Essex University donate old sports balls to Colchester Zoo

Brilliant - University of Essex students have kindly donated unwanted sports balls to Colchester Zoo animals <i>(Image: University of Essex)</i>
Brilliant - University of Essex students have kindly donated unwanted sports balls to Colchester Zoo animals (Image: University of Essex)
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University of Essex sporting stars have linked up with Colchester Zoo, donating balls to some of their playful animals.

The university students handed 40 of their balls to chimpanzees and sea lions at Colchester Zoological Society.

One of the stars of the day was 24-year-old Patagonian sea lion, Sydney.

The 100kg aquatic mammal enjoyed playing with the retired balls as players Tyreese Hudson, Quinesha Lockett, Tara King, and Harry Aplin met her and lead keeper Lizzie Durkin.

Chimpanzees also got in on the action with the great apes also enjoying playing with the sporting presents in the popular habitat.

It's all part of positive enrichment, which provides stimulation to enhance their physical and mental well-being, allowing them to forage, play, and to socialise as if in the wild.

Diana Voynova, Essex Rebels Manager, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with CZS.

“This is an exciting step for the Essex Rebels as we build a relationship that celebrates our shared commitment to community, family experiences, and bringing people together in fun and inspiring ways.”

The donation marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between the Rebels and CZS

Colchester Zoological Society will be offering giveaways to Rebels fans on gamedays and Colchester Zoological Society passholders will receive 20 per cent off tickets for Rebels games – with details to be shared later.

To find out more, visit Chimpanzees go ape for basketball after Essex Rebels donation to Colchester Zoological Society | University of Essex

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