Xmas comes early for zoo residents
Sunday December 20 2009
Zoo animals celebrated an early Christmas at the weekend, breaking into their presents.
Chimpanzees in Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire, tucked into nuts and seeds wrapped up in wrapping paper in their enclosures.
The presents came from keepers as well as people who adopt the animals throughout the year.
Twycross Zoo has more than 1,000 animals and is the most comprehensive collection of primate species and subspecies in the western world.
A spokeswoman said: "All of the animals at Twycross Zoo enjoy Christmas.
"The chimpanzees really enjoy opening their presents, not only from the keepers but from the people who adopt them as well.
"They are just like children and get pleasure from playing with the boxes rather than the goodies they have received.
"The chimps don't have chocolate but they have plenty of nuts and seeds as special treats for Christmas."
Press Association
