Zoo Back to School Enrichment

Animal staff at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens prepare books, boxes, and giant carpet rolls for "Back to School" Enrichment Day on August the sixteenth. Due to its popularity, the Zoo will provide themed enrichment to the animals monthly on the third Saturday of the month. This is with the exception of Thanksgiving and Easter, for which the enrichment day will fall on the holiday Saturday.

To maintain the aesthetics of the wild habitat, normally, enrichment needs to look natural, and can include vegetation, branches, logs, scattered seeds, and sisal rope. Artificial items of plastic, cloth, cardboard, and rubber is reserved for off-exhibit use, with the exception of the special monthly enrichment days.

On Saturday morning, volunteers distribute the items, some spiked with hidden food treats, spices, and perfumes, to the keepers, who distribute them. The animals will have all day to enjoy their "toys" and guests will have a chance to enjoy watching their favorite animals acting like youngsters.

One of the important facts about enrichment for animals is that it should be ever-changing in nature and given and removed at random, intermittent intervals. For example, an animal will lose interest in a daily cardboard box, but will maintain a higher level of varied, normal behaviors throughout the week if it receives a box on Monday, a plastic ball on Wednesday, a pile of hay on Friday, and a new log on Saturday.