It is officially the spookiest time of the year, and Guests are not the only ones at Walt Disney World who are getting in the Halloween spirit. Sure, there is trick or treating for them at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party but, as you know, Disney likes everyone to feel like they are a part of the celebration. That includes some of the residents that live at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. That’s right — we are talking about the animals!
Dr. Mark Penning — Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment Division — shared an adorable video of multiple animals carefully investigating their pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns before digging in.
‘Twas the night before Halloween and from the Lodge to the Park, pumpkin enrichment continued from dawn until dark 🎃
Science has shown that pumpkins are one of the best treats for Disney Park animals to have, as they are filled with essential nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the B – complex group – Niacin, Folates, Vitamin B6 Thiamine, and pantothenic acid. Pumpkins are also rich in minerals like Calcium, Phosphorous, Potassium, and Copper.
Pumpkins are not the only Halloween snacks that the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park can indulge in. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to see Cast Members feeding the animals other fruits like watermelon or vegetables like whole heads of lettuce. Most fruits and vegetables are a vital part of each animal’s healthy diet. Of course, carnivorous animals — like lions and cheetahs — also get the proper amount of meat that they need to stay healthy.
Next up, Thanksgiving. And then, Christmas! We can’t wait to see how Disney gets its animals into the holiday spirit!
