Back to business

After yesterday’s festive merriment, it’s back to business at DZG today – which meant an early wake-up call for Asiatic lion, Jetpur!

As Christmas Day is the only day of the year we are closed to the public, our 1,500 strong animal collection also enjoyed a lazy day yesterday, and most were raring to meet visitors this morning, although it took our sleepy-eyed male a few extra minutes to wake up, allowing Senior Keeper Jodie Dryden to grab a quick snap of his big yawn as he made his appearance in the one-acre Lion Ridge!

But we’re set for a big day, as we typically welcome lots of visitors on site on Boxing Day, with staff noticing it’s mainly dads bringing their children for a day out at the zoo.

Zoo Director Derek Grove, said: “It’s been the case for a number of years that we see more dads with their families on site today.

“There’s always a really nice atmosphere; the weather is usually crisp and clear and it’s a really nice way to spend the day.”

So if you’re visiting remember to stop by and say hello to Jetpur, but also make sure a visit to our Black Howler monkeys in the Small Primate House is on your list – it’s just a short walk from the lion paddock – and say hello to Tyson (pictured below shortly after his birth) – as he’s celebrating his second birthday today!

Happy Birthday to our Boxing Day boy!