Keepers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo celebrate Halloween with the sealions - ahead of their big move

Zookeepers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo prepared a festive feast for the sealion colony this week - as they prepare to say farewell to the much-loved family, who will soon leave for their new home at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Images taken by zookeeper Shane Belson yesterday (26 October) at the zoo in Bedfordshire, show youngsters Hanno, Moui and Oakley along with Lara and Bailey - who recently featured in the ITV documentary, London Zoo: An Extraordinary Year - enjoying creepy carved pumpkins filled with tasty fish to mark Halloween.

Shane said: “A pumpkin filled with delicious fish might be more of a trick than a treat for some, but our sealions certainly enjoyed their festive feast.

“The whole family are very inquisitive and like to explore new things - especially when that new thing is accompanied by keepers carrying their favourite food!

“After 13 years at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, our family of six are off to a fantastic new home – while we’re sad to see them go, we’d love visitors to come and help give the sealions the send-off they deserve this half-term.”

You can visit the sealion colony at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo this half-term and join in the Halloween fun, families are invited to take Wizard Wolfgang’s Tricky Trail, a self-guided walk following magical clues across a 600-acre nature haven.

To book tickets visit: zsl.org.