PHOTOS: Drusillas' Plump Armadillos Shift Festive Holiday Weight

Armadillos Patsy and Eddie, who featured on the national news just after Christmas, have been doing a daily workout at their home in Alfriston after piling on the pounds at Christmas.

The two 'previously podgy' yellow armadillos have been put through an exercise regime, which includes daily workouts and exercises, including see-saws, footballs, and digging buckets.

Drusillas staff reported that they'd spent the beginning of the year 'implementing a new physical enrichment programme and counting calories for Patsy and Eddie, as they had piled on the pounds over Christmas when they reached their peak hibernation period'.

In an update from the Zoo Park, the girls have now lost 200g between them and are steadily shedding and reaching their target weights. 

Since arriving in July last year, the pair have quickly become favourites among staff, with their 'curious, friendly, and interactive personalities – taking treats, snuffling shoes, and clambering on laps'.

Their enthusiasm for visitors has prompted the Sussex zoo to announce the launch of the new 'armadillo close encounter experiences'.

Head Keeper, Gemma Romanis, said:

“The girls have come out of hibernation now, so it’s the perfect time to put in place lots of exercises to get them moving to ensure they are nice and fit for the warmer, more active months. It’s fantastic to see they are steadily losing a healthy amount of weight, and the daily enrichment exercises have also been a great time for us to bond with the pair who only arrived here last July.”

“They are full of cheeky character, always up to trouble, and causing chaos – but that’s all part of their charm! They actively engage with anything new we introduce them to, including our close encounter visitors. They love meeting new people and so to celebrate the success of their weight loss journey so far, we’re giving away a ticket for two people to come along and meet Patsy and Eddie inside their enclosure, and help us come up with exercise ideas to keep them on their toes.”

The unique encounter for two people is up for grabs on the Park’s Facebook page, with free entry available from 18th – 23rd March.

Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk