It may have been one of the hottest days of the year, but whilst the animals were basking in glorious sunshine, Marwell Zoo guests swopped sunhats for snowballs and enjoyed a snow day.
Children took part in a giant snowball fight with Father Christmas and his mischievous elves outside Grade I listed Marwell Hall and there was a flurry of snow as canons were tested ahead of the winter.
The event gave guests a sneak peek of the festive fun to come for its magical winter lights experience Glow Marwell and also marked the opening of the zoo’s new snow leopard extension.
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For the first time since 2019, Father Christmas and his elves will be taking up residence inside Marwell Hall.
Nicky Cole, Senior Events Manager, said: “We’ve swapped sunshine for snowfall at Marwell, we’re all very excited about Glow Marwell 2024! We’ve been working on some exciting new light displays, interactive elements and immersive experiences to ensure that this year’s Glow Marwell event is bigger and better than ever before and we’re excited to unveil them later this year.
“Testing out the snow canons and giving the guests a glimpse of what’s to come is a lovely way to get everyone excited and we’re sure they won’t be disappointed.
“It’s been so much fun seeing families enjoying the magic of our snow, which has also celebrated the opening of our new snow leopard extension project.”
This time last year the conservation charity asked the public for help to double the size of its snow leopard’s home. In response to the fundraising drive, £15,976 in donations were put towards the project.
At the moment, the extension is only being used by Marwell’s female snow leopard, Irina, as she and Warjun, the young male brought in last year continue to be kept separately.
Irina has already been exploring the new area and enjoying the additional space it affords her to roam and scent mark. Snow leopards have been an important part of Marwell’s conservation work since they first arrived at the zoo in 1977.
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