Fun Time: Byculla zoo introduces enrichment objects to keep its 7 flippers healthy and sharp
So what if they are originally from Seoul. Given the fact that Mumbaikars are currently swaying to dandiya tunes, how could Bubble, Mr Molt, Flipper, Donald, Daisy, Popeye and Olive be left behind.
Tourists visiting the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Zoo, popularly known as Byculla zoo, are being treated with a visual delight – city's Humboldt penguins dancing, with their new toys.
Known as enrichment toys, the hanging objects are meant to keep the flippers fit, alert and active. They are being coaxed to play various games, including a slide inside their enclosure, said zoo officials.
"Last week we decided to set up something new and innovative. We had ropes hanging and tied to few plastic toys, along with few sticks and crackle balls attached," said a zoo officials.
As soon as it was installed, an official said, the penguins grew curious and in no times began playing and pulling the sticks and running around. "It was as if they were ready to play dandiya keeping the festival season in mind," said a senior official.
Enrichment in enclosures of captive animals is extremely crucial as the animals have limited space to move around. These games and toys help keep the captive birds engaged and improve their thinking abilities, said officials.
Care has been taken to ensure the safety of the penguins and that all the toys chosen are made of food-grade plastic. Whenever they are playing, someone is watching them, said another zoo official. "On purpose, we also ensured that the height at which the toys hang is such that the penguins have to stretch and reach out. So it's not something that will hurt them or they can constantly pull, and at the same time, it's also helping them use their energy."
Encouraging response to the efforts, from the flight-less birds as well as tourists, has prompted the caretaking teams to consider designing new activities and games for the penguins. "We already have several activities, including making them chase laser lights, reflection from glass along with others. Even our team engages them when they are being fed," said a member of caretaking team.
Why Toys?
- Enrichment toys for captive animals is crucial as they get limited space to move around
- Games and slides will help keep the birds engaged and improve their thinking abilities, said officials
- The toys are made of food-grade plastic. Also, the penguins are under watch as they play
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