.

The storm ripped through the Winchester zoo on Sunday, leaving ‘devastation’ in its wake.

People have been advised not to visit as there is now limited parking due to damage inflicted on the car park.

Totton resident Mark Jauncey was visiting with his family yesterday when the storm unfolded.

Daily Echo: Photo by Mark JaunceyPhoto by Mark Jauncey (Image: Mark Jauncey)

He said: “We have annual tickets for Marwell, so we went for the afternoon.

“We were inside one of the enclosures when it suddenly got darker and darker. From nothing, the wind came out of nowhere.

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“As soon as we got to the car park we said, ‘what’s happened?’. There were trees and branches everywhere.

“It was just devastation.”

Mark said he was relieved there were few people in the car park at this point, as it “could have been a serious incident.”

He added: “It was such a lovely day when we arrived but it completely turned on its head.

“I was shocked.”

In light of recent events, Marwell Zoo is only asking those who have booked tickets to visit today.

In an online statement, the charity said: “After sudden and extremely high winds earlier this afternoon (October 23), we have unfortunately suffered damage to our car park and will have limited parking at the zoo tomorrow.

“Please only visit the zoo on Monday if you have already booked tickets. We ask Annual Members and others who have not booked to postpone your visit.

“Tickets have been switched off for this day.

“The entrance to the zoo from Winchester Road will be closed for part of tomorrow morning, but the zoo entrance will still be accessible via Hurst Lane.

“We hope to be able to resume normal operations on Tuesday; however, please do keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest updates.”

The adverse weather is belived to have been caused by a tornado and the Met Office has been contacted for clarification. 

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