Zoo hires redcoats for animals

A Swiss zoo has taken on a team of Butlins' style redcoats - to keep the animals entertained.

The plan is to have one of the professional motivators on hand at all times to stop the animals getting bored.

The new zoo animal entertainment squad will start in January and are currently designing games and puzzles for animals.

Animal psychologist Jennifer Ringleb said: "In nature, animals spend their whole day looking for food. In zoos they have nothing to do, they get bored.

"In extreme cases they will get sick or aggressive. Animals that have something to do are happier and more balanced."

The redcoats will have footballs, plastic bags, cardboard boxes or blocks of wood to make toys and challenges for the animals.

-Nova