This summer, twelve remarkable trolls have taken up residence at Whipsnade Zoo to conduct their own field study of humans.
As we've watched these curious creatures in action, we've noticed something extraordinary – each troll shares uncanny similarities with our animals. Here's your guide to spotting these perfect personality matches during your visit.
The collectors
Poppy, stationed outside the Visitor Centre with her collection of mobile phones, mirrors our monkeys perfectly. Both are fascinated by interesting objects and can't resist investigating anything new that catches their attention.
Just as monkeys are naturally inquisitive and love to explore different items, Poppy's obsession with ‘pocket stars’ shows the same irrepressible urge to collect and examine. Look out for our langurs and macaques in our newest habitat, Monkey Forest.
The responsible leaders
Taks, the youngest troll, was the first to sneak out of the camp and is now responsible for taking care of his siblings as they carry out the field study. He embodies the same protective instincts as our meerkats. Despite being small, they take their guardian duties seriously, constantly watching over their family groups. Like a meerkat sentinel, Taks stands ready to guide and protect.
The playful mimics
Kirse began the field study with her siblings but then went off to explore on her own, just as pygmy hippos prefer to be solitary in the wild.
Kirse is also a natural entertainer and loves encouraging humans to copy her handstands. She shares the playful intelligence of some of our youngest animals, like elephant calf Nang Phaya and our lion cubs who are always ready to turn any moment into playtime.
The observers
Boge can be seen pondering why humans climb to high places, and has the same contemplative nature and patience as an Amur tiger. Both are thoughtful observers who choose to watch and wait rather than rush into action.
The methodical problem-solvers
Anja, who counts the number of humans and cars she sees, demonstrates the same systematic approach as our chimpanzees.
Chimps relish a challenge and love solving puzzles. Keepers are always thinking of new ways to provide a stimulating mental challenge for the intelligent apes – Grant likes to play tug of war with keepers using a stick through the wire mesh!
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The patient surveyors
Wilde studies humans closely and sketches them in his notebook, sharing the patient focus of our African dwarf crocodiles.
Both take their time to observe details others might miss, whether it's Wilde capturing human expressions, or crocodiles waiting motionless to conserve energy and strike at the opportune moment.
The curious investigators
Birch can be found measuring everything he sees, and is fascinated by the size variations of the humans he comes into contact with. He has a naturally curious nature, in a similar way to elephants. With the largest brains of any land animal, elephants are well-known for their incredible memories and love to investigate new objects, sounds, and situations that they encounter.
The energetic playmates
Lilnut and Bignut, who want to play tag all day, perfectly match our otters' boundless energy. Our otter siblings seem to turn everything into a game, whether it's chase, hide-and-seek, or simply seeing who can squeak the loudest at lunchtime!
The resourceful treasure hunters
Larke, found investigating rubbish bins near our Base Camp restaurant, shares the resourceful nature of our European brown bears. Both are excellent at finding value in unexpected places and understanding that nothing should go to waste.
Bears are both hunters and scavengers, and will eat pretty much anything, with a varied diet from berries and fungi to birds and fish.
Our bears also sometimes like to climb their trees, so you may see them poking out from the branches, a bit like Larke peering out from the bin.
The dreamers
Valle, sleeping soundly after his nighttime adventures, has the same ability to rest deeply like our lions. Both understand that after periods of intense activity, quality rest is essential for recharging – lions can sleep for up to 20 hours a day!
The free spirits
Hasse, playing on the hill instead of focusing on the study, embodies the carefree spirit of our lemurs. Both prioritise fun and remind us that sometimes the best discoveries come from simply enjoying the moment.
