DUDLEY Zoo has been forced to close for the safety of its animals after being hit with high winds caused by Storm Francis today (August 25).
The Castle Hill attraction has closed its doors to visitors as a safety precaution as weather warnings for wind and rain are in place for the West Midlands.
A post on Dudley Zoo Facebook page states: "For the health and safety of our animals, staff and visitors, the decision has been made to close the zoo for the rest of today, with immediate effect, due to an upgraded weather warning for the West Midlands."
Earlier today big cats, giraffes, spider monkeys, baboons, macaques and chimps at the zoo were not on show and were kept inside for safety as the attraction was buffeted by strong winds.
It comes as the Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind across the West Midlands until 10pm tonight, while a yellow weather warning is in place until 9am on Wednesday morning (August 26).
According to the yellow warning, Storm Francis will bring very strong winds and could cause disruption to travel and power supplies along with potential damage to trees.
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