Pumpkins! Brookfield Zoo animals given Halloween treats
BROOKFIELD, Ill. - In the spirit of Halloween, animals at the Brookfield Zoo were given pumpkins this week.
The African painted dogs feasted on their pumpkins which were filled with meat, the zoo said.
The mongooses’ pumpkins were packed with squash, carrots and meat.
The western lowland gorillas that reside in Tropic World: Africa had a blast smashing their pumpkins and eating the insides.
The kangaroos and Rodrigues fruit bats were also treated to pumpkins, according to the zoo.
In addition, animals will again receive pumpkins during the final week of Brookfield Zoo’s "Boo! at the Zoo" Halloween celebration on Oct. 23 and 24.
On October 23 at 10:30 a.m., the zoo says guests can see the big cats and sloth bears with their pumpkins.
On October 24 at 10:30 a.m., guests can see the polar and brown bears at Great Bear Wilderness with their pumpkins.
According to the zoo, providing the animals with "enrichment items" that they don't regularly receive — such as pumpkins — helps physically and mentally stimulate the animals.
A kangaroo at Brookfield Zoo enjoys a seasonal treat—a carved out pumpkin filled with seeds and leafy greens. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Rod, a Rodrigues fruit bat at Brookfield Zoo, reaches for pieces of fruit inside a carved pumpkin. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Casper, a ball python at Brookfield Zoo, wraps around a pumpkin. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Brookfield Zoo’s mongooses were treated to a seasonal nutritious treat—carved pumpkins filled with squash, carrots, and meat. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Brookfield Zoo’s mongooses were treated to a seasonal nutritious treat—carved pumpkins filled with squash, carrots, and meat. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Animal care staff at Brookfield Zoo gave the African painted dogs carved pumpkins filled with tasty meat. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Animal care staff at Brookfield Zoo gave the African painted dogs carved pumpkins filled with tasty meat. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Animal care staff at Brookfield Zoo gave the African painted dogs carved pumpkins filled with tasty meat. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
It appears Ali, one of Brookfield Zoo’s western lowland gorillas, is contemplating how to break open a pumpkin. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
Binti Jua, a western lowland gorilla at Brookfield Zoo, enjoys a seasonal treat—pumpkin filling and seeds. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
One of Brookfield Zoo’s capybaras eyeing a carved out pumpkin. (Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)