‘Twas two nights before Christmas and all through the zoo,

not a creature was stirring, not even a roo.

The keepers had decorated the chimp yard with care,

for the chimps were waiting with anticipation to get out there.

Monarto Zoo Chimpanzee troop will experience Christmas cheer two days ahead of the big day with an array of festive themed treats for the whole chimp family to enjoy.

Zoo keepers will garnish their yard with brightly coloured streamers, decorated pine cones, red and green ice blocks and of course beautifully wrapped presents with the troop’s favourite treats.

Monarto Zoo Senior Primate Keeper, Laura Hanley says that the event dubbed Chimp-mas is sure to be a hit among all great apes – humans and chimps alike!

“All eight chimps will be rearing to go Tuesday morning. Although we try and be sneaky and hide the presents throughout their habitat, they’ll be spying on us through the glass and know exactly where we’ve put them all,” Laura said.

“We’ve been working hard all week with our zoo volunteers to prepare the decorations and presents. The wrapped coconuts are sure to be a hit!

“Two year old Zuri is old enough to really enjoy the festivities this year and will love unwrapping gifts with the rest of the troop.”

The Chimpanzee Platform will open to the public 15 minutes earlier than normal, at 9:45am, with the troop given access to the present laden habitat at 10am.

Both Monarto and Adelaide Zoos are open to the public 365 days of the year, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.