Zoo storm damage may cost 'hundreds of thousands'

Dudley Zoo has warned that the final cost of damage caused by Storm Goretti could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The attraction had to close for three days following heavy snow and high winds, with enclosures damaged and netting and trees brought down by the conditions.

Last week's storm exposed one of the highest points in the Black Country and while zoo staff had prepared for extreme weather, it was worse than expected.

The venue, which estimates damage to the flamingo enclosure alone will cost £75,000 to fix, has since re-opened to the public, who have already donated more than £10,000 towards repairs.

"I praise the staff that attended sites on the day of the storm... to make sure the welfare of the animals wasn't compromised," said director Matthew Lewis.

The zoo sees 300,000 visitors annually.

"We're looking at, certainly, hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of damage that's been caused across the site," Lewis said.

"I'd like to thank everybody for the opportunity, the monetary support."

As for the flamingoes, senior birdkeeper Kris Pearson said: "They would prefer to be outside of their enclosure but the quicker we can try and get this rebuilt, the better their welfare will increase again."

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