Paighton Zoo Wants Your Left Over Pumpkins

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - Wondering what to do with your pumpkins once Halloween is over? Take them along to Paignton Zoo Environmental Park.

Keeping staff at the Zoo are happy to take in surplus pumpkins from families, shops, schools, supermarkets, nurseries and growers.

Senior Head Keeper of Mammals Julian Chapman said: “So long as they are in good condition, with any wax and decorations removed and they are safe for the animals, then we are pleased to take ripe pumpkins. We can use them as feed and as environmental enrichment.”

Environmental enrichment is about stimulating zoo animals mentally and physically, encouraging natural behaviours and providing animals with choices. In the zoo environment animals do not have to walk miles in search of food and water, escape from predators or migrate with the seasons – environmental enrichment introduces alternative activities. It can range from puzzle feeders and wind chimes to unusual scents and empty cardboard boxes filled with hidden food items.

 Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling added: “We will take pumpkins with scary faces cut into them – I don’t think the elephants will be too frightened!”

Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.