Feast Fit for a King (of the Jungle): Auckland Zoo Animals Celebrate Christmas
By Lions Roar News Lifestyle Desk
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (December 26, 2025) – While Aucklanders were tucking into their glazed hams and pavlovas yesterday, the residents of Auckland Zoo were enjoying a world-class festive feast of their own. From blood-flavored ice blocks for the tigers to “gourmet” herbal tea treats for the orangutans, the zoo’s dedicated keepers ensured no one missed out on the holiday spirit.
“Meri Kirihimete from Auckland Zoo to you and yours!” the zoo shared in a festive social media update. “While we’re enjoying some festive fun, our keepers are ensuring the animals in our care do too!”
🥩 The Big Cats: Meat, Cloves, and… Rhino Poop?
The zoo’s carnivores were treated to a sensory explosion designed to trigger their natural instincts.
- The Menu: Tigers were seen eyeing up refreshing festive ice blocks and baubles made with blood and lactose-free pet milk.
- The Garnish: Meat portions were sprinkled with ground cloves and ginger—scents that encourage exploration.
- The “Lions’ Luxury”: In a display of true feline behavior, the lions were given rhinoceros manure to roll in. Zoo experts explained that these “novel scents” are a vital form of enrichment, triggering territorial scent-marking and curiosity.
🥗 Gourmet Delights for Primates and Tall Friends
The herbivores and primates enjoyed a lighter, more colorful spread:
- Orangutans: Their “gourmet” ice blocks were a sophisticated blend of rosemary, cherry tomatoes, peas, flowers, and herbal tea.
- Giraffes: The long-necked residents cooled down with giant carrot and lettuce ice blocks.
- Otters & Porcupines: These smaller residents tucked into “ice baubles” filled with hidden treats that required a bit of foraging to reach.
🦜 Festive Flair for Native Species
The zoo’s birds and native New Zealand species weren’t forgotten in the celebrations:
- The Kea: Known for their intelligence, the kea were given a miniature Christmas tree smeared with peanut butter and “decorated” with grapes and cashews.
- The Takahē: These rare birds enjoyed festive crackers filled with fresh grass and a sprinkle of mealworms.
- African Grey Parakeets: Their holiday table featured pinecones stuffed with their favorite seeds and treats.
