Zoo animals get into Halloween spirit with spooky treats

By Dean Murray

Greater one-horned rhino, ring-tailed and black lemurs and Sulawesi crested macaques got into the Halloween spirit Tuesday morning, tucking into spooky squashes to celebrate the season.

Ring-tailed lemurs Delilah and Diego, joined by black lemurs Camila and Kahagi, put their noses to the test to sniff out juicy sweet corn and peppers hidden among the Halloween treats.

The macaque troop puts its dexterous hands to work, rummaging through the carved creations to dig out tasty treats of seeds and legumes.

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Meanwhile, rhino Hugo was pictured snuffling around the scented snacks to enjoy his mammoth-sized breakfast of hay and cabbage.

Matthew Webb, Head of Zoological Operations at Whipsnade Zoo, said: "Our zookeepers spend the whole year coming up with inventive new ways to encourage our animals' instincts, including following scent trails and foraging to find food.

"As everyone counts down to Halloween, our zookeepers used seasonal squashes to make sure the animals don't miss out on any of the fun - and put their incredible natural skills to the test!"