Animals in the Small Mammal House at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Enrichment

March 16, 2011
News Release

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, animals—and their keepers—at the National Zoological Park’s Small Mammal House got into the holiday spirit. Keepers created animal-enrichment activities and objects full of treats for many of the small mammals. These enrichment activities provide physical and mental stimulation for the animals that give them opportunities to use their natural abilities and behaviors.

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SI-128-2011

Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
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  • Photo: Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park
    St. Patrick’s Day - Squirrel

    While the animals in the Small Mammal House may not understand the concept of St. Patrick’s Day, they do enjoy enrichment. Many of the animals, such as the Prevost’s squirrel, anxiously watched while their enclosure was decorated and special treats were distributed.

  • Photo: Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park
    St. Patrick’s Day - Red-Ruffed Lemur

    The Zoo’s 23-year-old male red-ruffed lemur, Joven, enjoyed a tasty St. Patrick’s Day frozen treat made of apples, pears, cucumbers, honeydew and diluted fruit juice. This frozen “treat” is a healthy supplement to his diet and provides a boost for his active and social lifestyle—no blarney!