Blog Archive

Keeping our animals stimulated, both mentally and physically, is a really important part of our job as zoo keepers.

We are always looking for new ways to allow our animals to display wild behaviours appropriate to the species. On February 26 the Zoo held a special “Enrichment Day” which was a chance for us to showcase some of the behavioural and environmental enrichment that we provide for our animals on an everyday basis.

One of the many highlights of Enrichment Day was seeing Tuan, our 12 year old male Sumatran Tiger, getting his paws (and all the rest!) wet while he stalked a large blood ice-block (or “bloodsicle”) which we floated in the lagoon at the front of his exhibit.

Sumatran tigers have webbing between their toes which enables them to actually swim really well. Although Tuan is not the most confident in the water, he is certainly persistent and a large group of lucky visitors were able to watch him for over 20 minutes as he focused his hunting skills on the bloodsicle.

One of the great things about enrichment is that it gives our animals choices to make, and encourages natural behavior. Although Tuan wasn’t successful in hunting this particular bloodsicle, he did get a good workout and a chance to improve his aquatic techniques. He didn’t miss out on a feed as there is very little nutrition in a bloodsicle, so it is offered in addition to his regular diet.

The carnivore team will continue to offer Tuan the occasional ice-block, as well as the many other forms of enrichment that we come up with for our cats. Some of the tigers’ other favourites include essential oils and herbs such as lavender and rosemary, scatter feeds or mince smears, and even animal faeces!

Pij
Tiger Keeper, Adelaide Zoo