Marwell Zoo in Hampshire closed on Wednesday lunchtime and will remain shut on Thursday due to extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 36C, setting a new June record. The decision was made in the interests of animal welfare, visitor safety, and staff wellbeing.
Record-Breaking Heat Forces Closure
Provisional figures show the temperature reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, surpassing the previous June record from 1976. The Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat, with forecasts indicating the heatwave will continue through Thursday and Friday.
A Marwell Zoo spokesperson said: "Our habitats are designed to provide shade, fresh water and cooler areas but our animal care teams will continue to closely monitor all animals throughout this period and implement additional measures where needed to help keep them comfortable in the hot weather. The welfare of our animals, staff and guests will always be our highest priority."
Impact on Visitors and Operations
Guests with pre-booked tickets will have them automatically extended until July 31. The zoo's Keeper's Kitchen cafe will remain open, selling cold refreshments including smoothies, ice creams, and milkshakes. The zoo is home to over 500 animals spanning 145 species, including giraffes, meerkats, leopards, and penguins.
The heatwave has caused significant disruption, including health warnings, school closures, and transport issues. The Met Office warned that "significant disruption to daily life is likely" and that the temperature record could be "beaten again."
Public Response and Reputation
Marwell Zoo holds a 4.4-star Google rating, with recent visitors describing it as a "great day out for all ages" with "a variety of animals in spacious natural enclosures." The closure underscores the severity of the current heatwave and the priority placed on animal welfare.
