Santa Paws has visited the animals at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, delivering festive goodies galore!
With some help from Zoos SA’s volunteer BEEZA (Behaviour and Environmental Enrichment of Zoo Animals) elves, the furry, feathered and scaly residents ripped open colourfully-decorated presents filled with tasty treats.
Adelaide Zoo’s tamarins, birds, Binturong, Coati, Serval, primates and lemurs tucked into various Christmas presents filled with goodies, and Nocturnal House residents were treated to a range of nibbly treats.
At Monarto Safari Park, the native Australian species – including Warru, Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, Greater Stick Nest Rat, Bilby and Tasmanian Devil – explored a paper mache Gingerbread House, stockings, and presents. The Southern White Rhinoceros crash also had a great time, with female Uhura the first to the tree every year, ready to interact with her presents!
Zoos SA Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted, said seeing the animals tear open their holiday enrichment was a highlight on her calendar.
“It is such a fun way to celebrate Christmas, I love seeing all the new and inventive enrichment BEEZA and the keepers have designed for the species at both of our sites,” she said.
“Enrichment is an important way that we ensure the animals in our care are happy and healthy, while also having some festive fun.
“Species-specific enrichment items provide stimulation and allows the animals the opportunity to use many of their natural behaviours including digging, scratching and excavating.”
Elaine said it was also special to see all families, friends and animal-fans celebrating the holidays at Zoos SA.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, we’re so thankful for the support from our members and the public. It is because of you that we can undertake the vital conservation work we do to save species from extinction,” she said.
“I find it particularly special that friends, families, members and people from all walks of life choose to spend Christmas Day with us at both sites.
“What people might not realise is every time they visit, purchase a product, membership or experience from us, it not only provides a special someone with a fabulous gift but supports the conservation of wildlife both in Australia and around the world.”
Searching for a last-minute present? Zoos SA has a huge range of experiences, products and gifts, from stocking fillers to once-in-a-lifetime experiences on offer to spread the Christmas joy all while supporting conservation.
Funds from every purchase contribute to crucial conservation programs to support species such as critically-endangered Orange-bellied Parrots and Brush-tailed Bettongs.
For more information or to pick up a wild treat for until the tree, please visit adelaidezoo.com.au or monartosafari.com.au.
