Paignton Zoo animals to get old fire hoses

Duchess is the only elephant at Paignton Zoo

Old hose pipes are being donated to a Devon zoo by a fire service to help stimulate the animals.

The hoses from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will be used to make hammocks and feeding balls for the species at Paignton Zoo.

Baboons, mandrill monkeys and the elephant will benefit from the donation, a zoo spokesperson said.

They will be used as a form of enrichment to stimulate and encourage natural behaviour, they added.

Matthew Webb, senior head keeper of mammals, said: "Hosepipe balls will be filled with food which falls out when the elephant plays with them."

Enrichment aims to encourage natural feeding and foraging behaviours and stimulate mental and physical activity.