As they creep into their enclosure at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, the lions definitely know something is different. Then, they spot it — a couple of cardboard boxes painted bright holiday colors. The lions sniff cautiously, then crouch and stalk the boxes like prey. In an instant, they hit a full run and pounce. Soon all that’s left is shreds of red and green cardboard. And that’s the point. “Enrichment such as the boxes for the lions or gift bags for the gorillas give our animals the chance to engage in natural behaviors, to encourage exploration and investigation,” says Autumn Nelson, animal care supervisor at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. “With 12 Days of Enrichment, we are inviting our guests to have a hand in the fun.” Last year was the final time the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park celebrated the holidays with Festival of Lights. This year, the park is taking a page from the annals of Christmas carols by featuring 12 Days of Enrichment during Wild Holidays. While the park’s animals regularly get enrichment items from animal keepers, this will be the first time the items will be presented at scheduled times, and that guests will have so many opportunities to help. Among the enrichment projects park guests will have an opportunity to be involved with are painting boxes for the lions, creating mazes for meerkats and making tacos out of hay and food pellets for the elephants. Other animals enjoying guest creations during the 12 Days of Enrichment include vultures, hornbills and cheetahs. “With Wild Holidays, we are bringing the holiday focus back to our animals,” says Adam Ringler, director of operations. “As they say, ‘’Tis better to give than to receive,’ and here at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, our guests will have an opportunity to create something for our animals.” The Twelve Days of Enrichment are scheduled for Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 through 31, and Jan. 1 and 2, 2010. During the first 10 Days of Enrichment, the park’s hours will be extended to 7 p.m. On Jan. 1 and 2, the park will close at 6 p.m. The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Road, Escondido. For more information, go to www.SanDiegoZoo.org.
