London Zoo’s tiger enjoys Halloween fun
Scented trails led Sumatran tiger Crispin to a spooky surprise this week at London Zoo’s Tiger Territory, where grimacing meat-filled pumpkins were waiting for him in place of his usual breakfast spread.
One large white pumpkin with a meaty tongue and a small traditional orange pumpkin matching Crispin’s coat were tucked away in Tiger Territory for the big cat to sniff out, and the playful big cat loved discovering the treats inside the gruesome gourds.
Three-year-old Sumatran tiger Crispin is adept at using his hunting instincts, thanks to the varied challenges that London Zoo’s keepers plan out for him. From hiding food to laying scent-trails, these enrichment activities help to keep Crispin – and the rest of the Sumatran tigers at the conservation zoo – fit and stimulated.
Tara Humphrey, our predators’ team leader, said: "Spooky season is upon us and the Zoo turns itself orange, scary and fun this time of year!
“This is a great moment to place our animals at the heart of the celebrations, especially as we can provide them with fantastic seasonal enrichments. On top of being the perfect match for the tiger’s colour, pumpkins provide a new, fleshy, smelly ball for the big cats to play with, very much like your own cat at home would do with a new toy. We filled Crispin’s with meaty treats for extra fun and it didn’t take him long to hunt down and devour his Halloween gift.
“Halloween activities for our visitors have sprouted all over London Zoo with our Boo at the Zoo events this half-term – with Spooky Animal Talks and a Halloween-themed silent disco for families to join in with, plus an additional treat with children’s tickets available for just £10.”
London Zoo is home to over 8,000 amazing animals, many of which are threatened or extinct in the wild and part of vital conservation breeding programmes. Sumatran tigers are the rarest subspecies of tiger, classified as Critically Endangered, due to deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade. Current estimates suggest there are only around 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild.
ZSL’s Sustainable Business and Finance team protects tigers and other endangered species through engaging with businesses working across critical regions. Through our SPOTT platform, we have continually assessed 100 of the world's most significant palm oil, timber and pulp, and natural rubber companies on the transparency of their environmental policies, including around deforestation. This transparency in the sector increases companies’ accountability to follow their own environmental, social and governance commitments and practices.
You can explore Tiger Territory and enjoy Boo at the Zoo celebrations this October half-term until Sunday 2 November.
Boo at the Zoo guarantees wickedly wonderful family fun, including spooky animal talks, a silent disco in glowing UV lighting and a Halloween craft exercise for little ones – all which highlight the conservation efforts of London Zoo. This Halloween half-term, families can also take advantage of an amazing offer with children’s Zoo admission tickets at just £10.