Common enrichment

A large variety of enrichment is provided to the animals at the Oregon Zoo. These include...

 

Here is some common enrichment the Volunteer enrichment team puts out often and is provided to the animals regularly. See if you can spot some of these in the zoo during your next visit!

 

Ice treats- hunks of snow (ice rink shavings) brought in from some local ice rinks. Often you might see animals digging in the "ice" looking for treats hidden by the keepers.

 

Paper Mache Piñatas- Balls that are usually very brightly colored- made from paper macheing balloons, drying them, popping the balloons inside to make a ball lining. They are then filled with yummy treats for the animals.

 

Hammocks- Hammocks hanging usually from trees or the exhibit wall itself are made either from fire hose or un-used car wash strips. Yellow hammocks are usually fire hose- blue or green hammocks are usually carwash strips.

 

Sheets of paper (for primates)- Primates often play with sheets of paper in their exhibits. They may use them as nests- sleeping on them on top of the mesh climbers in their exhibits.

 

Boomer Balls- Boomer balls are plastic balls with holes in them. Many animals are given bigger versions of these, and treats are filled in through the holes in the balls. The Hippos have a ball with small holes, and when shook, grains fall out of the holes. This gives animals lots of time occupation, let alone a tasty snack.

 

 

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