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Resident’s of Animal Kingdom Celebrate Halloween With Fun Jack-O-Lanterns

Animal Kingdom Halloween
Credit: Dr. Mark Penning

It’s Halloween-lo-ween, everybody! Let out a scream! Hey, it’s Halloween!

It is officially the spookiest time of the year, and Guests are not the only ones at Walt Disney World who are getting in the Halloween spirit. Sure, there is trick or treating for them at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party but, as you know, Disney likes everyone to feel like they are a part of the celebration. That includes some of the residents that live at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. That’s right — we are talking about the animals!

Affection Section

Credit: Disney

Dr. Mark Penning — Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment Division — shared an adorable video of multiple animals carefully investigating their pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns before digging in.

‘Twas the night before Halloween and from the Lodge to the Park, pumpkin enrichment continued from dawn until dark ?

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney)

Science has shown that pumpkins are one of the best treats for Disney Park animals to have, as they are filled with essential nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the B – complex group – Niacin, Folates, Vitamin B6 Thiamine, and pantothenic acid. Pumpkins are also rich in minerals like Calcium, Phosphorous, Potassium, and Copper.

Animal Kingdom Halloween

Credit: Dr. Mark Penning

Pumpkins are not the only Halloween snacks that the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park can indulge in. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to see Cast Members feeding the animals other fruits like watermelon or vegetables like whole heads of lettuce. Most fruits and vegetables are a vital part of each animal’s healthy diet. Of course, carnivorous animals — like lions and cheetahs — also get the proper amount of meat that they need to stay healthy. 

Lion Disney's Animal Kingdom

Credit: Disney

Next up, Thanksgiving. And then, Christmas! We can’t wait to see how Disney gets its animals into the holiday spirit!

About Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!