Sneak peek treat for cheeky lemurs

The lively ring-tailed bunch met with dance troupe Rampage Mas Band from the UK Centre for Carnival Arts who will be treating crowds to a show full of energy and colour at the zoo this weekend.

The lemurs – who make up an all-male breeding programme available to other zoos – apparently approved of Rampage, as they were given their favourite snack of raisins by two of the West-Indian-carnival dancers.

Senior keeper Tessa Knox said: “They are an inquisitive bunch anyway but really seemed to love meeting Rampage Mas Band and seeing their wonderful outfits.”

The schedule for Zoo Nights includes talks from the keepers as well as animal demonstrations like ‘Birds of the World’ and the sunset special ‘Sealion Splash’ – featuring Dom the Californian sealion.

There will also be stilt-walkers, steel bands and a carnival dance group creating a party atmosphere while chefs provide catering on the main lawn.

Other animals staying up late will be seven-month-old elephant calf Scott and the zoo’s cheeky chimps, who can be seen on a special twilight tour.

Zoo Nights provides the perfect opportunity too catch the sun setting over the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

For more information about this or any events at Whipsnade, and to book, visit www.zsl.org/zoonights.