Smooth or crunchy? A common household favourite condiment is winning the hearts of animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Peanut butter is on the menu at the zoo, with keepers revealing Western lowland gorillas, Vervet monkeys, Plains zebras and Sleder-tailed meerkats like to tuck into the iconic tasty treat.
The gorillas consume it by smearing dollops of peanut butter onto their fingers, while monkeys seek and explore the condiment by climbing among trees. Meantime, the meerkats energetically forage for the nutty-tasting spread, and zebras enthusiastically lick up and devour their share.
The combination of the sweet and savoury taste is a drawcard for the animals, but Werribee Open Range savannah zookeeper Laura Harbridge said there’s also great health and behavioural benefits.
“Many of the animals including primates and Australian natives may find ground nuts in the trees and on the ground in the wild,” Ms Harbridge said.
“Peanut butter is just one of the foods and experiences that encourages the animals’ natural behaviours because it really fulfills their need to forage and find different foods as part of their daily routine.”
Peanut butter also has an important dual benefit when caring for animals at the zoo.
“It’s a really handy tool to use as part of our healthcare training programs,” Ms Harbridge said.
“If we ever have supplements or important medications to provide to the animals, we can mask it in something that the animals really like.”
Keepers provide peanut butter in moderation as part of a holistic approach to a balanced, healthy diet and always allow for individual preferences and choice.
“Some get it once a week, some get it once a month. They always have the choice to either eat it or dismiss it if they want to. It really depends on each individual animal and their needs,” Ms Harbridge said.
