Christmas comes early for London Zoo's tamarinds - rainforest exhibit monkeys given festive treats
Published: 17 December 2010
by JOSH LOEB
CHRISTMAS came early for monkeys at London Zoo yesterday (Thursday) when inhabitants of the zoo’s rainforest exhibit were given presents of balls smeared with banana and decorated to look like festive pies.
The Regent’s Park attraction’s families of emperor and golden tamarins – from the Americas – tucked into the treat in advance of their first Christmas together after the birth of two emperor males this year.
Keeper Nicky Jago said it was common practice for zoo staff to feed the monkeys via oddly shaped containers or “food puzzles” which they had to use their brainpower to unravel. “It’s about giving them challenges and new stimulation,” she said.