Christmas puddings in the tropical heat
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Christmas came early for ZSL London Zoo’s emperor tamarins who received giant Christmas pudding treats.
The Zoo’s family of six mustachioed monkeys got into the festive spirit for their first Christmas together after the birth of two males earlier this year.
The indestructible Christmas puds, filled with the cheeky tamarins’ favourite treats, are part of the playful primates’ enrichment programme to spark their natural curiosity and lively natures.
The Zoo’s ‘not so-arctic monkeys’ won’t be seeing a white Christmas this year as they live in the brand new Rainforest Life exhibit, and bask in a sweltering 25-30°C everyday, along with the Zoo’s two-toed sloths, golden headed lion tamarins and a tree anteater.
Senior zookeeper, Lucy Hawley says: “This is the family’s first Christmas together so as an extra special treat we thought we would give them everyone’s favorite festive treat, Christmas puddings!
“Christmas may be coming, but our emperor tamarins won’t be getting fat, as these Christmas puddings are painted boomer balls filled with their favorite healthy snacks.”
