Spooky seasonal treats are part of the bird enrichment program
You may think we are really in the Halloween spirit but the colourful pumpkins from Arundel Pumpkin Patch we are putting in the exhibits this year are to make life interesting for the flocks at WWT Arundel.
The Keepers at WWT Arundel wanted to introduce some Halloween fun for the ducks and birds in their exhibits during our Super Natural half term!
The Keeper team are placing pumpkins into the aviarys and exhibits, and hiding mealworms and other treats inside some of them for the birds to find. Keepers Murrren Peskett and Abbi Hobbs pose with a pumpkin and mealworms in the Coastal Creek Aviary, pictured above.
The pumpkins at WWT Arundel have been donated by the Arundel Pumpkin Patch, a family run patch in Arundel on Ford Road, BN18 0BG. The Arundel Pumpkin Patch is open on weekends in October and daily Oct 25th - Nov 1st from 10am - 4pm, no booking required. Search for them on Instagram.
Head Collection Keeper Sam McKinlay said: “The pumpkins are part of our program of animal enrichment. Poking around in the pumpkin will be a new way of finding some of their food and will give them mental stimulation and enhance natural feeding behaviours. Even having an new object in their home will stimulate their curiosity.”
Animal enrichment means varying the way the animals are feed, adding or changing items in their enclosures and giving them other birds to interact with to improve their quality of life, giving them opportunities for choice or challenges.
The Keepers at Arundel practice animal enrichment by moving around perching logs in exhibits, ensuring birds have avian company in their enclosures and changing up the way they are feed occasionally.
Each Christmas season the WWT Arundel Keepers take part in a Secret Santa gift exchange among members of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).Sam McKinlay said “We often gift animal enrichment items to other parks and zoos and are pleased when we receive some."
The pumpkins will be in place Oct 26-Nov 3 during the Super Natural Half Term. Come in and experience unique activities that all the family will enjoy, with wand making, potion crafting and spell casting just a few of the mystical activities for a fun-filled time. And it’s all included in your admission ticket!
