Carve out a Halloween treat for Marwell’s animals this October half term

This October half term (24 October - 1 November) Marwell Wildlife is inviting children to bring a pumpkin to the zoological park, and after carving out a spooky face, watch it being fed to their favourite animal!

Marwell's 'Master Carver' will be on hand to give children handy tips on how to carve a pumpkin. As animals come in all shapes and sizes, small and large pumpkins are all welcome. Pumpkins will also be available to buy in the park.

Some animals, like the meerkats and monkeys, are likely to sniff, roll around with and eat the pumpkins. Whilst others, like the Amur tigers may decide to tear them apart and smash them up! Children can also meet the animal keepers and find out why these holiday treats are important forms of enrichment for the animals.

Marwell's Halloween Festival is FREE to all visitors, starts on Saturday 24 October and runs until Sunday 1 November. Other Halloween treats in store around the park include creepy critter encounters, spooky ghost stories and freaky face painting. Halloween inspired food will also be available.

The daily enrichment schedule, plus pumpkin carving templates, will be available on Marwell's website - www.marwell.org.uk - or for more information call 01962 777407. Standard admission charges apply for entry into the park.

Set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside, Marwell Wildlife is a great day out for all the family. With over 250 species of animals, from meerkats on the look-out to lemurs playing in the sun, there is plenty to keep children and adults alike amused all day long.

Marwell Wildlife is a conservation charity dedicated to the conservation of the natural world. The zoological park provides a great way to enjoy the wonders of nature close-up, whilst also helping to conserve endangered species and habitats.

Notes to editors

Photo Caption: Amur tiger at Marwell Wildlife explores a pumpkin.

The owl and pumpkin images are free to use when accompanying editorial about Marwell Wildlife's Halloween Festival and must be credited to shutterstock.

For further media information please contact Helen Jeffreys, Marwell Wildlife Media Relations Officer. Email: helenj@marwell.org.uk Phone: 01962 777947

Formerly owned by the Marwell Preservation Trust Limited, Marwell Wildlife remains a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources. Registered Charity Number: 275433.

Marwell Wildlife's vision is: Living in balance with nature. The charity aims to share knowledge, engage people's curiosity and encourage both their enjoyment of the present and responsibility for the future of our planet.

In pursuit of this vision Marwell Wildlife aims to:
- Conserve species and their habitats, locally and globally.
- Further understanding and inspire care for the natural world.
- Share our knowledge including results from scientific studies.
- Understand our impacts and improve our environmental performance.
- Invest in individuals and communities

Marwell Wildlife's zoological park provides a great way for visitors to enjoy the wonders of nature close-up, while also involving them in Marwell's efforts to conserve endangered species and habitats, both locally and internationally. By providing people with a rich and memorable experience, Marwell aims to inspire people to help secure a better future for endangered wildlife for generations to come.

Marwell Wildlife is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.