Playtime Zoo farm residents go wild for ex-firefighting equipment

ANDEAN bears snoozing in hammocks and otters digging into treat-filled cubes might not sound like the usual job for fire hoses - but thanks to a unique partnership between Bristol Airport and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, that’s exactly what's happening.

- Lewis CLARKE

Animals at Noah Ark Zoo Farm foraging for food hidden inside pieces of fire hose

Over the last eight years, decommissioned fire hoses—once used to tackle emergencies - have found a new lease of life as durable toys, climbing gear and feeding puzzles for animals at the North Somerset zoo. So far, around 100 hoses weighing more than a tonne have been donated by the airport's fire team, with 14 more delivered this week.

Antony Nash, a leading firefighter at Bristol Airport, said: “The hose is now unserviceable for us - they've not met their pressure test requirements - so we deliver those down to Noah's Ark every year, which is a super fun day for us”

The collaboration began eight years ago, with zoo staff eager to find creative and sustainable materials for animal enrichment.