This was mainly because all their gifts were edible.

But they also found special joy in opening their presents by themselves – the ­dingoes and maned wolves tearing open boxes with their fangs and the monkeys tearing up the wrapping.

“Every year, before Christmas, we give the animals their gifts and they really enjoy themselves,” carnivores keeper Danielle Rae said.

She was speaking as three maned wolves stalked each other around a tree into which a neatly wrapped parcel – sprinkled in chicken fat –  had been placed.

It wasn’t long before a quick leap knocked a parcel down and a maned wolf was devouring the chicken inside.

“The animals enjoy this day as a big game, hunting for the parcels and then biting them open,” Ms Rae said.

The meerkats were having a lot of fun too, scratching meal worms that had been hidden between egg cartons.

“We provide special treats for all the animals and, of course, they love it,” she said.

The dingoes received a particular treat. A frozen block of animal blood, dog biscuits and chunks of lamb.

As they munched the ice block, the dingoes wagged their tails.

Primate keeper Daisy Hawkins chose an assortment of worms, seeds, nuts and marshmallows as a Christmas treat for the capuchin monkeys.

“The monkeys love the food but they especially love ripping boxes open and making a big mess,” Ms Hawkins said.

“And as they eat, they sit there watching me clean up.”

Even Will, a python was given a treat.

“He’s getting an extra rat this Christmas, because he has been a very good python,” Ms Rae said.