CHIMPS at the Welsh Mountain Zoo have been munching on baked potatoes to help them keep warm.

Zoos take measures to keep their animals warm in winter. Fortunately animals at the Colwyn Bay based zoo have both indoor and outdoor enclosures, but at very cold times of the year extra bedding is provided as well as hot drinks and food rich in protein.

Peter Litherland, animal collections manager, said: “Ultimately, our animals that are not from naturally cool habitats will choose whether they want to be indoors or outdoors but we also want to give them some added winter warmers at this time of the year. The chimps love chomping on their baked potatoes.

“We are constantly monitoring the animal’s behaviour and the environmental temperature and offer any added support that we think necessary throughout the year when faced with any type of extreme weather.”

In line with the current Welsh Government restrictions, the zoo is currently closed until further notice.

During this time, keepers continue to provide care for the animals and precautions have been taken to safeguard staff.