Visitors were able to return to outdoor wildlife parks again, and some were treated to an early festive sight.

Under Tier 3 restrictions, sites outdoors at centres such as Wildwood Trust near Herne Bay can reopen, welcoming visitors back for the first time since the second lockdown.

And with less than a month to go until Christmas, the animals had been enjoying some seasonal treats and enrichment.

Recently arrived bear cubs Mish and Lucy are having their first ever Christmas, and they enjoyed a Christmas tree to snack on and play with.

Father Christmas had left ‘presents’ filled with tasty treats for the arctic foxes and lynx to unwrap, and an advent calendar for the polecats to investigate.

See more pictures here:

Gallery1

Senior keeper Sally Holt said: “Christmas-themed enrichment activities are the perfect way to encourage our animals to use the natural skills they would in the wild like foraging, digging, scratching and sniffing out a scent.”

“Unwrapping ‘presents’ is a sensory experience that requires the use of both mouth, paws and brain. Stimulating and encouraging natural behaviours in new, fun ways is important to us and our residents enjoyed getting into the festive spirit.”

As part of the return to opening, Wildwood Trust is also hosting exclusive after dark winter woodland tours for small groups.

To find out more about visiting the animals click here.

For other days out ideas across Kent click here.

Here's what you can get out and do in Tier 3.