Young animals at a Sussex wildlife park have participated in a traditional back-to-school photoshoot, dressing in miniature school garments for a seasonal celebration.
The photographic session took place at Drusillas Park in Alfriston, where juvenile lemurs, monkeys, penguins and meerkats were dressed in tiny school jumpers for the occasion.
The young creatures featured included a two-month-old spider monkey named Shakira, a five-month-old lemur called Hector, and a four-month-old saki monkey named Ramito.
Their willingness to cooperate varied considerably.
Jacinta Dawe, the zoo section leader at the establishment, explained that incorporating the animals into the back-to-school tradition has become an annual highlight.
She noted that the emphasis this year was specifically on the school jumpers, and like their human counterparts, some of the creatures were perfectly content to pose for photographs while others proved more challenging.
The initiative provides an entertaining way to mark the conclusion of the summer break while simultaneously offering visitors an insight into the distinct characters of several younger animals.
Not every creature proved cooperative during the session.
Hector the lemur attempted to chew his jumper before eventually calming down, while his sibling Gilbert escaped into the enclosure.
Ramito remained attached to his mother Twiggy throughout, though his father Pires managed to pose successfully for the camera.
Goeldi’s monkey Obi, also four months old, proved restless, moving energetically around the habitat.
Staff members observed that the primate’s thick dark fur appeared particularly impressive.
Phoebe the meerkat examined her jumper with evident curiosity before eventually staying still long enough for her portrait.
Penguin March demonstrated similar reluctance, wandering away before eventually consenting to be photographed wearing his jumper.
Even Halina the sloth participated, reaching out to explore the unfamiliar garments.