Franklin Park Zoo’s silverback gorilla is a year older, and today, the public got to celebrate Little Joe! In honor of his 32nd birthday, guests observed him and the rest of the gorilla troop dig into a buffet of special enrichment in their habitat, including five ice treat cakes in the shape of 32.
Diluted fruit juices flavored each colorful cake with sunflower seeds and peanuts, adding to the tasty nibbles. Throughout the Tropical Forest habitat, the animal care team hid additional treats for the gorillas to find during their morning forage, like paper bags of popcorn and sunflower seeds spiced with basil and oregano, cardboard boxes with peanuts mixed in, and burlap bags and cardboard tubes stuffed with greens. While guests got a kick out of the birthday festivities, hiding foods and creating opportunities to sift and search for treats is another way our animal care team can encourage the gorillas’ natural foraging behaviors.
Throughout the habitat, a festive paper garland with colorful orchids complemented the dazzling Orchid Adventure flower installation currently boosting the tropical vibes to the Tropical Forest. The orchids will be brightening winter moods through March 9.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
