Whoever said ‘never work with animals or children' hadn't tried it with the cartoon variety. I stumbled across a series of adverts released by the Discovery Channel's ‘Animal Planet' team. Eleven shorts, featuring eleven sassy animal characters covers environmental issues ranging from energy consumption to rubbish dumping and subtly offers tips on what to do (or not do) about it.

Take Norman the hippopotamus aka the clean freak of the Sahara who has two mud baths and consequently two showers a day. Let's just say the dirt free look isn't so popular with his thirsty animal mates.

These brilliant animations illustrate how to address big eco issues with an easy approach and light-hearted attitude.

For the full range of shorts visit Animals Save The Planet.

Hip hip horray to animals saving the planet!