Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member






Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 24th October 2025

London Zoo’s gorillas get Halloween pumpkin treat
Silverback gorilla Kiburi enjoys a Halloween pumpkin.
Baby Venus tried her first ever pumpkin.

London Zoo’s gorilla troop got a head start with their trick-or-treating this week, after their keepers provided some pumpkin snacks.

Zookeepers set out seven carved pumpkins in the Gorilla Kingdom to kick off its Boo at the Zoo celebrations.

Gorillas are herbivores, with their food consisting of fruits, leaves, seeds and stems. The zoo’s gorilla troop have a carefully created diet designed by an expert zoo nutritionist.

As a special treat this Halloween, the gorillas were given pumpkins stuffed with their favourite pulses.

It was silverback gorilla Kiburi who reached the pumpkins first, and he began gently munching away. Meanwhile, Gernot ran around to collect bits of pumpkin to eat in private.

Soon after, baby Venus ventured in behind her mum, Effie. The curious western lowland gorilla was soon tucking in to her first ever pumpkin treat.

Dan Simmonds, Zoological Operations Manager, said: “Halloween is the perfect excuse to spice up the diet of our animals, and it’s a great seasonal enrichment for them. Gorillas are also very curious by nature, and they really enjoyed discovering their stuffed surprises in spooky pumpkin shape this morning.

“It was also lovely to be able to treat our baby gorillas Venus and Juno to their first scary squashes – Venus displayed great curiosity and took some bites of the pumpkins under the watchful eye of mum Effie.”

London Zoo will be hosting its ‘Boo at the Zoo’ events throughout the October half-term (25 October- 2 November). These will include spooky animal talks, a silent disco, and a Halloween craft exercise for little ones.

Image used with permission from London Zoo.
© London Zoo (ZSL)



Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history



Latest news | Careers | Events | Resources | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Data Protection and Privacy |Cookie policy | About us | Copyright
© 2025 Vision Media, all rights reserved. vnonline.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites.