ANIMALS are more familiar with the Amazon jungle than online shopping.

But the apes and big cats are reaping the rewards of the South American forest’s retail namesake. Colchester Zoo has set up a wish list on amazon.co.uk so people can buy gifts to celebrate the animals’ birthdays.

A football, cotton sacks and tennis balls were among the gifts sent to the orangutan Rajang on his 40th birthday.

Other animals to have received birthday gifts are Igor the Amur tiger and Bailey, the African lion.

The toys and treats provide extra ways of stimulating and engaging the animals.

Colchester Zoo plans to buy a pulley so a zip wire can be set up to simulate a real hunt for the big cats.