VIDEO: Boo at the zoo as animals get ready for Halloween

Boo at the zoo as lemur checks out this Frankenstein mask

A group of playful ring-tailed lemurs known as the ‘ghosts of Madagascar’ are getting in the Halloween spirit early this year.

The lemurs, so named after the ghosts of Roman mythology (Lemures), were leaping at the chance to mess around with the spooky masks that Whipsnade Zookeepers have been collecting for the event.

Team leader Mark Holden said the group were curious to investigate the colourful Halloween masks.

He said: “It will be a great enrichment activity for them. We also hid some tasty treats like fruit yogurt, in the masks, to make it extra fun.”

Ring-tailed lemurs are classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species due to habitat destruction, hunting for bush meat and the exotic pet trade. Ten baby ring-tailed lemurs have been born at the nearby zoo in the last two years as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.

Mr Holden added: “Although they are known as the ‘ghosts of Madagascar’, ring-tailed lemurs are not nocturnal, and are extremely friendly.

“During half-term’s Boo at the Zoo activity week, our walk-through exhibit ‘In with the Lemurs’ will be a real family favourite, and visitors will be able to learn more about the incredible creatures at one of the Terrifying Talks.”

Boo at the Zoo runs from Saturday (October 24) to Sunday November 1 at Whipsnade Zoo. Normal entry charges apply. For tickets, or more information, visit www.zsl.org