'It started as a joke': the animal Zoom calls delighting a locked-down public

From throwing an alpaca party to adding a goat to a work call, video calling is providing a financial lifeline for businesses

While the rest of the world has been in lockdown, the goats of Cronkshaw Fold farm in Lancashire have never been busier. In the past few weeks they've been to a rave in Berlin and a birthday party in New Zealand, while Mary goes to church services every Sunday - all virtually, of course.

They're one of an increasing variety of animal breeds people can now book to join their Zoom meetings, whether it's to break the tedium of a work conference call or to surprise someone on their birthday.