While most people are unwrapping presents and tucking into Christmas lunch today, the dedicated animal keepers at Longleat are ensuring their four-legged and feathered residents have a festive feast of their own.
Leading the charge this year is Kayleigh Smith, a Lead Keeper who is particularly excited about working on 25th December. It’s a landmark Christmas for the park’s Amur tiger cubs – Ginger Biscuit, Dora Boo, Heidi, and Seeker – who were born to parents Yana and Red in May.
Kayleigh shared: “Christmas Day is just as important as any other day at Longleat as we are here to check in with the animals, ensure they are fed, and are happy and content. I have a soft spot for working Christmas Day as we can give the animals extra treats. This year is also the first Christmas for the tiger cubs, so it’s particularly exciting.”
The festive season at Longleat doesn’t just mean decorations and seasonal treats for visitors. Behind the scenes, the keepers work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of more than a thousand animals, from majestic lions to playful meerkats. For these dedicated staff, the holiday season is an opportunity to add a touch of festive cheer to their daily routines.
Kayleigh and her team will be treating the tiger cubs to enrichment activities and some special seasonal surprises. Other animals across the park will also receive their own Christmas treats, ranging from tasty snacks to carefully crafted enrichment toys designed to keep them stimulated and content.
As Longleat’s team embraces their festive duties, it’s clear their commitment to animal care is unwavering, even on the most celebrated day of the year.
