Christmas at London Zoo: Lions and gorillas tear into festive gifts and Brussels sprouts

London’s zoo animals have been treated to a festive surprise to mark the Christmas season.

Lions and gorillas at the London Zoo, in Regent’s Park, have woken up to Yuletide treats.

The zoo’s asiatic lions and western lowland gorillas enjoyed the classic tastes and smells of Christmas when they were treated to their very own presents and Christmas dinners.

Keepers shared some early Christmas treats with the animals ahead of December 25, when lions Bhanu and Arya discovered brightly wrapped boxes scented with seasonal spices.

Head zookeeper Dan Simmonds, said: “Lioness Arya carefully picked up her gifts and carried them off to play with later.

“While Bhanu opened his all at once, rolling around in the boxes to release his favourite seasonal scents - nutmeg and cinnamon.”

Their gifts were opened in the pride’s Land of the Lions enclosure.

And the zoo’s gorilla troop found gifts of their favourite festive veg under the trees in their Gorilla Kingdom home.

Dan continued: “Gorillas Alika, Gernot, Mjukuu and Effie are always keen to clean their plates of all the festive veg at Christmas.

“They loved digging into their presents to find juicy carrots and tasty Brussels sprouts.”

The zoo, which is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828, and is open to visitors on every day apart from December 25.

Dan added: “With plenty of very merry fun for all ages, the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) London Zoo is the perfect place for families to enjoy a day outside during the Christmas school holidays.

“Visitors can help Mrs Claus gather the animals’ wishlists, wave to Santa as he visits the penguins and enjoy a festive outdoor stroll through the animal kingdom.”

Find out more about how the keepers care for the animals at Christmas at the ZSL London Zoo website.