Chester Zoo have announced that as a result of the weather conditions in Storm Arwen. 

The zoo released a statement on their social media this morning that the storm has forced them to keep their gates closed for today and tonight, when they were meant to have a lantern display.

It said: 

"Well, what a windy night that was! Unfortunately, we’re arrived at the zoo bright and early this morning to find that Storm Arwen has had her wicked way with us and has left a mini trail of destruction. With so much tree and other debris blocking pathways right across our 128 acre zoo, we’re gutted so say we’re therefore going to have to keep our gates closed today.

"Don’t worry, our incredible zoo keepers have meanwhile already checked on each and every one of the animals and all are absolutely fine – many just slept through it!

"ZOO TICKETS: For those with daytime tickets to the zoo today – we’ve automatically extended them to the end of May 2022. So, please just keep hold of your booking and you’ll able to use those any time you like from now until then.

"LANTERNS TICKETS FOR TONGHT (Sat 27 Nov): Anyone with tickets for tonight will automatically be refunded. We’ll also be in touch with all who were due to come along this evening with an additional option very, very soon – keep an eye on an email from us later today.

"We are so, so sorry for postponing your plans but, as we really hope you’ll understand, we simply have to put the safety of our visitors first.

"While we’re closed today, we’re going to get things cleared up and get our zoo back to looking its beautiful best, ready to reopen as normal tomorrow (that’s the both the zoo and The Lanterns). Thankfully, the forecast is looking much, much calmer after today!

"Snuggle up, keep cosy and we’ll see you all soon."