'Armadillo aerobics' sees weight loss results for festively plump pair at Sussex zoo
Eddie and Patsey have lost now lost 200g between them
Two previously podgy yellow armadillos at a zoo in East Sussex have managed to shift the pounds after keepers got them to take part in 'armadillo aerobics'.
Patsy and Eddie, who live at Drusillas Zoo Park, have taken part in daily workouts and exercises - including see-saws, footballs, and digging buckets - in a bid to shift the festive holiday weight.
Keepers spent the beginning of the year implementing a new physical enrichment programme and counting calories for Patsy and Eddie.
In an ‘absolutely fabulous’ update, the girls have now lost 200g between them and are steadily shedding and reaching their target weights.
Since arriving in July last year, the pair have quickly become favourites among staff at the Sussex Zoo, with their curious, friendly, and interactive personalities – taking treats, snuffling shoes, and clambering on laps. They showed such enthusiasm during keeper visits, the Zoo announced last month the launch of armadillo close encounter experiences.
Head Keeper, Gemma Romanis, said “The girls have come out of hibernation now, so it’s the perfect time to put in place lots of exercises to get them moving to ensure they are nice and fit for the warmer, more active months. It’s fantastic to see they are steadily losing a healthy amount of weight, and the daily enrichment exercises have also been a great time for us to bond with the pair who only arrived here last July.”
“They are full of cheeky character, always up to trouble, and causing chaos – but that’s all part of their charm! They actively engage with anything new we introduce them to, including our close encounter visitors. They love meeting new people and so to celebrate the success of their weight loss journey so far, we’re giving away a ticket for two people to come along and meet Patsy and Eddie inside their enclosure, and help us come up with exercise ideas to keep them on their toes.”
The unique encounter for two people is up for grabs on the Park’s Facebook page, with free entry available from 18th – 23rd March.