In the Zoo’s Amazonia precinct, the bachelor group of South American Coatis were given an alternative to the traditional Christmas pudding.

With their long snouts twitching at the pleasant smell of cherry and ‘custard’ it didn’t take long for them to devour the tops of their puddings. Leaving behind the frozen red fruit blocks for later.

Enrichment activities engage an animal’s natural curiosity….and there are not many more curious than coatis.

Frozen treats are also a great enrichment idea to help keep your own pets cool during the summer.

Southern-white Rhino, Memphis was treated to three wrapped boxes containing his favourite greens.

The hefty herbivore weighs more than two tonnes but is generally placid. Definitely on Santa’s ‘nice’ list.

31-year-old Memphis and his son Bakari can be spotted in the Zoo’s African Savannah. They play a very important role as ambassador animals, helping people learn more about wild rhinos and the threats they face.

Humans are the main predators of rhinos who continue to be hunted for their horns. Through generous donations, Perth Zoo supports the Asian Rhino Project, helping one of the most endangered rhinoceros species in the world, the Sumatran Rhino.

If you are still looking for a last minute Christmas gift, why not consider a Rhino eye-to-eye, getting up close to these ‘alternative unicorns’ makes it clear why it is so important to save them.

Perth Zoo is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Check out the video below to see Memphis and the coatis enjoying their early gifts!

21 December 2018