Meerkats play hard “boil” for Easter
Thursday 9 April 2009
It’s not just the kids who look forward to eggs at Easter, for the fun-loving meerkats and their neighbours the lions at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, it’s eggs-actly the same!
The “fab four” meerkats, John, Paul, George and Ringo, have fun with their new “toys” – giant hard-boiled ostrich eggs wrapped in Easter ribbons.
Keeper Mark Holden said the meerkats are curious by nature and love rolling the eggs around their sandy terrain – copying the Easter tradition enjoyed by children throughout the ages.
Keepers give the pride at Lions of the Serengeti the unwanted ostrich and emu eggs, which the birds have rejected, as a good supplement to their meat-rich diet.
Not only does the act of cracking open the eggs give them good enrichment, the hard-boiled eggs are a tasty and healthy treat.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo full show timetable is now in full swing and visitors can take part in the exciting BIG 5 challenge throughout 2009.
