London Zoo gives animals pumpkin treats to encourage natural foraging
London Zoo marked Halloween by giving its animals pumpkins filled with their favourite foods. The seasonal treats encourage natural behaviours such as exploring, scent-tracking and foraging, while offering visitors a family-friendly attraction.
Humboldt penguins had fish served on pumpkin platters, while western lowland gorillas searched through pumpkins, peppers and lettuce in a pumpkin patch. The zoo has also used food-filled carved pumpkins to engage Sumatran tigers, okapis, Komodo dragons and Galapagos tortoises.
In short
- London Zoo animals received Halloween treats hidden in pumpkins.
- Penguins ate fish from pumpkin platters.
- The food encourages natural foraging behaviours.
Explained simply
Zoos use enrichment to give animals opportunities to explore, investigate scents and find food, much as they might in the wild. It can take the form of objects, puzzles or food placed in different ways around an enclosure.
London Zoo is part of the Zoological Society of London, a conservation charity that cares for animals and supports wildlife work. Keepers choose activities to suit each species and its diet; fish, vegetables and other foods are used here to encourage searching and foraging.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Trick or… London Zoo animals enjoy treats for Halloween”.