Sad Day at Whipsnade Zoo

[Gremlin]

Even if they couldn't get out there would likely have been staff arriving before the start of their shift. I seem to remember the staff entrance was next to the main entrance too.

From the notification on the whipsnade website, which suggests to me that they had training in place to make sure all staff on site were in places of safety, as were members of the public in the lookout lodges who were told to remain in them
These drills would not just have been how to contain the escaped animals

As zookeepers and animal carers, this situation is something we train to deal with through regular, rigorous drills – but one that we always hope we’ll never have to face. I’m devastated by the outcome of this morning’s incident, but I’m confident that our actions prevented any further loss of life.

 

[SFTPhotography]

The long and short of it is - they wouldn't kill the bears unless it was absolutely necessary as it's the last resort tool.

I imagine, going forward, they will assess the risk of bad weather. Falling tree's are not exactly unheard of - nor are high winds.

 

[OCHW]

very sad news