ENJOY CHRISTMAS, DID YOU?

At this time of year the prairie dogs go into a state of partial hibernation which results in bizarrely-bloated bellies.

They receive a scatter feeding of vegetables, fruit, leaves and roots which keeps them active and encourages them to search for food.

Nevertheless, a mild winter means the group is more active than usual spending less time in burrows and more above ground.

Director Laurence Smith said: 'Like all our animals the prairie dogs' diet is monitored closely and altered as necessary.

'We have cut back their food slightly but we are not unduly concerned about their size.

'Come the warmer weather they'll lose their waistline.'