Edinburgh Zoo lemurs get their paws on presents

CHRISTMAS arrived early for some of the animals at Edinburgh Zoo, as Santa stopped by to deliver presents to the lucky Malayan sun bears and ring-tailed lemurs.

Lemurs await their gifts from Santa at Edinburgh Zoo. Picture: Ian Rutherford

First stop was the ring-tailed lemur enclosure, where he handed presents straight into the paws of the residents.

He then took a jolly journey up to the sun bears where he placed presents stuffed with meaty goodness, fruits and nuts under a decorated Christmas tree, before bears Rotana and Somnang were let back in.

Jo Elliott, animal collections manager, said: “Celebrating holidays with the animals is a fantastic way to think creatively about the enrichment we give to them. Lemurs are naturally inquisitive so anything, or anyone, new in their enclosure is of huge interest to them.”

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN

• Subscribe to our daily newsletter (requires registration) and get the latest news, sport and business headlines delivered to your inbox every morning

• You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google +