Visitors enjoy boost to self-esteem at zoo for obese animals

A West Midland zoo is witnessing record numbers of visitors, after deciding to fatten up all its animals with cakes. Solihull zoological park is the first sanctuary for obese animals, and members of the public say they feel much better about themselves after visiting.

‘When you’ve spent all week sat at a desk eating crisps, you don’t want to waste your spare time looking at sleek animals in peak physical condition’ explained Howard Holstead, the park’s head keeper. ‘I got the idea after telling a family from Dudley that our cheetah was the fastest animal on the planet, and the second-fattest kid called it a ‘vain twat’.’

Unlike other zoos, visitors are actively encouraged to feed the animals. ‘You’re never going to bloat a meerkat with salad’ warned Holstead, ‘but it turns out they really like Big Macs. The crowds love watching them sucking cheese out of each other’s fur or laying there, gasping for breath.’

The high-fat diet has caused subtle changes in the behaviour of some animals. ‘The meerkats seem reluctant to look out for predators, possibly because of the effort required to give even the less stocky ones a bunk-up into their tree. But the most interesting development is the use of tools by the chimps, they’ve learned how to break into the control room and order pizza.’

http://www.newsbiscuit.com/2011/11/26/visitors-enjoy-boost-to-self-esteem-at-zoo-for-obese-animals/