Merry Christmas

We never have a normal Christmas here at the zoo. We were up at 6.30 as normal and it took about four hours to do the morning rounds. Presents were distributed. The goats seemed happy with their carob pod treats, but Baxter the llama isn’t too sure. I normally keep a small bag of his pelleted feed in my pocket, ever since he lost his brother back in November. It gives him something to think about while we’re working in the fields and shelter, as he never knows when I’m going to pull out the goodies. I’ll have to swap the bags over again tomorrow.

The ferrets seemed to have more fun carrying their chicken liver treats off to hide them in corners of their room. I’m not sure they’ve eaten much at all, but at least it’s kept them occupied for a while.

The cats have had hours of fun with their assorted treats and toys and I’m afraid some of them got rather high on the catnip. Tarzan was hurtling round the house earlier, yelling his head off. I think he’s now worn himself out and will be ready to snuggle in bed with me later.

I had quite a job cleaning and sorting all their old toys and throwing away anything that might be getting dangerous. I finished at exactly 3.00, which is when the next round of feeding and cleaning began. I have literally just sat down for the first time at 4.30, having only had one mince pie to eat so far. Fingers crossed, dinner will be ready soon, but I thought I just had enough time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!