Pictures: Vandals cause thousands in damage to Telford zoo dome

The Exotic Zoo in Telford had only recently taken delivery of the dome, which is eight metres across and four metres high.

Scott Adams, 32, who owns the attraction in Donnington, said he was working in the dome when the attack happened. He and a volunteer were hurt by flying glass.

He said: "I was in the dome with Robin James when we heard a crash.

"A brick came through one of the dome glass roof panels and we both suffered minor cuts, but it was only afterwards that we realised how potentially serious it could have been if the brick had hit one us.

"We ran out and saw a group of youths who presumably had thrown the brick, but they ran off. We then called the police."

Mr Adams said that the purpose of the dome was to provide a secure environment for children to handle animals.

He said that for those children with learning disabilities, the dome provided somewhere they could relax.

He said: "It is a fact that animals reduce stress and in the sensory dome those children can feel secure and we can bring animals to them.

"They can then experience the prickles of a hedgehog or the soft fur of a meerkat."

He added: "The dome cost £35,000, but that was just for the structure, we have spent a lot more on installing it and getting it ready.

"We were planning on holding an opening ceremony for the dome in the next few weeks. Sadly the repair won't be a simple replacement of one panel, the costs could be considerable."

Mr Adams said that it was bitterly disappointing that people felt the need to behave in this way.

He said: "We have a great team of employees and volunteers and it is sad that their work is undermined by stupid actions like this."

A spokesman for the West Mercia Police appealed for witnesses to the crime. Anyone with information should call 101 and quote reference number 681 080615.