To celebrate the spookiest of seasons, West Midland Safari Park has thrown a ‘pumpkin party’ for its resident troop of lemurs.
As part of the Park’s month-long Spooky Spectacular event, which started on 29 September, over 600 pumpkins are being used to theme the walk-through areas of the attraction. Any surplus pumpkins are donated to the animals to be used as seasonal enrichment.
Firstly, the pumpkins were hollowed out, carved and filled with some of the lemurs’ favourite food. They were then placed around the Lemur Woods, ready for the lemurs to find and explore.
The Park is home to three different types of lemurs and the first to find the spooky squashes were the mischievous troop of 13 ring-tailed lemurs, who started calling to each other excitedly as they foraged for the hidden treats.
Next to discover the curious new objects were the three red-bellied lemurs. A little less choosy than their ring-tailed cousins, they didn’t bother exploring what was inside, but instead went straight for the pumpkin flesh, tearing it off in big chunks and wolfing it down!
Shelley Tudor, Deputy Head Keeper, said: “Lemurs are naturally very inquisitive animals and our three species didn’t need any encouragement to investigate the spooky treats that strangely seemed to appear in the woods overnight, whilst they were tucked up in bed!
“The ring-tailed lemurs in particular enjoyed exploring what the pumpkins had to offer and playing with them, whilst the red-bellied lemurs were more interested in the all you can eat buffet! It was great fun watching them join in with our Halloween celebrations!”
As well as offering Halloween treats to the animals, there is also lots in store for guests to do at the attraction. Over 100 different scarecrows can be seen, which are eerily illuminated when the sun goes down. There is a special Wizarding Workshop, where children can create and try out their very own wands and meet Walter the Wizard.
Additionally, there is a Trick or Treat Trail to follow, a themed Sea Lion Show and in the evening, brave guests are needed in the Park’s Ice Age exhibit to help discover what pre-historic animal might be terrorising the keepers!
Opening hours will be extended until 8:30pm on weekends and the October half-term holiday, with the chance to ride the Adventure Theme Park rides in the dark.
Spooky Spectacular runs until 4 November and is included in the standard admission charge of £24.00 for adults, £19.00 for children aged 3-15 and £22.00 for concessions. Children under the age of three years are admitted free of charge. Admission includes a winter Free Return Ticket. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra.
Further information and discounted tickets are available from the Park’s website: www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. You can find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari.
