Animals in zoos lonely without visitors

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A number of zoos around the world are reporting that their animals are becoming "lonely" without visitors.

Zoos have had to close to members of the public due to Covid-19.

At Phoenix Zoo, keepers have lunch dates with elephants and orangutans, and one sociable bird needs frequent visits. Primates have gone looking for missing visitors.

Dublin Zoo said animals were also "wondering what's happened to everyone".

Director Leo Oosterweghel said the animals look at him in surprise.

"They come up and have a good look. They are used to visitors," he told the Irish Times.