For the very first time, Animal Park has been invited to Longleat Safari Park for Christmas. Kate Humble and Ben Fogle are there to catch every magical moment as the keepers ensure all their creatures are cosy and prepared for the festive season, which is looking busier than ever.
One of the biggest early Christmas presents of 2019 was the birth of two Siberian tiger cubs - the first to be born at the park in over 20 years - and they’re growing up fast. We’ll be checking up on this unbelievably cute brother and sister, Rusty and Yuki. It’ll be the most wonderful time of the year as we see them take their first steps out in the park. Like Mum and Dad, they’ll be one of the biggest attractions in the park, but it’s a nerve-racking moment for the keepers as the precious cubs come face to face with cars for the first time.
Annually, the arrival of the Great Hall’s giant Christmas tree is one of the most exciting but logistically challenging days of the year for the team at Longleat House. Not only do they have to source a tree exactly the right height and fell it from the estate woodland, they then have to manoeuvre it inside without damaging any of the historic artwork or furnishings.
It’s non-stop animal excitement from start to finish as Jean Johansson also mucks in with the keepers to hand out Christmas treats to their much-loved creatures.