West Sussex animals enjoy post-Halloween pumpkin treat
Nearly 100 pumpkins were donated following a social media appeal.
Animals at a West Sussex college have been enjoying a post-Halloween pumpkin treat thanks to students and residents in the area.
Wisborough Green Primary School donated 60 pumpkins to the animals at Brinsbury College, which had been previously used for a pumpkin competition.
Along with donations from staff, students and residents, nearly 100 pumpkins were donated following a social media appeal for unwanted squashes.
The seasonal vegetables were collected via a socially-distanced drop-off point at the front of the animal centre.
Gemma Warren, an instructor at the college, said:
"We have been overwhelmed by the response we had from people across the area – it has been fantastic and we are very grateful for the support we have been getting.
"We are particularly grateful to the pupils from Wisborough Green for their massive donation.
"It’s great for them to know their pumpkins won’t be going to waste but will be put to good use here at Brinsbury.
"Lots of our animals are benefitting, including our goats who enjoy playing with them as well as nibbling them!
"We also placed pumpkins in with some of our insects in the centre's 'bug room' and they seemed to enjoy having a novel treat.
"It has really added variation to the diets of some of our other residents, including our small mammals.
"The pumpkin donations, as well as the Christmas tree donations we received in January, really promote seasonal enrichment opportunities for our animals, helping to ensure they are healthy and happy all year round."