Snow day at Marwell… what a difference a day makes!

Today guests at the zoo swapped sunhats for snowballs and enjoyed a snow day to cool down after the hottest day of the year.

While our resident animals were enjoying the sunshine and seeking out shady spots to relax, children took part in a giant snowball fight with Father Christmas and his mischievous elves outside Grade I listed Marwell Hall.

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. 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 cannons 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 we asked the public for help to double the size of our 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.

Carrie Arnold, Carnivore Team Leader, said: “The extension to the snow leopard habitat has been an exciting project for the Carnivore Team to develop and we are so grateful for everyone who donated to make it possible.  

“The new section will double the size of the existing snow leopard habitat, providing a larger, more enhanced space for our two residing snow leopards female, Irina and male, Warjun.

“The new terrain broadens the positive life experiences within their environment with natural behaviours, such as territorial patrol and scent marking being increased, alongside providing new areas for resting and playing.

“At the moment, Irina has full access to the new habitat and will soon be joined by Warjun. We are all looking forward to seeing them explore their extended habitat!”