Halloween pumpkins are part of the animal enrichment program at WWT Arundel
WWT Keepers Murren Peskett and Abbie Hobbs pose with a pumpkin and mealworms in the Coastal Creek Aviary, pictured above.
Donated Halloween pumpkins are for the birds at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
The Halloween pumpkins at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre are not just to celebrate the spooky season. The pumpkins help keep life interesting for the flocks that live at WWT Arundel.
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has a collection of wetland ducks and geese from around the world along with the wildlife that make the site their home. The Collection Keepers wanted to introduce some Halloween fun for the birds in their exhibits during the “Super Natural” half term. Pumpkins placed into the aviaries and exhibits will hold mealworms and other treats inside for the birds to find.
The twenty pumpkins at WWT Arundel have been generously donated by the Arundel Pumpkin Patch, a family-run business in the town of Arundel at BN18 0BG, open Oct 25th – Nov 1st from 10 am – 4 pm.
Head Collection Keeper at WWT Arundel Sam McKinlay said: “The pumpkins are part of our program of animal enrichment. Poking around in the pumpkin will be a new way of finding some of their food and will give them mental stimulation and enhance natural feeding behaviours. Even having a new object in their exhibit will stimulate their curiosity.”
Animal enrichment is varying the way the animals are fed, adding or changing items in their enclosures, and having other birds to interact with to improve their quality of life, giving them opportunities for choice or challenges.
The Keepers at Arundel practice animal enrichment by moving around perching logs in exhibits, ensuring birds have avian company in their enclosures and by changing the way they are fed occasionally.
The Keepers and Wardens at WWT Arundel volunteered to carve a pumpkin each. The pumpkins will be in place Oct 26-Nov 3 during the “Super Natural” Spells & Potions October Half Term. Families can try mystical activities like wand making, potion crafting, and spell casting for a fun-filled time. And it’s all included with your admission ticket!
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is open from 10 am through 4.30 pm and only closed on Christmas Day. The Centre closes at 2 pm on Christmas Eve. Paths are buggy and wheelchair friendly and the centre has a well-stocked gift shop and café.