Some of Twycross Zoo's most popular animals have been celebrating the spookiest time of the year in style on National Pumpkin Day (26 October) – enjoying juicy pumpkins as part of their important enrichment programmes.

Both little and large residents received the much-enjoyed treat, with the fang-tastic Sumatran tiger, Jahly, who, as you can imagine, needed some extra temptation in the form of a joint of beef, whereas the mob of meerkats were only too happy with just a pumpkin with a few mealworms thrown in!

Enrichment is important for the animals at Twycross Zoo as it promotes good animal welfare, it increases physical and mental activity levels, and encourages natural behaviours such as foraging. Enrichment is also a great way to excite an animals five senses.

Matthew Cleverley, Team Leader of Mammals and Birds at Twycross Zoo, said: "Halloween is always a special time here at Twycross Zoo and our keepers have been enjoying giving some of our animals a spooky treat in the form of a carved pumpkin!

For those who are visiting this half term they might be able to spot more spooky enrichment with other animals around the zoo, as well as enjoy all of what Boo at the Zoo has to offer!"

Boo at the Zoo takes place every day at Twycross Zoo until Sunday 1 November. With an array of COVID-SECURE Halloween activities for the whole family, the zoo is providing a spooky outdoor day out for visitors around its 100-acre zoo, where there's so much to see and do! Restricted tickets available and online booking only.

For further information, please visit the Twycross Zoo website.