Staff at The Donkey Sanctuary in Manchester have been showing their artistic flair this week by providing seasonal enrichment for their resident herd.
The team have created some spooktacular creations in the form of carved pumpkins, which have been displayed around the centre in Abbey Hey in the lead up to Halloween.
The flesh of the pumpkins, when cut into bite-sized pieces, can also be offered to the donkeys as an enrichment treat.
Enrichment is very important for the donkeys, as it provides mental stimulation and allows them to display their natural foraging behaviour.
The pieces of pumpkin can be offered in the form of string kebabs with other vegetables and fruit, and hung up for the donkeys to reach up and nibble on. The hollowed shell of the pumpkin can also be used to contain other enrichment foliage, such as fresh herbs like mint, coriander and parsley, which the herd can investigate.
The team also created Halloween pineapples and melons, each one proving a hit with the donkeys. As with all novel food sources, feeding in moderation and under supervision is key, and thanks to the team at Manchester their donkeys have the opportunity to try something new while exhibiting their natural behaviour.
For interviews, images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573124 or 07870 849563 (including out of hours) or send an email.
The Manchester sanctuary supports members of the community through a range of donkey-assisted activities. These ground-based activities support the development of people's life skills and wellbeing, helping individuals to better deal with challenges in everyday life, while also promoting positive attitudes towards donkeys.
The Donkey Sanctuary is the world's largest equine welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We run 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to more than 7,000 donkeys and mules. Our hospital treats sick donkeys and trains vets both nationwide and worldwide. Our donkey-facilitated learning programme helps vulnerable children and adults develop life skills by connecting with donkeys on an emotional and physical level.
Please note that the name ‘The Donkey Sanctuary’ should not be abbreviated to ‘Donkey Sanctuary’, and the word ‘The’ should always appear with a capital ‘T’ as above.