On October 29 and 30, some of your favorite Zoo animals will discover that the Great Pumpkin has paid a visit to their habitats! Some animals will eat the pumpkins, while some animals might just knock them around. Either way, it’s a lot of fun to watch and a great experience for the animals! Introducing new items such as pumpkins into animals’ habitats is a great form of enrichment, in which animals are presented with different stimuli that encourage the animals to explore their surroundings, manipulate objects and engage in naturalistic behaviors. Enrichment is a key component to the Zoo’s commitment to excellence in animal care. (The fact that it’s a lot of fun for visitors is a bonus!)

2011 Jumping Pumpkins schedule:

Saturday, October 29:

• Rhinos 10:30 a.m. -- African Savanna
• Elephants 10:45 a.m. -- Elephant exhibit
• Small Primates 11:15 a.m. -- Primate Forest
• Meerkats 1:45 p.m. -- African Savanna
• Cheetahs 2:30 p.m. -- Cheetah Valley

Sunday, October 30:

• Orangs 10:15 a.m. -- Kingdom of the Apes
• Gorillas 10:30 a.m. -- Kingdom of the Apes
• Wolves 1:30 p.m. -- Across from Arctic Encounter®
• Tamarins 2:30 p.m. -- Rain Forest in the Aquarium

Also visit the Aviary throughout both days to see various birds enjoying pumpkin treats!