Have you ever visited Belfast Zoo and wondered why there are barrels hanging in the elephant paddock, why are the chimpanzees poking at termite mounds and why the lions are playing with sacks? These are all animal enrichment activities.
At Belfast Zoo we are always looking for ways to add new enrichment to our animal's lives and with the launch of our new Amazon Wish List, we plan to do just that.
The Wish List allows our fans and supporters to purchase toys, treats and other fun items for our resident animals.
With the zoo celebrating its 87th birthday on 28 March 2021, during lockdown, now is the perfect time for anyone wanting to show some support to purchase a donation.
Items on the wish list range from playmats and balls to spices and bubble machines.
Zoo Manager, Alyn Cairns, explains, “Enrichment is an essential part of the zoo’s animal care and welfare as it increases animals’ mental and physical activity to encourage natural behaviours while stimulating their senses. Our staff spend a lot of time developing and rotating enrichment activities to keep the animals challenged and excited, and they are always eager to introduce new enrichment activities.
We often receive enrichment donations from visitors in-person but unfortunately this was put on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions. We are delighted to now offer an Amazon wish list which enables our supporters to provide enrichment donations via an online method. This is an easy way to show your support for the zoo and your favourite animals, with a variety of enrichment items available to suit all budgets.”