ONE of Colchester Zoo's underwater residents has been lauded for her recycling ability during a debate in the European Parliament.

Winnipeg, a sea lion at the Maldon Road zoo, has been praised by Essex MEP Alex Mayer for her efforts to educate zoo visitors on the need to reduce plastic waste.

The sea lion hunts plastic products and puts them into the recycling bin near her pool to show youngsters the importance of recycling.

EU politicians discussed her efforts during a debate looking into new ways to reduce the 12.6 million tonnes of plastic waste which is being dumped into our seas each year.

Ms Mayer said: "There is a real wave of anger about plastics polluting the sea.

"Especially after the Blue Planet Two series, so many people now say they want things to change.

"It is time to help protect sea lions, whales, penguins and their pals from the devastation of plastic pollution.

"So let’s us follow Winnipeg’s example and dive in to a make a difference.”