A PLUMP pair of armadillos who piled on the pounds over Christmas have slimmed down.

Patsy and Eddie were put on an exercise regime by zoo trainer, after piling on 2kg between them.

The two friendly, yellow armadillos, who arrived at Drusillas Park near Alfriston last July, were known to enjoy treats, snuffling shoes and clambering on laps.

The Argus: Patsy takes to the scales after two months on her training regimePatsy takes to the scales after two months on her training regime

But in January, they were given a new diet and daily workouts, including see-saws, footballs and digging buckets.

Keepers say the girls, named after characters from comedy series Absolutely Fabulous, have now lost 200g between them and are on their way to reaching their target weights.

Head Keeper Gemma Romanis said “The girls have come out of hibernation now, so it’s the perfect time to put in place lots of exercises to get them moving to ensure they are nice and fit for the warmer, more active months.

The Argus: Patsy and Eddie in their digging bucketPatsy and Eddie in their digging bucket

''It’s fantastic to see they are steadily losing a healthy amount of weight, and the daily enrichment exercises have also been a great time for us to bond with the pair who only arrived here last July.

“They are full of cheeky character, always up to trouble, and causing chaos – but that’s all part of their charm.

''They actively engage with anything new we introduce them to, including our close encounter visitors.”

The park has now launched a competition for two visitors to meet Patsy and Eddie inside their enclosure, and help the team come up with exercise ideas to keep them in shape.

Gemma said: “Patsy and Eddie love meeting new people and so to celebrate the success of their weight loss journey so far, we’re giving away a ticket for two people to come along and meet them inside their enclosure.

“They ca also help us come up with exercise ideas to keep them on their toes.”

The unique encounter for two people is up for grabs on Drusillas’ Facebook page, with free entry available from 18th – 23rd March.

The park is open daily from 10am.

For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk