“This seasonal treat is sure to be fun for all involved. Some of the animals will eat the pumpkins, while others will smash them, carry them or simply hide them,” said Sue Pfaff, assistant curator of mammals at Riverbanks. “Watching the animals investigate, rummage and stalk, as they would in the wild, is a treat for the visitors and the staff.”

From the tiniest to the biggest creatures at the Zoo, no animal will go without a treat this Saturday. To stimulate different behaviors, the pumpkins will be given out in a variety of “packages.”  Some pumpkins will be frozen, some will be diced, and others will be carved out and stuffed with special treats. Just like trick-or-treating for kids, when the animals break into their pumpkin, they may find sugar free candy, raisins, peanuts, cereal and more.

One area in particular to watch is the aquarium. Fish like a tasty treat just as much as the other animals. Divers will deliver pumpkins to the fish at the 12:30pm Aquarium Dive Demonstration.

“Watching the varied reactions from each animal will be the best part of the day,” said Pfaff. “Don’t be surprised if you see some of the larger animals swallow a pumpkin whole.”

Enrichment activities stimulate the animals’ senses and encourage their natural behaviors.  The physical and mental stimulation brought about by these activities help maintain and enhance the health and wellbeing of Riverbanks’ animals.  Enrichment encounters typically draw a large crowd and provide rare photo opportunities. Free tattoos will be given out in the main plaza.