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Andean bears snoozing in hammocks and otters digging into treat-filled cubes might not sound like the usual job for fire hoses -- but thanks to a unique partnership between Bristol Airport and Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, that's exactly what's happening.

Over the last eight years, decommissioned fire hoses -- once used to tackle emergencies -- have found a new lease of life as durable toys, climbing gear and feeding puzzles for animals at the North Somerset zoo. So far, around 100 hoses weighing more than a tonne have been donated by the airport's fire team, with 14 more delivered this week.

Antony Nash, a leading firefighter at Bristol Airport, said: "This is our annual drop of fire hoses down to Noah's Ark. The hose is now unserviceable for us -- they've not met their pressure test requirements -- so we deliver those down to Noah's Ark every year, which is a super fun day for us."

The collaboration began eight years ago, with zoo staff eager to find creative and sustainable materials for animal enrichment. "We sort of knew the animals would be stimulated by fire hose due to its durability and flexibility," Antony explained. "Noah's Ark is super close to us and it's really important to engage with the local community."

Chris Wilkinson, curator at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, said the zoo was thrilled when the airport first reached out. "We've been putting fire hose to use here for a few years and got all sorts of toys and enrichment for the animals made of it -- including whole furniture for enclosures," he said. "It's strong, waterproof, grippy and great for letting the keepers express their creativity."

The zoo's residents -- ranging from meerkats to Andean bears -- interact with the hoses in a variety of ways. Some swing on them, others use them to forage. "Enrichment is really important," Chris added. "We need to keep them mentally stimulated as well as physically fit and strong. The fire hose is a great piece of that wider puzzle."

Jack Goodridge, one of the zoo's keepers, highlighted just how essential the material has become for daily animal care. "It's a really durable material. A lot of our animals do tend to rip things apart, so this works brilliantly. We use it for furnishing too -- hammocks in the lemur exhibits, gibbon ropes, even rafts," he said.

He added: "It's so good for hiding their food in. It helps replicate natural foraging behaviours. Rather than just eating off the ground, they use their brains to rip things apart, which is what they'd be doing in the wild."

Antony said watching the animals engage with the hoses reinforces the value of the initiative: "What's not to love? Seeing how stimulated they are -- foraging for food, pulling things apart. It really makes a difference to why we've donated the hose."

The fire hose project forms part of Noah's Ark's broader sustainability efforts. The zoo, which is home to over 100 species including rhinos, elephants, and endangered spectacled bears, actively works to reduce waste and recycle materials as part of its conservation mission.

Emma Ogborne, head bear keeper at Noah's Ark, added: "It's a brilliant way to give retired equipment a new lease of life. The animals love interacting with the hoses and it's great to see local organisations working together to reduce waste and support animal welfare."