Australian Zoo Animals Enjoy Christmas Treats!

Animals at Sydney's Taronga Zoo enjoyed an early delivery from Santa this year and were treated to edible Christmas presents Friday.

Animals at Sydney's Taronga Zoo enjoyed an early delivery from Santa this year and were treated to edible Christmas presents Friday.

The Taronga Zoo said the chimpanzees, including babies Fumo and Sudi, woke to find gift-wrapped food treats prepared by keepers and volunteers, inside their enclosure.
Local media reported that Fumo, a 15-month-old baby chimpanzee, spent the day playing with Christmas paper and boxes.

According to the zoo, Esmeralda the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, who is the zoo's oldest resident, also enjoyed a festive treat in the form of watermelons carved in the shape of Christmas trees.
Zoo officials said the treats, while edible, were also educational in nature, designed to challenge and encourage the animals' natural skills.