Rare Amur tiger cubs discover pumpkins at Longleat Safari Park
The Amur tiger cubs are almost six months old
Four rare tiger cubs at Longleat Safari Park continue to make discoveries, as they grow to almost six months old.
The keepers have been getting into the Halloween spirit, by introducing some pumpkins into their enclosure.
Tiger mum Yana had to check them out first before her four rare Amur cubs are able to tuck into the Autumn feast.
We're told Ginger Biscuit, Dora-Boo, Seeka and Heidi are exploring the main Safari Park at Longleat in Wiltshire more frequently, with keepers using seasonal treats as part of regular enrichment activities.
Earlier this year, the keepers said 'days like this are what we dream about' - after they introduced four rare Amur tiger cubs to the outdoors for the first time.
They were born back in May, and are mum Yana's second litter.
The creatures fell to the brink of extinction back in the 1940s, when it's thought there were around 20 left in the world.
Read more: Rare Amur tiger cubs introduced to the outdoors at Longleat
Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said: “We have the biggest collection of tigers in the UK and are really proud of how the cubs have thrived under the care of Yana and our dedicated keepers.
“Introducing new activities and different things into their habitat is an important aspect of our work, encouraging and enabling the animals to use their natural behaviours, dynamic senses and natural instincts.
“With the pumpkins, Yana checked them out before allowing the cubs to investigate themselves and the traditional Autumn dish didn’t last long before it was destroyed!”
While the cubs may only be seen from the drive-through Safari, guests to Longleat during half term are invited to meet smaller animals with keepers introducing visitors to donkeys, ferrets, goats and chickens.
The Great British Autumn event also features live performances from Louby Lou’s Interactive Storytelling with the Woodland Wisps, walkabout red squirrel characters Mr and Mrs Nutkin, a haybale slide, scarecrow trail and crafts. It runs until 3 November.