HAMPSHIRE residents have been left outraged after videos of animal abuse were posted on social media.

As previously reported, two videos circulating on social media show the men throwing a bottle of water at a giraffe's face, and encouraging a tiger to approach the fence before kicking out at it and frightening it away.

It comes after police were called to Marwell Zoo following reports that a group had broken in causing damage and were "throwing things" at the animals.

Officers were called at 11.40pm on Monday after a member of the public saw footage of people breaking into the site on social media.

Entry had been forced to the site, and multiple buildings within the grounds, causing significant damage.

Police arrested three men and one woman on suspicion of burglary, and all four have been released pending further investigation.

Now, one Eastleigh woman is on a mission to raise funds to support the zoo and cover costs of any damage caused by the break-in.

Kelly Vissers, 35, has set up a JustGiving page in the hopes of raising £5,000 for Marwell Zoo.

She said: "When I saw the videos I just felt sick to my stomach. I don't understand how anyone could be so cruel.

"The zoo has recently got a new tiger and I can't imagine how scared she must have been.

"Marwell Zoo has already more than £4 million due to the pandemic, and this sort of mindless vandalism just makes it worse.

"I want to do all I can to help and I think raising a bit of money is a good way to start.

"All of the money goes straight to the zoo, and I hope this will help them recover.

"I would hate to see this wonderful place suffer and risk losing it for our future generations to enjoy."

The donations page was set up on Thursday night, just four days after the incident.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marwell-zoo-break-in.