Zookeepers read stories to animals for World Book Day

Drusilla Zoo
Keeper Julie reads Gigantosauras to Lofty the camel. Credit: Drusilla Zoo

Zookeepers at Drusillas Park Zoo in East Sussex have been reading popular children’s books to their animals in preparation for World Book Day.

Keeper Julie Wilkinson reads the Koala that Could to the Pip the wallaby. Credit: Drusillas Park

The annual event is being celebrated across the world on Thursday 4 March 2021 and is designed to inspire a love of reading and books in children.

This year, the zookeepers decided to read to the animals during their meal time, to help stimulate them.

Deputy Head Zoo Keeper Gemma Romanis reads Blown Away to Miracle the Penguin Credit: Drusillas Park

As well as reading to their animals, Keepers at Drusillas are encouraging their visitors to make the most of the remaining time in lockdown and pick up a book.

Head of Education at Drusillas, James Woodward, said: “Reading is a great way to stimulate a child’s imagination! There are so many wonderful books out there, and hundreds of books about animals. They are a really useful learning tool because they teach children about the animals of the world in an exciting and engaging way. Not all learning has to be sitting in a classroom, some of the best learning come from getting lost in the magic of a good book.”

keeper Sam Kenwards reads Wonky Donkey to Coco. Credit: Drusillas Park