By Dean Murray via SWNS
These incredible images reveal exactly what animals get up to after dark.
The pictures were taken during Whipsnade Zoo’s overnight Lookout Lodge experience, and show never-before-seen views of the creature’s nocturnal habits.
Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) photographer used a specialist night vision camera to reveal the animals’ behaviour at the Bedfordshire attraction.
Hannah Cole, Whipsnade Zoo’s Lookout Lodge Host said: “Whipsnade Zoo is a magical place at night and these images give a glimpse of the unique perspective our guests get while staying overnight at the zoo.
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“The African lions, for example, are crepuscular, meaning they’re particularly active as the sun sets, and these extraordinary images reveal the Zoo’s pride using their own night vision to prowl across their vast paddock in the dark, roaring to signal that Whipsnade is their territory – something that never fails to leave our Lookout Lodge guests in awe.”
Famous for their one-legged stance, the zoo’s flock of flamingos were pictured fishing for food in their large pond, continuing to eat well into the night; whereas cheetahs Fred, Billy-Rae and Robyn were tucked up in their cosy straw filled den at the first signs of dusk.
Overnight guests helped zookeepers to feed the zoo’s nocturnal aardvark duo Dobby and Terry their midnight enrichment – mealworm and grated cucumber – with night vision images showing the pair trotting around after dark using their heightened sense of smell to sniff out their snacks in the darkness.
