PREVIEW

Autumn has arrived at Banham Zoo, and with it comes one of the animals’ favourite seasonal surprises: pumpkins!

Pumpkins are more than just decoration; they’re enrichment tools that keep animals curious, active, and engaged.

For the animals they are hollowed out and filled with tasty treats, rolled into habitats as a challenge, or simply offered whole to see how each animal reacts.

Enrichment is a key part of animal welfare at Banham Zoo. By introducing objects that stimulate natural behaviours, from problem-solving and foraging to play and exploration, keepers ensure the animals stay mentally and physically active. Pumpkins, with their unusual shape, scent and texture, are the perfect seasonal choice.

This year, visitors have been treated to some memorable scenes: lemurs rolling pumpkins like oversized toys, birds pecking out carvings and tigers investigating their bright new “prey”.

Deborah Harris, Animal Manager at Banham Zoo, said: “Pumpkins are just one kind of novel item we can provide as a form of enrichment, but their versatility means that many animal species can benefit from them. One of my favourites is watching the tiger play in the pond with the bobbing pumpkins, although I don't think the keeper's favourite job is cleaning up the mess of squashed pumpkins afterwards, but the animals have fun!”