What:               Halloween might be over, but the animals at Riverbanks will participate in their own pumpkin party this Saturday, November 7, at the annual Pumpkin Smash enrichment encounter. Come watch the animals as they spot, sniff, chase and tackle their own tasty pumpkin treats.

                        The pumpkins will be delivered in all shapes and sizes. They will be frozen, diced, and even carved and stuffed with special treats. While some animals will smash the pumpkins, others will carry them around, hide them or eat them (maybe even whole)!

Enrichment is the process of providing stimulating surroundings for zoo animals. These settings  allow the animals to demonstrate species-typical behavior, let them exercise control, provide them with choices and enhance their well-being.

Public enrichment encounters allow Riverbanks to educate guests about the importance of animal enrichment. They also provide great opportunities to watch animals interact with unusual items in their environment…something you might not see on a typical visit to the Zoo. 

Guests will have the opportunity to get a temporary tattoo and create a seasonal craft. The tattoo station will be set up in the Aquarium Reptile Complex.

When:              Saturday, November 7, 2009

                        11:00am – 3:00pm

Who:                11:00am—Tiger

12:30pm—Aquarium Dive

1:00pm—Hyena

2:30pm—Elephant

3:00pm—Ground Hornbill

Where:             Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

                        500 Wildlife Parkway

                        Columbia, SC 29210