Tigers and meerkats rip open Christmas presents at ZSL London Zoo

The animals foraged for baubles and indulged in seasonal vegetables as the festivities started early

The meerkats were more interested in foraging for pine cones. Photo: ZSL London Zoo - Credit: Archant

Six-month-old Sumatran tiger cubs Achilles and Karis woke up to a pile of presents to tear open on their first Christmas.

Across the zoo, a mob of meerkats munched on pinecone baubles stuffed with festive vegetables hanging down from a Christmas tree.

ZSL’s Zoological Manager Mark Habben said: “We love a bit of festive cheer at ZSL London Zoo, and like to find fun ways for the animals to join in the festivities.

“We’ve come up with a variety of activities to encourage them to use their natural skills, like foraging or sniffing out their next meal: our tiger cubs loved using their newly learnt hunting prowess to rip open their presents, while our meerkats searched for their treats under the tree - just like kids all over the country on Christmas day.”

Quick work for one tiger cub. Photo: ZSL London Zoo - Credit: Archant

London Zoo is organising reindeer talks every weekend for families in the run up to Christmas.