Animals get into festive spirit as Christmas comes to Colchester Zoo
Zookeepers have been pulling out all the stops to bring some festive cheer
Colchester Zoo has transformed into a winter wonderland as it celebrates the festive period with themed events and special activities for visitors and animals alike.
The zoo had been running its “Magic of Christmas” celebration, running until Christmas Eve, offering families the chance to immerse themselves in the seasonal spirit.
Guests were able to enjoy decorations spread across the park and delightful themed experiences during the daytime hours.
Among the highlights was the opportunity to meet Santa’s reindeer in their paddock, creating the perfect festive atmosphere.
Visitors could also encounter other fascinating animals, including recent arrivals at the zoo.
But for the animals themselves, they were also thrilled to get a taste of the Christmas spirit as zookeepers have been getting into the festive spirit with their enclosures.
For the pygmy hippos, Christmas has brought a special surprise. Venus, the female pygmy hippo, welcomed a new companion earlier in December, male Mikolas.
Speaking about this heartwarming addition, Rebecca Moore from Colchester Zoo commented, “What better Christmas treat for our female Venus than a new male hippo that’s arrived at the start of December?”
Even the animals are getting into the festive mood. Keepers have added Christmas trees to many enclosures, providing enrichment activities for the wildlife to enjoy.
The trees are decorated with hidden treats and themed surprises that the animals can discover and play with.
Rebecca explained: “A lot of our animals particularly like Christmas trees. This lets them hide in them, play with them, and even find presents hidden within the trees that they might enjoy eating.”