A LORRY-load of bark peelings, and some extra work from volunteers, has seen Borth’s two lions survive the November storms.

Zulu and Wilma, who arrived at Borth Zoo in August, found out what a Ceredigion winter can look like after three storm systems battered the coast in the past few weeks.

Jean Mumbray of Borth Zoo said that the lions are now happy after staff spread the bark peelings in their enclosure.

“As we had a very wet November, and as the lions weigh about 30 stone and have very big feet, one of their inside paddocks became wet and muddy and they did not like it as cats do not like mud,” Jean said.

“So we got a lorry-load of bark peelings and all staff got together to carry it in and spread it in the enclosure.

“The lions really appreciated this and came out and rolled in the peelings and are now happy to come out in the rain.

“The peelings make a thick carpet for them.

“Before, if it rained, they stayed indoors.

“Their outside enclosure is very large and the grass in that is fine.”

Zulu and Wilma — pronounced vilma — arri­ved from Noah’s Ark Zoo, Bristol in August, with staff saying that both had “settled well”.