Delighted deer nibbled on mossy wreaths. Panthers playfully pounced on smiling gingerbread figures. Mischievous Max the bear stole snack-filled stockings off of the hearth. Lu the hippo chomped a marvelous melon. Frisky foxes found jolly boxes. A bobcat made sure everyone knew the gingerbread cutout was his.

Just like humans tear through wrappings and tissue paper to reveal a delight inside, the resident animals at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park recently enjoyed a morning of holiday-themed enrichment.

The State Park’s Enrichment Team volunteers worked for several weeks to create enrichment items for many of the park’s resident wildlife. Paper mache sculptures, decorated boxes, painted paper bags, and other items were created, later adding food items or scents to increase interest.

Holiday Enrichment at the Wildlife Park

The crafts were introduced into the exhibits during the morning checks before the animals went into their yards for the day. The Florida panthers and black bears were enriched several times during the day as well. Nearly every animal met their enrichment with excitement and intrigue.

Enrichment allows animals the opportunity to use their senses and stimulate behaviors that their species would naturally do in the wild, allowing them to exercise choice over their environment. Our veterinarian-approved enrichment program has components that stimulate through cognitive puzzles, habitat changes, food items, toys, scents, and sounds. As important as proper nutrition and veterinary care, enrichment is essential for the health and well-being of the wildlife under our professional care.

Donate to Help with Animal Enrichment at the Wildlife Park

Are you interested in helping to enrich the lives of our animal ambassadors? If so, monetary donations made to the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park directly benefit the animal ambassador enrichment program. Materials for the program range from several dollars for paper products and spices to hundreds of dollars for commercially made puzzles and toys. Every dollar counts; your donations are greatly appreciated by our Enrichment Team, park rangers, and of course our animals! To donate, visit FriendsHSWP.org.

All images taken by park volunteer Tracy Gordon.