Lotherton Zoo Faces Destruction as Snowstorm Strikes with Force

Following nearly a week of closure due to the heavy snowfall, Lotherton’s Wildlife World will reopen on 11 January with restricted access.

Workers at the cherished Aberford estate zoo made their way to work on Sunday (5 January) only to find that some of the largest aviaries had suffered significant collapse and destruction from the heavy snow, allowing seven Inca Terns and two Waldrapp Ibis to escape.

Thanks to their enormous efforts in clearing the snow from the nets, zoo personnel were able to thwart any further escaping of free-flying birds, despite the existing holes in the netting.

The team now expresses gratitude to the public for their assistance in finding the escaped birds. Up to now, three Inca Terns and one Waldrapp Ibis have been successfully retrieved.

Shannon Gill, an animal keeper at Wildlife World, stated: “After caring for these birds for nine years, I’ve been extremely anxious about their wellbeing. All the keepers have dedicated their free time to follow up on sightings, hoping to bring them back to Lotherton.”

The severe consequences of the snowfall come after Wildlife World was officially praised for its achievements over the past year, which include brand-new mammal paddocks, a new penguin experience pool, a new forest floor exhibit, and the return of wallabies to the collection.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, remarked: “It’s heartbreaking to witness the destruction of the aviaries at Wildlife World, particularly after so much recent effort has been put into enhancing the site for both animals and visitors.

“I want to acknowledge the team for their dedication in ensuring the safety of the birds and for collaborating with the public to recover those that escaped.

“We are pleased to be able to reopen on Saturday, albeit with limited access, and we will persist in our efforts to restore all aviaries as swiftly as possible.”

ENDS