Halloween comes early to Whipsnade Zoo

Elephants and monkeys enjoy a 'spooktacular' treat

Author: Shereen BenahmedPublished 22nd Oct 2021

A herd of endangered elephants have been playing a game of trick or treat at the Bedfordshire zoo.

Keepers carved pumpkins for the Asian elephants allowing them to use their senses to investigate and play with the treats.

The conservation zoo also saw some of the squirrel monkeys get in on the action.

Eight small pumpkins were prepared for them, with the tops cut off so they could munch on the tasty seeds inside.

A four-year-old aptly named monkey called Pumpkin was one of the curious monkeys who took part in the fun.

It comes as the zoo gear up for a number of celebrations during Halloween including giving visitors the chance to discover more about the ways the animals feed and forage at 'Terrifying Talks' across Whipsnade.

Zoological manager, Matt Webb said: “Our animals are already enjoying all the fun of the autumn season, and we can’t wait to welcome our members and visitors during half-term to join in all the spooky fun and animal magic that Whipsnade Zoo has to offer.”

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