Syracuse's zoo animals are celebrating Christmas a week early, and the treat is, that zoo goers can watch, and enjoy their antics.

The different exhibits at Syracuse's Zoo are getting package deliveries through the day.  Some, like the one Meteorologist Matt Stevens and I wrapped for the lizards, have crickets inside (they poked holes in the box to make access easier!)  Other boxes, like the lions', just had scent inside, so the box could be ripped to shreds (see picture!)...

The idea, according to the zoo's Lorell Walter, is the same as the 'squishing of the squash' right after Halloween, when animals get pumpkins to play with:  it's another stimulation and way for animals to explore something new, like what we'd expect when we give our children a present.  There are precautions for the animal version, though.  For those who might chew the package, kid-safe glue sticks were used instead of tape.

We can't wait to see what presents show up for Valentine's--but you can bet they won't be chocolate!