Chimpanzees at the Welsh Mountain Zoo are enjoying a new source of fun, thanks to North Wales Fire Service's donation of fire hoses.
Used as intricate feeding devices and play ropes, the donation has brought joy to the playful primates who haven't received a similar donation since 2019.
North Wales Fire Service's gift not only benefits the zoo's animals but also provides an effective recycling solution for unwanted items.
The versatile fire hose is proving to be invaluable for the keepers, who deconstruct and prepare the lengths for various uses, aided by the zoo's supportive community.
Kaitlyn Jenkins, marketing and sales executive at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, expressed gratitude for the donated hose.
She said: "We have lots of enquiries regarding donations and support; but unfortunately, we can’t accept the majority of donations as they can be inappropriate, unusable or unsafe for the animals in our care.
"Fire hose however when properly deconstructed and prepared by our Keepers is absolutely perfect for providing a variety of enrichment opportunities to multiple species across the Zoo."
North Wales Fire Service donated the hoses (Image: Welsh Mountain Zoo)
Emphasising the importance of such contributions, Ms Jenkins added: "Though the Welsh Mountain Zoo actively provides a range of different enrichment activities for the animals in its care, kind donations such as those from the North Wales Fire Service further provides the Zoo with opportunities to work closely with the local community.
"Furthermore, enrichment like this is critical for all of our animals to promote a variety of appropriate natural behaviours, keeping them stimulated and energised both physically and mentally.
"Finding new and different ways of using everyday items forms an important part of the enrichment process."
She added: "It’s fascinating to see how different animals use the various materials and it is of course a great way of recycling unwanted items that we can put to great use."
For those interested in making a donation, check the Welsh Mountain Zoo website or email marketing@welshmountainzoo.org.
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