As the crisp autumn air rolls into the Ozarks, the animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge experience a change of pace that brings exciting opportunities for seasonal enrichment. At the heart of the Refuge’s fall enrichment activities are pumpkins, piles of fallen leaves, and hidden treasures like acorns, which help keep the animals mentally stimulated, active, and engaged in their environment. These simple yet effective tools ensure the animals maintain healthy behaviors while embracing their instincts.
For the big cats at Turpentine Creek, pumpkins are more than just a symbol of the season – they are a playful and enriching toy. Tigers, lions, and cougars eagerly pounce, bat, and bite these brightly colored gourds, treating them like prey. The texture of the pumpkins intrigues the cats, and their size makes them a perfect object to carry or roll around. With their scent and texture, Pumpkins offer a novel and fun way to enhance the animals’ environment.
Falling leaves aren’t just beautiful for humans – they’re a seasonal delight for the animals at the refuge, too! Keepers rake up large piles of leaves and spread them across the enclosures, encouraging the animals to explore, burrow, and play.
Fall is a time of preparation for the winter ahead, and the bears at Turpentine Creek instinctively ramp up their foraging behaviors. The Animal Care Staff collects acorns and scatters them throughout the bear enclosures to encourage this. This simple activity is vital for the bears, as it mimics their natural foraging habits and stimulates their minds as they search for hidden treats.
At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, the fall season offers an array of exciting opportunities for animal enrichment. It is also a wonderful time to visit! During the cooler months, the animals are much more active since they are not dealing with the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Located in the Ozark Mountains, the fall foliage creates stunning views, making the experience even more magical.