The lions at ZSL London Zoo woke up to a festive surprise this week, as keepers shared some early Christmas treats with the animals. Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya discovered brightly wrapped boxes scented with seasonal spices in their Land of the Lions home.

ZSL London Zoo’s head zookeeper Dan Simmonds said: “While lioness Arya carefully picked up her gifts and carried them off to play with later, Bhanu opened his all at once, rolling around in the boxes to release his favourite seasonal scents - nutmeg and cinnamon.”

Dan added: “With plenty of very merry fun for all ages, ZSL London Zoo is the perfect place for families to enjoy a day outside during the Christmas school holidays – visitors can help Mrs Claus gather the animals’ wishlists, wave to Santa as he visits the penguins and enjoy a festive outdoor stroll through the animal kingdom.”