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Disney Cast Members Share Photos of Pumpkin Enrichment for Animals at Walt Disney World

We love when Disney's Animals, Science and Environment team gives us behind the scenes look at the animals who call the Walt Disney World Resort home, and these photos are especially adorable!

In a vibrant, lush setting reminiscent of the immersive worlds at Walt Disney World, a playful monkey pops up behind a giant, hollowed-out pumpkin, diving into some imaginative enrichment that mirrors the creativity and magic of classic Disney experiences.
Credit: Disney

Pumpkins are a great tool for Cast Members to use for enrichment for a wide variety of animals. These fall gourds are generally safe to be eaten (unless an animal requires a special diet) and they come with so many different ways for them to enjoy a fall meal. Between smashing the pumpkins, digging for seeds, or simply rolling them around and playing with them like a ball (if the animal is large enough anyway) Disney Cast Members always look forward to being able to share some fall fun with the animals each year.

An otter at Walt Disney World playfully munches on a pumpkin as part of festive Pumpkin Enrichment, while another otter glides nearby, creating a delightful scene for park guests and Cast Members.
Credit: Disney

The photos Disney's Animal Science and Environment Cast shared show all kinds of animals from hippos to cotton top tamarins, all enjoying this festive fall treat. The animals featured in the photos all reside at the Walt Disney World Resort, either in some area of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park or in EPCOT at The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion. (Recently Cast Members at The Seas with Nemo and Friends created Mickey ear hats for some of the creatures there in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, too!)

A Disney Cast Member dives underwater at Walt Disney World, offering a pumpkin to a large fish as part of fall-themed enrichment, while vibrant fish glide through the shimmering blue aquarium—a behind-the-scenes moment that brings magic to life for guests.

While visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom or The Seas with Nemo and Friends, be sure to ask Cast Members questions if you have them about the animals. In both locations, Cast Members are on hand to help share more information about the animals, and we always love learning new things while exploring EPCOT or the walking trails in Animal Kingdom.

Two cheetahs at the zoo’s Pumpkin Enrichment event curiously interact with a pumpkin decorated with a paw print, surrounded by lush grass and shady trees.
Credit: Disney

And, if you are hoping to help some of the animals you see in the parks, remember you can always make a donation to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. Funds raised support nonprofit groups all over the world that work with these animals in the wild, and Disney covers all overhead costs and matches every donation. You can donate at The Seas with Nemo and Friends in EPCOT or at any quick service or merchandise location in Animal Kingdom.

Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."

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