Storm Austen: UK Zoos and Safari Parks Close as 80mph Winds Batter Britain
Storm Austen has brought parts of Britain to a standstill today, with gusts of up to 80mph and heavy rain forcing some of the country’s best-known zoos and safari parks to close their gates for the day.
Chester Zoo, Longleat Safari Park and Marwell Zoo in Winchester are among the major attractions that stayed shut on Friday, after forecasters warned that the storm’s winds posed a genuine risk from falling trees and debris. A string of smaller wildlife parks, including Maldon Promenade Zoo, Shaldon Zoo and Wildlife Park, Wildwood Devon and Dartmoor Zoo, also confirmed they would not open.
Which attractions are closed?
- Chester Zoo – closed all day on Friday
- Longleat Safari Park – closed to all visitors on Friday
- Marwell Zoo, Winchester – closed, aiming to reopen on Saturday
- Dartmoor Zoo, Wildwood Devon, Shaldon Zoo and Maldon Promenade Zoo – closed
- Newquay Zoo – delayed opening until 11am
Longleat said the decision was taken because of the risk of falling trees and lanterns around the park, adding: “The safety of our guests, staff and animals must always come first.” Chester Zoo said it had taken the decision to close because of the really strong winds expected through the day, while Marwell pointed to the combination of high winds and heavy rain in the forecast.
Animals still being cared for
Although the gates are closed to visitors, the zoos stressed that animal care teams remain on site as normal. Keepers and veterinary staff work through all weathers, and the closures are about protecting the public and staff moving around the parks rather than the animals in their enclosures.
Marwell said it hopes to reopen on Saturday 24 October as normal, although it warned that some activities may open late and remedial work could still be under way after the storm passes.
More disruption expected this weekend
Storm Austen is expected to keep the weather unsettled into the weekend, with further spells of heavy rain and strong winds in the forecast. Anyone planning a day out, a journey or outdoor work should check the latest forecast and travel updates before setting off, and allow extra time in case of delays or localised flooding.
Visitors with tickets for any of the closed attractions today are advised to check the attraction’s own website and social channels, where rebooking and refund arrangements are normally posted after a weather closure.
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Featured image: storm waves on the UK coast, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA).
