Printable version

An Ape-y Christmas at ZSL London Zoo

Wednesday 19 December 2007

The first Christmas in a new home is a momentous occasion for anyone, and it’s no different for gorillas.

Zaire Gorilla Christmas © ZSL

This Christmas was Bobby, Zaire and Effie’s first festive celebration at Gorilla Kingdom, the swanky new pad they moved into at Easter.

The three were each given a stocking packed with wood wool - perfect for building gorilla nests – and the ultimate gorilla treats: sunflower seeds and popcorn!

Hiding the food in the stockings allows the gorillas to use their natural intelligence and curiosity to investigate their Christmas gifts – the perfect festive enrichment activity.

Bobby and Effie – the Zoo’s breeding pair - opened their stockings in the day gym where their mornings are spent enjoying quality time together, while Zaire investigated her stocking on the island.

To see Zaire with her stocking watch the video below!

back to graphic version of this page