More Holiday Fun with the Animals From ZSL

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 12, 2021 12:01 am

The otter family play with their Christmas bauble treats at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Photo Credit: ZSL

The animals of the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) London and Whipsnade Zoo’s have enjoyed some festive treats.

At Whipsnade Zoo the otter family have enjoyed a bag of baubles provided be keepers at the UK’s largest zoo. Carol and Erine enjoyed the brightly colored balls alongside a giant gingerbread man.

Hidden among the enrichment was some of their favorite snacks such as fish and mealworms. These were sniffed out and then retrieved using their dexterous paws.

Team leader, Sarah Mcgregor, said: “Carol and Ernie are such a jolly pair, it seemed only right to treat them to some of the season’s traditions, like baubles and decorations.”  

“Every day we make sure our otters exercise their natural skills, like hunting, climbing and diving, so the bauble bag was a brilliant way to ignite their curiosity and get them scavenging around for their advent treats!” 

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In the heart of London the Christmas fun continued at London Zoo. The team at the zoo created a festive forest for tigers, Asim and Gaysha.

ZSL London Zoo tiger keeper Kate Clark said: “Just like pet cats, both Asim and Gaysha love to seek out and roll around in strong scents, so for Christmas this year we created a scented candy cane forest for them out of giant wooden canes and recycled hessian ‘Santa sacks’ – perfumed with natural seasonal scents such as ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.” 

Unfortunately Asim didn’t get to enjoy the sweet treats with Gaysha clawing down and tearing up the festive display within minutes. It’s likely she’s earned herself a spot on Santa’s naughty list.

“It took Gaysha no time at all to reach up and tear down all our hard work – she’s this year’s Christmas Grinch, for sure! Luckily Asim still had a great time sniffing out each Santa sack, before rubbing himself all over with his favourite festive spices.” 

Learn more about Sumatran Tigers here – Sumatran Tiger Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Small-Clawed Otters here – Small-Clawed Otter Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the ZSL on their website – ZSL

A Sumatran tiger at ZSL London Zoo enjoys some candy cane enrichment provided by keepers

Photo Credit: ZSL