LION and Tiger cubs at West Midlands Safari Park have been getting into the Halloween spirit with pumpkins providing a whole host of new entertainment.
In the build up to the Bewdley park’s Spooky Spectacular event, the animals were given pumpkins to bolster development, stimulate natural behaviours and offer new sights, smells and textures.
Picture courtesy of West Midlands Safari Park. sThe lion cub triplets – born in April this year – practised their stalking and pouncing on the seasonal vegetables and became very protective of their catches.
A trio of 10-month-old Sumatran tiger cubs were fixated too, as was their older sister, two-year-old Lestari.
Picture courtesy of West Midlands Safari Park. sLestari’s approach involved a seasonal game of pumpkin-bobbing in the pool instead.
Although these cubs look as innocent as a kitten with a ball of yarn, the crushing bite marks and enormous holes in the pumpkins say otherwise.
Picture courtesy of West Midlands Safari Park. sSenior keeper of carnivores, Shauna Jenkuins, said: “Any novelty item makes excellent enrichment for our animals, giving them a chance to use some of their natural, species-typical behaviours, whilst interacting with it.”
Pumpkins are a common sight throughout the park during the Halloween season and Jenkins said any left unused in the theming were donated to the animals.
Picture courtesy of West Midlands Safari Park. sA highlight of the Halloween season is the park’s Spooky Spectacular event which runs from October 18 to November 2.
The park offers a variety of weird and wonderful activities with fabulous prizes to be won.
Visitors can find a tasty treat at the end of the Monster Mystery Trail or design a horrifying monster in the Crazy Craft Club.
Picture courtesy of West Midlands Safari Park. sThe brand new Frankie’s Monster Mash Show offers a thrilling new experience this year at selected times daily.
The spooky photo competition offers the grand prize of a Safari Lodge stay or people can find the hidden potion bottle in Patch’s Pumpkin Pursuit.
All these spooktacular activities are included in the admission price and guests can book online in advance for the best price.
The Spooky Spectacular is the last chance to enjoy the Adventure Theme Park rides before they close for the winter.
Visit: wmsp.co.uk for more on the events and to book.
Story by James Reid.
