Marwell Zoo will reopen on Wednesday 2 December and its Chief Executive has urged families to support their vital conservation work by visiting the Hampshire wildlife park this Christmas. The zoo has announced its larger than life toy brick adventure SUPERSIZED! featuring a towering three-metre tarantula and colourful kingfisher will stay at the zoo until 21 February 2021 to brighten up the winter months.
The team has been busy spreading some festive cheer around the 140 acre zoo ahead of the reopening. As dusk falls, Grade 1 listed Marwell Hall will become a beautiful spectrum of Christmas colour and children and adults will delight at glittering illuminations including a fairytale princess carriage and Santa’s sleigh with flying reindeer. Plus, there are plenty of fun festive competitions for all the family as well as a giant postbox to send letters to Father Christmas.
Tickets for Wednesday 2 December, Thursday 3 December and Friday 4 December will go on sale Monday 30 November.
Tickets will then be released for sale four days ahead only.
Marwell Zoo’s Chief Executive James Cretney, said: “Even when the zoo is closed, our daily costs remain incredibly high as the responsibility of looking after our animals to the highest standard does not change, so we are of course delighted that we can reopen next week.
“We’re undoubtedly facing our toughest challenge in our nearly 50 year history. Since March we’ve lost more than £4million in revenue due to the pandemic and each month it costs us more than £220,000 just to care for our resident animals. We are a charity and our wider conservation work, both here in the UK and overseas also needs to continue. Many people and projects depend upon us.
“The best way to support us is to come and visit us this winter. The zoo just isn’t the same without the buzz of families making memories together and we can’t wait to welcome everyone soon.”
Marwell Zoo is a conservation charity so simply by visiting you will be giving something back this Christmas to ensure future generations can experience the joy of coming to the zoo and help amazing projects to conserve habitats and species in the UK and around the world.
The 140 acre park is home to hundreds of endangered animals such as curious meerkats, stunning snow leopards, towering Rothschild’s giraffe and magnificent rhinos. Booking is essential.
Check here for more information about the safety measures in place at the zoo or here to donate to the conservation charity.