Lemurs at a safari park deployed their natural hunting instincts in an Easter egg hunt.

West Midlands Safari Park keepers hid several boiled eggs around the Lemur Woods for the troop of 12 ring-tailed lemurs to find.

The eggs were concealed amongst logs, branches, and piles of leaves.

 

 

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Introducing food in such a manner promotes natural hunting and foraging behaviours typically showcased by lemurs in their native environment — the forests of Madagascar.

Keeper Jen Albutt said: "At West Midlands Safari Park, we like to get our animals involved with the seasonal celebrations.

"For Easter this year, we encouraged the lemurs to join in with some ‘egg-citing’ enrichment.

"Lemurs are omnivores and require protein in their diet, so boiled eggs are an excellent treat."

She added: "“We hid the boiled eggs around their outdoor habitat and then loved watching them go on their egg hunt.

"Just like us, it seems that some of our lemurs prefer the yolk to the white, or the other way round.

"Others were not as fussy and wolfed down the whole lot, whilst some just liked to play with the eggs.

"We hope our guests enjoy their Easter celebrations and have a cracking time, just like our lemurs.”

Ring-tailed lemurs are recognised as 'endangered' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal pet trade.

The park is partnered with the Lemur Conservation Association (AEECL) and makes annual donations for research and conservation projects.

While the lemurs enjoyed their hunt, guests of the park took part in the Easter Eggstravaganza event, featuring an interactive trail to win chocolate, varied competitions, giveaways, and the opportunity to meet the park's resident Easter bunny, Bramble.

Prizes included Safari Lodge stays, annual passes, retail vouchers, and the chance to meet and feed the park's lemurs.