- Date posted: 11th December 2024
Squirrel monkeys and lion cubs tuck into festive treats.
Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have been getting into the festive spirit early by offering delicious treats and scented gifts to their animal residents.
Endangered lions Bhanu and Arya and their nine-month-old cubs, born at the zoo this year, woke up to find their home filled with golden presents, fragranced with frankincense and myrrh.
It is hoped the scented offerings will encourage the lions to test their incredible olfactory powers, investigating the unfamiliar smell and the wrapped present boxes.
A pile of small advent calendar boxes were also left out for the Zoo's group of black-capped squirrel monkeys, stuffed with their favourite seeds, nuts and snacks.
Angela Ryan, London Zoo’s head of zoological operations, said: “Introducing these festive offerings to the animals’ habitats is a way to encourage the lions and monkeys to use their incredible exploratory skills.
“The Asiatic lions rely on their keen sense of smell to discover treats, while others, like the squirrel monkeys, will put their problem-solving skills to the test, figuring out how to access goodies hidden inside festive packaging.”
Image: ZSL London Zoo.