Learn and View Tiger, Lion, Leopard and Jaguar Enrichment Activities at Akron Zoo

By David Barnhardt

Akron, OH - The Akron Zoo will host an Enrichment Day on Saturday, November 14, 2009, to showcase enriching activities for the animals that stimulate their natural behaviors. Activities are planned for a variety of animals from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enrichment is the practice of providing interesting and challenging environments and activities for animals. Various activities encourage the animals to use their natural instincts and skills such as hunting, tracking and foraging. Although enrichment is provided for the animals on a daily basis at the zoo, Enrichment Day is a chance for the public to observe and participate in the activities that keep the animals mentally and physically fit.

Much of the enrichment planned for the day will include food inside paper-mâché, with an autumn theme. There will also be human enrichment activities from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. These activities will include foraging for candy in the Madagascar Building and decorating paper bags in Komodo Kingdom for keepers to use for future enrichment.

Enrichment will be provided to the following animals for the public to view on Enrichment Day:
• 11:30 a.m. - jaguars
• 12:00 p.m. – snow leopards
• 12:30 p.m. – tigers
• 1:00 p.m. – sloth bears
• 1:30 p.m. – lions
• 2:00 p.m. – golden-lion tamarins

The Akron Zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world and is open 361 days a year. Winter hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6 per person. Parking is $2.00.

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

To View Akron Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-165-Akron_Zoo_in_Ohio