Hot Cross Buns for Lemurs' Easter Treats
Keepers have been getting involved in the Easter celebrations by making their version of hot cross buns for the lemurs.
The seasonal snack has had a makeover in recent years, with many different flavours hitting the supermarket shelves, ranging from salted caramel to cheese.
But one flavour yet to hit the shelves (unsurprisingly), is leaf-eater pellet and yellow pepper, or crunchy green bean.
These were the flavours chosen by keepers, who presented four, beautifully crafted hot cross buns, to the three red-bellied lemurs.
Vicky McFarlane, Deputy Head Keeper, said, “Our keepers are always looking for egg-citing new ways to present enrichment to our animals, so in tribute to a favourite snack for many at this time of year, our keepers created “lemur-friendly hot cross buns” by using some of their favourite foods! Their diet consists of a variety of food items - but they love anything which contains vegetables, so the bun was made from some of their dry food, mushed up and shaped into a bun and the cross was made from yellow pepper and green beans.”
She continued, "Presenting food items to the animals in fun, creative ways is a really good way to provide enrichment and encourage them to 'eggs-hibit' natural foraging behaviours around their habitat. The red-bellied lemurs are pretty inquisitive with any enrichment, especially if food is involved, so they were snatched and gobbled up quickly, without even time to admire the keepers' handiwork!"
The red-bellied lemurs, Cedric, Awa and Pascal, absolutely loved their Easter treats and made small grunting noises as they munched on them, as a sign of appreciation.
Within five minutes, all four hot cross buns had been devoured by the males, with only crumbs left on the platter and certainly nothing left to share with their ring-tailed cousins!
Lemurs are the most endangered group of mammals, with 98% of lemur species being threatened with extinction in their native Madagascar. This is due mainly to habitat loss and forest degradation, as well as illegal hunting.
We support the Lemur Conservation Association (AEECL) and help fund important projects in the Sahamalaza National Park, protecting the biodiversity there (especially the lemur species) and helping with education programmes about the importance of forest protection.
Treating the animals with seasonal treats is part of our Easter celebrations, with our Easter Eggstravaganza event running until 27 April.
Guests can enjoy a live show with Bramble Bunny, meet the new Chirpy Chick character, take part in a trail to win chocolate, or enter competitions to win some amazing prizes.
The red-bellied lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs can be seen in Lemurs Woods in the African Village, located in the Safari Walk area of the Park.
