Meal times bring mental and physical stimulation
London Zoo, which belongs to the London Zoological Society (ZSL), has been looking at ways to encourage its reptile residents to hunt for their food, as they would in the wild.
Putting the long necks of their giant Galapagos tortoises to good use, keepers have hung ropes threaded with apples from the tree branches that overhang the enclosure.
Visitors are able to see the tortoises, which naturally live in a hot and humid climate, reaching to grasp the fruit and pulling them down using their beak-like mouths.
Meanwhile, Raja, the zoo's 12-year-old resident Komodo dragon, has been pushing around brightly-coloured boomer balls filled with his favourite foods. These trickle out steadily as the 55 kilo (nine stone) giant moves it along.
The activities are part of London Zoo's extensive enrichment programme, which provide stimilation to help keep the animals fit, healthy and happy.
Iri Gill, deputy team leader of the Reptile House at the zoo, said: "Komodo dragons and Galapagos tortoises aren't always thought of as particularly inquisitive creatures, but these animals have brilliant minds and personalities, and we need to keep them mentally and physically active."
Iri added that it can be a challenge to continually think of new ways to provide stimulation techniques – a task that gives the zoo keepers enrichment in itself, she joked.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
