COMPETITION to get Valentine’s Day treats for the other half is definitely hotting up at a North Yorkshire zoo.

These lemurs were battling to get their paws on a present inside a heart-shaped box at Flamingo Land, near Pickering, with their amorous efforts being heightened because the Madagascan creatures are currently in their breeding season.

The Kirby Misperton zoo has 20 ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, who have been a favourite with visitors since they first arrived about ten years ago.

Zoo manager Ross Snipp said the winter is when they choose their mates and, because of the short pregnancy cycle for female lemurs, their offspring are expected to make their entrance in April and May.