1:00 AM 21st December 2024
nature
FA La La La Llama! Giraffes And Llamas Enjoy Edible Hanging Christmas Decorations
![Dainty the Llama enjoys early Christmas dinner wreath of leaves and carrots
Photo: London Zoo©]()
Dainty the Llama enjoys early Christmas dinner wreath of leaves and carrots
Photo: London Zoo©
Giraffes and llamas at London Zoo enjoyed an early Christmas dinner, as zookeepers ushered in the festive cheer with edible Christmas wreaths and hanging decorations.
The conservation zoo’s tallest residents, reticulated giraffes Molly, Nuru and Wilfred, were treated to hanging Brussell sprout cannisters, encouraging the towering trio to use their 50cm-long tongues to retrieve the leafy festive treats. A Christmas twist on their usual diet of leaves, bark, and buds, the sprouts are dietary enrichment for the gentle giants who spend most of their time foraging and grazing.
![Nuru the reticulated giraffe enjoys early Christmas dinner of Brussell sprouts
Photo: London Zoo©]()
Nuru the reticulated giraffe enjoys early Christmas dinner of Brussell sprouts
Photo: London Zoo©
London Zoo's llamas Ande and Dainty also got into the festive spirit with edible wreaths packed with leafy branches and crunchy carrots -- two of their favourites. These wreaths not only provided a playful way to enjoy a nutritious snack but also encouraged their natural foraging behaviours, while they munched through the seasonal centrepieces.
Zookeeper Jessica Young said:
“Christmas is all about treats, and while sprouts might not be everyone’s favourite festive vegetable, our reticulated giraffes love them!
“For the llamas, leaves and carrots are firm favourites, so we’ve turned them into edible wreaths to put their exploratory skills to use.”
![Wilfred the reticulated giraffe enjoys early Christmas dinner of Brussell sprouts
Photo: London Zoo©]()
Wilfred the reticulated giraffe enjoys early Christmas dinner of Brussell sprouts
Photo: London Zoo©
Visitors at London Zoo can also revel in the yuletide season by enjoying a jam-packed schedule of fun, alongside over 10,000 animals that call the zoo home.
For the ultimate Christmas gift for wildlife lovers, Gift Zoo Membership can be purchased up until midnight on Christmas Eve, offering unlimited free entry to London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo this festive season. As part of global conservation charity ZSL, every festive visit to London Zoo supports ZSL’s science and conservation work to protect and restore wildlife around the world. To find out more and book, visit www.londonzoo.org/christmas