THIS is one of the weirdest birthday parties you've ever seen.

In the middle of a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus, George the giant tortoise at Cotswold Wildlife Park tucked into a very special cake this week to celebrate the West Oxfordshire visitor attraction's 50th anniversary.

Made out of carrots, buddleia leaves and even the number 50 carved out of swede (which George is devouring here), the nutritious delicious treat was made for gorgeous George by his devoted keeper Roxy Newton.

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Ms Newton, who also took the photo above, said: "We treated our oldest resident, Giant Tortoise George, to a special 50th anniversary cake.

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"It was made out of carrots, special leafeater pellets, buddleia leaves and the 50 was carved out of swede and given to the George, who has been at the park since we first opened fifty years ago today.

"He was only too happy to be involved in the celebrations, especially as he got to enjoy the cake entirely by himself for the special occasion."

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Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is built in the grounds of Bradwell Grove Manor House, was founded by estate owner John Heyworth in 1970.

This week, like much of the UK, it has been forced to shut in a historic way.

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However, curator Jamie Craig said: "Despite the current situation, our animals still need to be fed and cleaned and we need to ensure their welfare is not compromised.

"We are down to a skeleton crew of essential and dedicated staff who are split into distinct teams to ensure social distancing and strict hygiene.

"The safety of our keepers is the highest priority."

Meanwhile, he said, the park's hundreds of animals are going about their business as usual.

He added: "Spring is a hectic time and we are convinced all will come through this difficult period none the worse for wear."

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