Young animals at West Midlands Safari Park have been treated to an early festive surprise, celebrating their very first Christmas with specially designed gifts from their dedicated keepers.
Festive Fun for Big Cats
The park's 11-month-old Sumatran tiger cubs, named Nova, Nadirah and Naresh, were given personalised Santa sacks. They explored the sacks alongside their older sister, Lestari, and mother, Dourga. The keepers filled the sacks with straw and fish, finishing them with a spray of perfume to provide novel scents.
The reaction was immediate and enthusiastic. The tigers grabbed the sacks excitedly, using their teeth and claws to tear into them. Each cub fiercely guarded its prize from any curious family members who ventured too close.
Delicate Discoveries for Red Pandas
Meanwhile, a more delicate festive scene unfolded for the park's six-month-old red panda twins, Nikisha and Nadiya, and their parents, Sanka and Mei Lin. For them, keepers hung Christmas stockings packed with bamboo, straw, sweet potato and sweetcorn.
While less boisterous than the tigers, the red pandas carefully inspected their gifts. They delicately pulled out the tasty treats inside, savouring every last bite. This activity is a form of behavioural enrichment, designed to stimulate the animals' minds and encourage natural foraging behaviours.
More Than Just a Christmas Treat
Angela Potter, Head of Wildlife at the park, explained the importance of this festive activity. "Christmas is an exciting time of year for everyone, and our animals are no exception," she said. "The keepers ensure that all the animals in our care get some Christmas cheer in the form of species-appropriate gifts and treats."
This special enrichment promotes natural behaviours, introduces novel stimuli and creates opportunities for problem-solving. These activities are a key part of enhancing animal welfare. "What is cuter than red pandas with their own Christmas stockings?" Angela added.
For the wildlife keeping teams, however, the festive period is business as usual. They will be on site every day, including Christmas Day, to ensure the highest standards of care. Angela confirmed, "Christmas is just another normal working day for the wildlife keepers. They will be on site to ensure the animals are clean, warm and well fed before they head off home for their own, late Christmas dinner."
The park expressed deep gratitude for the team's dedication, not just over Christmas but throughout the entire year. Visitors during the winter season might spot other animals around the park investigating their own festive surprises, both on the Safari Drive and in the walk-through areas.
West Midlands Safari Park is open on selected dates during the winter season. Guests are advised to book in advance online for the best prices, which also include a free return visit. More information is available on the park's official website.
