The one corner of Europe where the big chill is welcomed with open flippers

For many of us, the bitter cold which has vast swathes of Europe in its icy grip, presents a host of daily difficulties from getting to work to schools being shut.

But in one tiny corner of the continent it is being welcomed with open flippers.

For the seals of Belgrade Zoo in Serbia have been ducking and diving in the waters of their enclosure with extra vigour. Even the centre's white lions, which are specially bred there, have got in on the act.

One cub can be seen in this video clip rolling a snowball. Less enthusiastic are the zoo's monkeys and snakes who are opting to stay indoors and close to the warmth of heat lamps.

Temperatures in the country have already dropped to minus 10C and are expected to fall further to minus 25C by next week. The Serbian government has even declared a state of emergency in 32 municipalities.