Drusillas Park in East Sussex presents Mother's Day gifts to animals
Keepers wanted to organise a moment of appreciation for its animal mums
Ahead of Mother’s Day Sunday, March 18, keepers at Drusillas Park in East Sussex have organised a moment of appreciation for its animal parents.
First-time mum, Clementine, the carybara, was given an edible bouquet made of carrots, sweet potato, herbs and greens along with a card.
She curiously investigated the gift with her first-born, Satsuma, who was the first capybara pup welcomed to the zoo in over a decade.
Head keeper Gemma Romanis said: “We are so proud of Clementine and how naturally she has taken to motherhood.
“Satsuma was born in June last year and from the minute she arrived Clementine’s instincts kicked in beautifully, she manages the right balance between being protective when she feels it’s needed, and letting Satsuma explore the world around her, making Satsuma a wonderfully confident little girl who the keepers all adore.
“We hope Clementine will expand her little family more in the future!”
Similar edible presents were given to the other animals, including Red-handed tamarin, Isla, with her rainbow baby, Bowie, by her side and Colobus monkey, Adaeze, who is mum to Arlo, Yoyo, and Domino.
The most experienced parent in the park, Tamu the meerkat, was given a card and cockroach feast surrounded by her 17 babies.
Gemma said: “Tamu is a true matriarch – strong and feisty, which is essential for keeping such a large number of children in check.
“She takes being a mum very seriously, and knows exactly how to handle her excitable bunch, whilst still managing to give them all individual attention.
“I certainly wouldn’t be able to handle that many children as well as she does.”
Drusillas Park, in Alfriston, is offering half price tickets for mothers on Sunday.