Meerkats get into Halloween spirit

Meerkats at a wild animal park are being given treats from pumpkin-styled feeding buckets as part of a Halloween-themed enrichment programme.

The mammals have been delving into the bright-orange buckets and getting to grips with their favourite snacks, including crickets and mealworms, at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Hythe, Kent.

Animal director Adrian Harland said: "Enrichment is an important part of looking after animals at Port Lympne.

"We are always looking for new ways to encourage mental, physical and sensory perception to keep our residents occupied and happy.

"These Halloween-themed feeding buckets provided the meerkat mob with lots of tricks and treats.

"The meerkats are naturally curious and they couldn't wait to dive into the buckets to get the bugs inside."

Across the park, the Malayan tapirs tried out their skills at the popular Halloween-themed game of apple bobbing.

Mr Harland said: "The Malayan tapirs eat a lot of fruit, and apples are one of their favourites.

"We often let them have a go at apple bobbing. They really enjoy the challenge."