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Zoo Animals Get Halloween Treats
BY: Rod HackneyOct. 29, 2009
ASHEBORO – Returning to a Halloween tradition of many years, the North Carolina Zoo will hold its annual "Pachyderm Pumpkin Pounding" on Friday, Oct. 30, at 9:30 a.m.
Elephants and gorillas will get the chance to pound, pulverize and eventually partake of pumpkins in their exhibits Friday morning. It’s all part of the zoo's ongoing animal enrichment program, but should be a treat for visitors as well as the animals. In addition a second pumpkin event for baboons has been set for Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. in the Baboon Exhibit at the zoo’s African Pavilion.
The elephants will be the opening act on Friday when they are released into their exhibit at 9:30 a.m., followed by the gorillas at 10 a.m. According to zookeepers, the pumpkins provide both mental and physical stimulation for the animals, allowing them to manipulate the giant vegetables and experience their taste and smell.