Old fire hoses made into toys for zoo animals

Charlotte Benton
BBC News, West Midlands
Twycross Zoo Four people, three men and one woman standing next to a red fire vehicle. One man is holding a large, red fire hose. Twycross Zoo
The old hoses will be made into toys, feeders, hammocks and ladders for animals at Twycross Zoo

Used fire hoses are to be turned into toys for zoo animals as part of a sustainability initiative.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has donated its old equipment to Twycross Zoo, in Leicestershire.

The old fire equipment will also be used to make feeders, hammocks and ladders for the animals.

Chief fire officer Ben Brook said: "By repurposing these durable fire hoses, we are not only reducing waste but also providing valuable resources that will directly enhance the lives of the animals at the zoo."

Andy Ridout from the zoo expressed his gratitude for the donation.

He said the hoses would be particularly beneficial for the zoo's apes and would provide a "stimulating" environment for them.

Charlie Rudge from the fire service added that the initiative was not something people would commonly think of, but said it had "certainly brought a smile to all involved".

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