Two otters have been caught on camera getting into the Christmas spirit by playing with a bag of baubles inside their festively-decorated habitat.

In the clip, the playful pair can be seen sniffing out their favourite snacks, cleverly hidden inside baubles in the enclosure at ​Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable.

Dubbed Carol and Ernie, the tiny creatures are enthralled by the fun game, digging out fish and mealworms to munch on.

They can also be seen playing with giant gingerbread men cut-outs gifted to them by zookeepers.

"Carol and Ernie are such a jolly pair, it seemed only right to treat them to some of the season’s traditions, like baubles and decorations," said Sarah Mcgregor, a team leader at the zoo.

“Every day we make sure our otters exercise their natural skills, like hunting, climbing and diving, so the bauble bag was a brilliant way to ignite their curiosity and get them scavenging around for their advent treats!

“We’re hoping Carol and Ernie will get lots of visits from adventurous families wanting to escape the shopping malls and spend time together in the great outdoors this Christmas.”

Two otters have been caught on camera getting into the Christmas spirit by playing with a bag of baubles inside their festively-decorated habitat.

In the clip, the playful pair can be seen sniffing out their favourite snacks, cleverly hidden inside baubles in the enclosure at ​Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable.

Dubbed Carol and Ernie, the tiny creatures are enthralled by the fun game, digging out fish and mealworms to munch on.

They can also be seen playing with giant gingerbread men cut-outs gifted to them by zookeepers.

"Carol and Ernie are such a jolly pair, it seemed only right to treat them to some of the season’s traditions, like baubles and decorations," said Sarah Mcgregor, a team leader at the zoo.

“Every day we make sure our otters exercise their natural skills, like hunting, climbing and diving, so the bauble bag was a brilliant way to ignite their curiosity and get them scavenging around for their advent treats!

“We’re hoping Carol and Ernie will get lots of visits from adventurous families wanting to escape the shopping malls and spend time together in the great outdoors this Christmas.”