Animal Enrichments
Animal enrichment is the practice of providing stimulating environments and experiences for Zoo animals in order for them to demonstrate behaviors natural to their species, to allow them more control over their environment, and to enhance their well-being.
Here is a "wish list" of items requested by the animal care specialists:
Animal Enrichment Wish List
Click here to download a printable wish list (PDF).
Smells
Most animals will investigate new or unusual smells. In many cases, the animals may roll in them or re-mark their territories due to the new smells.
Spices: nutmeg, cloves, curry, allspice, cinnamon, dill, garlic powder, etc.
Hunting Urines (found in sporting stores): buck, doe, fox, raccoon, bobcat, etc.
Baking Extracts: orange, lemon, anise, maple, strawberry, etc.
Foods
Foods can be used many different ways. Large round veggies are great balls to bat around (pumpkins). Some make fantastic forage items to hunt for (cereals & dried fruits). While other food items can be used to make popsicles (juices and Jell-O).
Dried Fruit: papaya, bananas, cherries, dates, prunes, apricots, coconut, mangoes, pineapples, etc.
Fruits & Vegetables: frozen berries, canned fruit, tropical fruits, sugar cane, pumpkins, squash.
Syrups & Dressings: salad dressings, steak sauce, jam/jellies, pudding, syrups (maple, blueberry, strawberry, etc.), molasses, relish, etc.
Unsalted Mixed Nuts in Shells
Other Treats: cereals (hot or cold), crackers, non-flavored gelatin, peanut butter, Jell-O, granola bars, pickles, sugar-free powdered drinks, juices (all flavors), pie fillings, dog treats.
Toys
Some of these items may be given directly to the animals, while others may be placed outside of their enclosures for their enjoyment. Some of these items the keepers will use to build enrichment items.
Edible toys: pigs ears, raw hides (all sizes), Nyla bones
Pet toys: Kongs, LG/XLG black Kongs (strong for cougars & snow leopards), parrot toys, parakeet toys, ferret toys, ferret habit trails, sturdy cat toys, cuddle bones.
Other fun/desperately needed items: racquet balls, radios,
hoola hoops, PVC pieces, small chains, sidewalk chalk, snow cone machine,
bubble machines, blender, hot-air popcorn popper, phone books, tear-free
children’s bubble bath, short rectangle laundry baskets, snap clips,
carabineer clips (all sizes), cattails, socks, small wicker bird nests,
small & large pet carriers.
