It’s a festive feast with a twist at Longleat Safari Park, where the four rare Amur tiger cubs, now six months old, have enjoyed their first seasonal treat—pumpkins. But before the cubs, Ginger Biscuit, Dora-Boo, Seeka, and Heidi, could explore the autumnal snack, they had to wait for their mother, Yana, to give her careful approval.
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations at Longleat, shared insight into the tigers’ reaction to the Halloween-themed treats. “We have the biggest collection of tigers in the UK and are really proud of how the cubs have thrived under the care of Yana and our dedicated keepers,” Beasley said. “Introducing new activities and different things into their habitat is an important aspect of our work, encouraging and enabling the animals to use their natural behaviours, dynamic senses, and instincts.”
The playful cubs, once given the go-ahead by Yana, quickly destroyed the pumpkins in a display of their growing strength and curiosity. These seasonal activities are part of Longleat’s commitment to animal enrichment, helping the tigers develop natural behaviours and instincts essential to their well-being.
While the cubs are primarily visible from the Safari Park’s drive-through, visitors this half-term can meet other residents up close. Keepers are introducing visitors to the park’s friendlier animals, including donkeys, ferrets, goats, and chickens.
Alongside the animal experiences, Longleat’s Great British Autumn event offers a range of seasonal activities running until 3rd November. Families can enjoy Louby Lou’s Interactive Storytelling with characters from the Woodland Wisps, a lively scarecrow trail, a haybale slide, and meet-and-greet sessions with red squirrel characters Mr and Mrs Nutkin.
For a unique Halloween experience, Longleat has everything from enchanting woodland tales to the wild antics of its adorable tiger cubs, ensuring something magical for all.
