WILDHEART Animal Sanctuary in Sandown (previously known as Isle of Wight Zoo and Sandown Zoo) is asking for assistance following severe damage caused by Storm Eunice.

The Sanctuary has confirmed that its animals and staff are safe, however sitting on the shores of Sandown Bay, it felt the full power of the storm, with the grounds taking a battering.

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Trees were uprooted, and several buildings have suffered structural damage in the storm.

The Wildheart Trust says the site is secure and the animals are safe in their bedrooms for the night, with hard work already started to repair the damage.

A spokesperson from The Wildheart Trust said: “We are confident that we will be able to open tomorrow, but there is a lot of work for the team to get through first.

“Thank you for your continued support and all the wonderful messages sent in for our staff and animals today. 

"They meant so much to the team here. We hope you are all safe too.

“If you feel like you could assist us in any way, please contact the sanctuary on enquiries@wildheartanimalsanctuary.org or visit our webpage.

“Together we can make a difference…. Together we roar.”

Local forecaster, Jamie Russell, says gusts reached 125mph at the Needles, which is provisionally the highest gust ever recorded in England.

Read more: Storm Eunice beats 122mph wind says Isle of Wight Met Service

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