Whipsnade Zoo’s lions roar for Valentine's Day perfume donations
Whipsnade Zoo's lions, fuelled by their powerful sense of smell, seek Valentine's Day perfume donations to enrich their environment and stimulate natural behaviours
Last updated 15th Feb 2024
Lions at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, are not just roaring for love this Valentine's Day; they're also hoping for a generous spray of perfumes from kind-hearted donors. With a trio of lions comprising male Malik and lionesses Waka and Winta, the zookeepers are seeking fragrant contributions to keep the big cats entertained and stimulated.
Buffy Beck, one of the dedicated presenters at Whipsnade, highlighted the vital role of scent enrichment for the animals. "Lions have a fantastic sense of smell," she explained. "Their Jacobson organ allows them to detect scents up to five miles away. To keep our lions healthy and engaged, we provide various enrichment activities, including introducing new scents."
The lions at Whipsnade have their preferences when it comes to scents. Beck revealed, "Waka and Winta, our lionesses, love curry powder, while Malik, our male lion, likes lemongrass". Surprisingly, they're also fond of perfumes, with Calvin Klein being a favorite.
When asked about the significance of scent enrichment, Beck elaborated, "In the wild, lions rely on their sense of smell not only for hunting but also for marking territory and communication within the pride. By introducing different scents, we encourage natural behaviors and ensure the lions stay mentally and physically stimulated."
Beck emphasized the importance of donations, especially for floral and perfume scents. "We rely on the generosity of the public to provide a variety of scents for our lions".
"Every scent donation from the public plays a vital role in ensuring our lions lead fulfilling lives and helps support our conservation efforts to safeguard these magnificent animals for future generations."
With Valentine's Day in full swing, Beck encouraged individuals with unwanted perfumes to consider donating them to Whipsnade Zoo. "Whether it's a floral fragrance or something spicy, every scent donation contributes to enriching the lives of our lions," she added.
Currently, Whipsnade Zoo is home to three lions—sisters Waka and Winta, who arrived from Belgium, and Malik, who joined from Germany last year. As part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, the zoo hopes to welcome lion cubs in the future, marking a significant contribution to lion conservation efforts.
Buffy's optimistic about the future for the pride and excited about the prospect of lion cubs gracing the zoo after 17 years, maybe spurred on by the romance that comes with a spray of Calvin Klein.
For those interested in donating perfumes or learning more about Whipsnade Zoo's conservation efforts, visit their website or contact the zoo directly.