黑料网

Chimpanzees went ape for basketballs and sea lions showed fin-tastic ball control when the Essex Rebels visited Colchester Zoological Society.

sides donated 40 balls to the animals and enjoyed a day discovering endangered species.

One of the stars of the day was 24-year-old Patagonian sea lion, Sydney.

The 100kg aquatic mammal enjoyed playing with the retired balls as players Tyreese Hudson, Quinesha Lockett, Tara King, and Harry Aplin met her and lead keeper Lizzie Durkin.

Chimpanzees also got in on the action with the great apes also enjoying playing with the sporting presents in the popular habitat.

The ape family led by matriarch, Tara, quizzically frolicked with the new toys after the generous donation.

This is all part of positive enrichment - which provides stimulation to enhance their physical and mental well-being, allowing them foraging, play, and to socialise as if in the wild.

Diana Voynova, Essex Rebels Manager, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to have partnered with Colchester Zoological Society.

鈥淭his is an exciting step for the Essex Rebels as we build a relationship that celebrates our shared commitment to community, family experiences, and bringing people together in fun and inspiring ways.鈥�

The donation marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between the Rebels and .

Colchester Zoological Society will be offering giveaways to Rebels fans on gamedays and Colchester Zoological Society passholders will receive 20% off tickets for Rebels games - with details to be shared later.

It hopes to build community spirit and help create memorable experiences for families, with shared giveaways and special offers.

The collaboration will boost kids鈥� access to sport and wildlife 鈥� strengthening connections across Colchester.

Melissa Dench, Business Development Manager, at Colchester Zoological Society, said: “The vital donations which we receive through partnerships with local businesses, not only help care for the animals here at the Zoo, but it also supports conservation projects worldwide.

"By having supporters who are passionate about conservation, we are able to find new ways together to reach a wider audience about our mission, caring for wildlife and wild places both here in Essex and across the globe.

“We are very grateful for the relationship we have with Essex Rebels and would like to thank them for all of their support in raising awareness for conservation.”

All pictures from the Rebels winning season opener against London Lions by @kdp.sports

The visit comes just days before the Rebels play in an exciting basketball doubleheader at the University’s Essex Sport Arena, on the Colchester Campus.

which sees the men face last season’s champions, the Reading Rockets, while the women take on the Caledonia Gladiators.

Men’s coach Joe Hart said: “The doubleheaders are the highlights of our basketball calendar, and these games promise to deliver a whole day of excitement for families.

“Reading will be a tough test for our group as they are a very well coached team and have a lot of talented players.

“But we can't wait to get back in front of the home fans and use the buzzing Essex Sport Arena to push us on.”