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Heart at London Zoo: We go behind the scenes to see the animals and their keepers during lockdown

11 May 2020, 16:48 | Updated: 15 May 2020, 12:43

Join Heart as we go behind the scenes at London and Whipsnade Zoos. Picture: Getty/Heart

Join us for a series of very special videos and interviews highlighting what's going on at ZSL's two parks.

For the last few weeks, coronavirus has meant we aren't allowed to visit our friends and families - and it's been a strange, quiet time for the animals at London Zoo, too.

That's why Heart are taking you behind the scenes at London Zoo and its sister site, Whipsnade Animal Park, to meet the dedicated team of experts and keepers looking after the wonderful animals, and find out what lockdown life looks like for them.

Heart at the Zoo: We take you to meet the animals during lockdown

Every day this week we will meet a new member of staff to find out more about what they do, their favourite animals, and what life is like working up close and personal with these wonderful creatures.

Friday May 15

Heart at London Zoo: Meet team leader Mark Holden

If you love big animals, you'll definitely want to hear about Mark Holden's job. Mark looks after all the rhinos, hippos, elephants and giraffes at Whipsnade Zoo in Befordshire.

Mark Holden is a team leader at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Picture: Heart

Thursday May 14

Heart at the Zoo: Meet primate keeper Jacob Winfield!

We met Jacob Winfield today, who takes care of ZSL London Zoo’s primates and makes sure the cheeky animals are fit and healthy - as well as entertained!

Jacob Winfield is in charge of the Zoos primates. Picture: Heart

Wednesday May 13

Heart at the Zoo: Meet primate keeper Jacob Winfield!

Alex Pinnell has worked at London Zoo for 18 years and knows almost everything there is to know about Sea Lions. Watch the video to find out more about her very important job.

Meet Senior Sea Lion Keeper Alex Pinnell. Picture: Heart

Tuesday May 12

Heart at the Zoo: Meet the penguin keeper!

Today we find out about Suzi Hyde, who works at ZSL London Zoo’s Penguin Beach - where she is in charge of 70 cute (but naughty!) penguins.

Suzi Hyde is in charge of a LOT of penguins - a fun but exhausting job. Picture: Heart

Monday May 11

We go behind the scenes at London Zoo during lockdown

We met Angela Ryan, press play in the video player above to find out more about her role at the zoo - and see footage of some very cute animals.

On Monday we found out about what Angela Ryan does at the zoo - apart from cuddling camels! Picture: Heart

ZSL is calling on the public for support to help care for and feed its 22,000 animals during this unprecedented time.

Every day that they are closed is another day’s worth of funds they must raise to keep their two zoos running smoothly, their scientists investigating wildlife diseases such as Covid-19, and their conservationists working in the field to protect critically endangered species.

Head to zsl.org/donate to find out more.