Big cats at Yorkshire Wildlife Park get pumpkins for 'spooktacular fun'

The lions and leopards have been playing with pumpkins - the first time the big cats would have seen one!

Teddi, Emi and Santa, who were rescued last year from war-stricken Ukraine, are said to be 'fascinated' by the large orange vegetable
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 31st Oct 2025

The big cats at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have been handed a spooky treat - with the lions and leopards getting the chance to play with pumpkins.

Lions Teddi, Emi and Santa, who were all rescued from war torn Ukraine last year, are said to be 'truly fascinated' with the large orange vegetables.

The newly arrived Amur Leopard cubs are also set to be 'intrigued' and busy smashing up the pumpkins.

Dr Charlotte MacDonald, Director of Animals at YWP said: “It’s clear that the lions and leopards are in high spirits ready for Halloween!

“This is most likely the first time these animals have come across a pumpkin and it’s great seeing them enjoy their treat as much as anyone loves a pumpkin patch around Halloween."

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