The Bedford Estates, LondonThe Great British weather has been on top form in the last few weeks, swinging wildly from bright and warm to rainy days. One of the most common we get asked is: how does this affect the animals?
The simple answer is - the animals in the Park are all very used to the changable Bedfordshire weather!
Springtime sunshine...
During sunny days the animals can be spotted soaking up the start of the warmer weather, whether out on the reserves or in the Foot Safari.
On the really bright spring day the animals can choose to avoid the glare completely in one of their shaded areas - like the lion pride, who love using the outdoor shelter in their 32-acre reserve.
And spot of drizzle on a recent sunshine-y day certainly didn't stop the animals enjoying the heat, with keepers snapping these pictures of the herd at Alpaca Outpost and bull elephant Raja when rainbows popped up over the Park!
...and showers!
When it does rain the monkeys in the African Jungle can often be spotted making mischief in the rain, and love running about and surfing the run-off down their slide and into their pool.
But they're not the only ones - keepers spotted the Southern white rhino enjoying an unplanned mud bath during a recent downpour! Despite having many wallows and pools to bathe in, the three females decided to create their own spa in an area of their standing yard.
Mirijam, Mkuzi and Bonnie wasted no time at all in making the most of the weather, taking it in turns to wallow and coating themselves from top to toe in glorious mud! Although they look tough, rhinos actually have very sensitive skin and use the mud as a form of sunscreen or to ward off insects.
'But what about humans...?'
Whatever the weather, you can enjoy the drive-through Road Safari and find lots of great things to see and do in the Foot Safari and leisure areas!
And for those not-so-dry days be sure to check out our 'wet weather guide' for how to get the most out of your next day out.
Ticket info