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Lions, meerkats and squirrel monkeys kick off the countdown to Christmas on Wednesday morning (November 30) - opening three very different advent calendars at London Zoo.
Asiatic lions Arya and Bhanu get paws-on as they follow a festive scent trail of cinnamon and nutmeg to a giant handmade calendar, while the Bolivian black-capped squirrel monkey troop test their agility as they forage amongst hanging advent pouches for their favourite treats.
Elsewhere, the meerkats, Meko, Penelope, Dracula and Frank, wake up to their own unique calendar - searching behind 25 doors to find their favourite cricket snacks.
ZSL Zoological Operations Manager Dan Simmonds said: “It’s the season of giving and our keepers enjoyed sharing the Christmas spirit with the animals at London Zoo.
“Marking the first day of advent, our lions loved sniffing out meaty treats in their 5ft advent calendar, while the meerkats and squirrel monkeys foraged for their breakfast behind colourful doors and in hanging numbered bags.”
“There may not be a chocolate in sight, but like children across the country, the animals couldn’t resist opening just one door!”
When: 30 Nov 2022
Credit: ZSL London Zoo/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**