PREVIEW

Animals at Cincinnati Zoo were on Santa’s Nice List, as Father Christmas did his rounds and gave them some lovely gifts.
“Before leaving Cincinnati, Santa made several deliveries to animals that were especially good this year,” said Thane Maynard, director of the Cincinnati Zoo. “It’s the first holiday season for some of the animals on his list, including possum Opal, porcupette Violet, and sloth Juno. They enjoyed the treats and enrichment that Santa gave them.”
Santa even paid a visit to Hippo Cove to give the Zoo’s famous hippo bloat some edible gifts. Fritz, who was a bit shy last year, has gained confidence, and weight, since then. The hippos relished their watermelons and Santa-shaped frozen treats. Red panda Lin also enjoyed treats from Santa this year, including her favourite - apples, and a papier mâché enrichment gift box.
Santa is at the zoo as part of its PNC Festival of Lights until 23 December 2023. The attraction was recently voted Best Zoo Lights by USA TODAY’s readers for the sixth consecutive year. The zoo will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, reopening on Tuesday, December 26. The festival runs through 7 January 2024.
“There’s still plenty to enjoy after Santa leaves,” said Maynard. “It’s a great opportunity for those who receive memberships as a holiday gift to come out and see why PNC Festival of Lights is the best! It’s also a great destination for families that want to ring in the New Year before midnight!”