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Thursday, December 20, 2007 | 11:33
 | | The lemurs get their presents |
CHRISTMAS has come early for the animals of Colchester Zoo who have been treated to presents.
Keepers at the zoo have made parcels and presents for their animals to enjoy, including treats of food and other goodies wrapped up like conventional gifts.
The aim of the presents is to encourage the animals to put time and effort into finding food, building nests and defending boundaries, which they would do in the wild but which is restricted in zoos.
Zoological director Anthony Tropeano said: “Environmental enrichment plays an important role in the husbandry of captive animals at Colchester Zoo.
 | | Igor the tiger unwraps his gifts |
“It helps to keep animals stimulated, active, alert and allows them to perform natural behaviours and show off their puzzle-solving skills.
“The festive period allows keepers the opportunity to have a little festive fun with their animals by providing enrichment in keeping with the season!”
Have you given your animal an usual present this year? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.
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