Animals in Action

At London Zoo they have an amphitheatre where they show animals performing natural behaviours. But, of course, they have to be trained to perform at the appropriate time.

After today's show, which incuded skunks, green-wing macaws and a burrowing owl, the keepers invited those who wished, to stay behind and watch some training in process.

These are the darlings we saw being given target and clicker training with food treats:



These little 11-week-old meerkats were rejected by their mother and have been raised by the keepers, so they are already very attached to their humans. I think it's mutual.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this heron perched precariously on a roof top, each foot gripping a very pointy ridge tile.

Outside the gift shop they've installed an animated model dinosaur skeleton to advertise the film Night At The Museum 2.

You could tell from some distance when it did its stuff, by the sound of children screaming.