RESIDENTS needing new nutcrackers for the festive season are being encouraged to adopt a pair at Dudley Zoo instead.

The attraction’s yellow-breasted capuchin monkeys, among the rarest animals on the planet, have perfected their technique for opening festive feasts to get to the goodies inside.

And Willow, Dinha and Holly, are the only animals within the zoo’s vast collection, that don’t have adopters.

Upper Primates Team Leader, Pat Stevens, said: “Capuchins are clever and thoughtful primates and very skilled at using their hands.

“We give them nuts as enrichment treats and they simply hold them in their hands and crack them open on the nearest post.”

Find out how to adopt Willow, Dinha or Holly for Christmas by visiting dudleyzoo.org.uk