Zoo keepers in South Devon have created Halloween versions of the animals for which they care. Staff at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park carved pumpkins with faces inspired by some of the animals at the Zoo.
Nearby Riverford Organic Farms donated several huge pumpkins to the Zoo – a registered charity – so that the keepers could unleash their inner artists.
Mammal keeper Cindy Burton was among the Zoo staff who tackled the vegetables, carving an elephant and a red river hog. Bird keepers Paul Jaques and Chas Barr carved an owl on one of the Riverford pumpkins.
The pumpkins were then given to a number of different species, including tiger, gorilla and elephant. Giving zoo animals novel items and surprise foods is known as environmental enrichment, and helps to stimulate animals mentally and physically.
You can find out more about Paignton Zoo on their website: www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
