Find out about humans at Bristol Zoo

A new sign at Bristol Zoo is encouraging visitors to watch and find out more about one of the world's most widespread species – Homo sapiens.

The zoo's director insists the light-hearted sign, which has appeared on the side of the zoo's popular Coral Café, is a clever prank and nothing to do with him or his staff.

The notice, spotted this week, shows humans 'on display' inside the café and includes a tongue-in-cheek description of the species and its characteristics.

It explains some well-known human characteristics including the "more nocturnal lifestyle" and "ritualised activities of drinking fermented liquids and dancing to rhythmical sounds" practised by adolescents and the ability of some people "to live almost exclusively on chipped potatoes and sugary drinks".

Bristol Zoo Gardens director Dr Jo Gipps said: "This is not one of the zoo's own signs, it is clearly a prank and a very good one too. It looks completely genuine. We think it's a great sign and we have no intention of removing it, however we think one of them is probably enough."

Pointing out that the sign has appeared during the exhibition by renowned prankster street artist Banksy at the City Museum and Art Gallery, Dr Gipps said: "I don't suppose we'll ever find out who was responsible for this, but it is certainly raising a few smiles here at the zoo."