Whipsnade Zoo Animals Celebrate Halloween with Pumpkin Treats
Rhinos, lemurs, and macaques at a UK zoo received carved pumpkins filled with food as part of their enrichment activities.
Animals at Whipsnade Zoo in the United Kingdom embraced the Halloween spirit by enjoying specially prepared pumpkins and seasonal treats. The zoo's zookeepers provided carved squashes filled with food as an enrichment activity for several species.
Ring-tailed lemurs, named Delilah and Diego, and black lemurs Camila and Kahagi, used their sense of smell to find sweetcorn and peppers hidden within the pumpkins. Sulawesi crested macaques demonstrated their dexterity by searching the gourds for seeds and pulses.
Hugo, a greater one-horned rhino, calmly investigated the pumpkin setup before eating a meal of hay and cabbage.
According to Matthew Webb, Head of Zoological Operations at Whipsnade Zoo, zookeepers regularly develop creative methods to stimulate the animals' natural behaviors. These methods include using scent trails and foraging activities. Webb noted that by utilizing seasonal squashes, keepers ensured the animals could participate in the Halloween festivities while engaging their natural skills.