London Zoo's bachelor meerkats, Norman, Nigel, Billy, Timmy and Ronnie (really) have been having a ball ahead of this weekend's special children's event: the Little Creatures Festival.
While the Zoo prepares itself for three days of family fun (think puppet shows, story-telling, special talks, wacky races, a pedal-powered disco and "mini-keeper" role-playing), keepers have been entertaining their own little creatures. So Norman and Nigel et al have been given brightly coloured balls filled with their favourite snack, meal worms, to encourage their natural foraging behaviour.
And, of course, it creates a nice late-August, slow-news-day photo opportunity. You're welcome.
ZSL London Zoo's Little Creatures Festival runs from today until to Sunday, between 10am and 6pm, Regent's Park, Outer Circle, Westminster, NW1 4RY. Standard admission prices apply, there's no extra charge for Little Creatures tickets. Book online at zsl.org/littlecreatures
Photos © ZSL
