BURGLARS have struck at a West Somerset zoo just days after it reopened following thousands of pounds of repairs to damage caused by Storm Darragh.

The thieves broke into Tropiquaria Zoo, near Watchet, during the early hours of Friday (December 20) and caused costly damage but only escaped with a small quantity of items.

Now, zoo director Chris Moiser has issued a public appeal for any information to help catch the thieves after police said they would not investigate.

Mr Moiser said he reported the break-in to Avon and Somerset Constabulary but police said they would not investigate because he did not have any CCTV footage of the incident.

He said: “So, here we go with a request for help.

“If anybody was passing and saw anything suspicious in the car park we would be grateful to know.

“The police have given us the following reference AS-20241220 - 0167 and would also be interested to receive any info.”

Mr Moiser said the burglary could have been around 11 pm on Thursday night or 2 am on Friday, because his dogs were barking, but at the time he put it down to the windy night unsettling the animals.

He believed the culprits were disturbed because a lot of mess was left behind, a number of items were not taken, and some property was dropped in the car park.

Mr Moiser said people could contact him through the zoo’s Facebook page or call 01984 640688, with any information being treated in confidence.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We were called shortly before 8 am on Friday to a report that sweets and pens had been stolen after entry was forced to a business property off the A39 near Washford.

“The incident is believed to have taken place at some point between 9 pm on Thursday, December 19, and 7.30 am on Friday, December 20.

“If you witnessed the incident or have any other information, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224406516.”

Mr Moiser said on a happier note, two of Tropiquria’s male wallabies had been moved to another zoo collection to widen their genetic pool.

Tropiquaria’s winter survival funding appeal was this week nearing £9,000 as people donated to help the zoo meet its £1,500 a day overheads until the 2025 visitor season opens.

Mr Moiser started the appeal on GoFundMe to try to raise £15,000 following a fall in visitor numbers last summer while the Government increased its costs by raising the minimum wage and employer National Insurance contributions.

Businesses have also been giving gifts of food, with the latest to help being Williton Pet Equine and Country Store.