IT'S not just the children who have been out enjoying the wintry weather over the last few days, many of the animals at Dudley Zoo are also enjoying the big freeze.

In the moat pools around the castle, sea lions Orry and Cleopatra have been helping keepers to break the ice each morning, while the red pandas, snow leopards and Humboldt's penguins are always eager to explore the latest snow fall in their enclosures.

The Castle Hill zoo has remained open throughout the cold snap, with keepers travelling for up to two-and-a-half hours into work each day.

Gardening and maintenance staff have also been going into work early to clear paths and roads for the morning food deliveries.

Chief executive, Peter Suddock said: "It's very much business as usual. All of our animals have to be cared for regardless of the snow and ice and our staff are a very dedicated team who brave the elements daily to look after some of the rarest creatures in the world."

He added: "And despite the chilly conditions we are getting visitors - many of them keen photographers who are making the most of this wintry weather to get some fantastic shots of their favourite animals in the snow."