[Mike]

Hoax calls to Dublin Zoo for Rory Lion and G Raffe are jamming its telephone switchboard.

Up to 5,000 unsuspecting victims of a practical joke are flooding the phone lines at the Phoenix park attraction, reports the Irish Independent.

They all received text messages to their mobile phones telling them to urgently call the zoo's number and ask for G Raffe, C Lion, Rory Lyons or Anna Conda.

Zoo bosses say their switchboard operators have been overwhelmed and pleaded with the public not to fall for the prank.

Meanwhile callers to the zoo hear a specially recorded message: "If you are calling to speak to Mr Rory Lion, C Lion, G Raffe or anyone similar please be aware that you are the victim of a hoax message."