Animals Get Into Seasonal Spirit; Smashing, Eating Pumpkins At Zoo

ROYAL OAK – Detroit Zoo animals had a smashing good time munching, crunching and tossing pumpkins filled with treats.

Each year around Halloween, Zoo staff provide the animals with seasonal munchies – including pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and other fall harvest goodies – as part of its comprehensive program of ensuring environments for animals that are ever-changing and appropriately complex.

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All year round, food items are hidden throughout the animals' habitats or prepared and placed in order to stimulate natural behaviors such as foraging or stalking. "Around Halloween, seasonal fare from local Michigan producers gives this activity a special appeal for both Zoo visitors and the animals," said Scott Carter, Detroit Zoological Society chief life sciences officer.

A second event is scheduled for Saturday, October 22.

Find more information about Detroit Zoo activities HERE.