Baby gorilla enjoys 'spooky' Halloween pumpkin

A baby gorilla enjoys her Halloween treat

A baby gorilla at London Zoo has started the Halloween festivities early by tucking into a "spooky" pumpkin.

Venus, who is one year and eight months old, was treated to carved pumpkins stuffed with pulses alongside other western lowland gorillas.

While silverback gorilla Kiburi got to the pumpkins first, baby Venus showed a "great enterprising spirit," according to the zoo, and munched into the Halloween treats under the watchful eye of her mother Effie.

Daniel Simmonds, zoological operations manager at London Zoo, said: "We wanted to make sure the animals didn't miss out on the fun."

Both mother and baby gorilla enjoyed the carved pumpkins

Gorillas are herbivorous and feed on fruits, leaves, seeds and stems

Zookeepers described Venus as a curious and confident baby who plays constantly. She has a half-sister called Juno, who also enjoyed the Halloween treats, they said.

Mr Simmonds added: "Gorillas are very curious by nature, and they really enjoyed discovering their stuffed surprises in spooky pumpkin shape."

London Zoo will host its Boo at the Zoo event from 25 October to 2 November, which will include a silent disco, animal talks and craft activities.