WITH the countdown to Christmas, spare a thought for keepers at Milnthorpe’s Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, whose demanding residents expect first-class housekeeping services.

In fact, with plenty of festive fun planned at the tight-knit family operated charity, there's no shortage of volunteers to work Christmas and Boxing Day, the only days the 'little zoo with lots to do' closes its doors all year.

"Being a zookeeper is a vocation, not a job, and our 100% dedicated team are experts at teamwork." says zoo founder Jo Marsden.

"Christmas and Boxing Day shifts are split and on a volunteer basis, so keepers get plenty of time to spend with their human families, too."

The Westmorland Gazette: Baby snow leopard.Baby snow leopard. (Image: Submitted)

With the rota covered, even Jo and husband Dave will be enjoying their first well-deserved 'proper' Christmas break since starting the zoo 30 years ago. The first-time grandparents are looking forward to spending the holiday with family and new baby Laurie, although keeping one ear cocked for the phone remains an unbreakable habit!

Stepping up will be joint centre managers Dan and LeaAnne, who met and became a couple while working at the zoo, supported by keeper Naomi and longstanding volunteer Zoey.

The couples theme also extends to the animals, with visitor favourite red-brown lemur Tepid and her new beau Luke, who arrived from Wales at the end of November, enjoying their first Christmas together!

The Westmorland Gazette: Meerkats playing around the zoo mail.Meerkats playing around the zoo mail. (Image: Submitted)

With the doors closed, once the stringent feeding, cleaning and checking rotas are completed, the real festive fun can begin.

"Animal enrichment is an important part of the zoo's care routine all year round, and we really step it up a gear through Christmas and New Year," says Dan.

"For example, visitors to our 'Tea with Santa' events enthusiastically joined in making mealworm-stuffed crackers for our inquisitive meerkats, monkeys and degus to puzzle out.

"Supporters have also been very generous in donating gifts from the zoo's Amazon Wishlist; so when your family sits down to a pile of presents or Christmas dinner with lots of special trimmings, think of our animals doing something very similar!"

Don’t fancy a mealworm cracker? Carnivores like Mango the fossa and snow leopards Tara and Pavan will be getting their paws on traditional turkey, with lucky lemurs enjoying strawberries for dessert.

With no one forgotten, even Baloo the pufferfish will be tucking into juicy mussels, while the cockroaches will be literally going bananas for their favourite yellow fruit. 

Even heading home to their own families can mean something of a busman’s holiday for the keepers! After tending their own fish and lizards, Dan and LeaAnne will be relaxing at each of their parents’ houses in turn.

The Westmorland Gazette: Deer in the snow.Deer in the snow.

Zoey is looking forward to spending time with her mum and nan, while Naomi and her husband, who share their home with an iguana, parrot, tarantulas, boas, gecko and degus to name a just few, will be enjoying a veggie Christmas spread at the in-laws. 

With the zoo only closed for two days, it’s soon back to regular duties, and enjoying welcoming visitors back.

"Winter is actually a great time to visit the zoo, including sharing family time away from screens," says LeaAnne. 

She added: "We know from lovely comments that visitors who’re away over Christmas love keeping up with animal antics via the zoo’s Facebook page. Look carefully at the pictures of our residents enjoying their seasonal treats, and you may spot a holiday keeper decked out in finest festive plumage!’

For more information visit www.wildlifeoasis.co.uk.