Halloween is over, but one lioness in Barrie isn’t ready to say goodbye to pumpkin season just yet. The fearless resident of Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary has her eye on those leftover pumpkins sitting on front porches and she’s hoping a few might come her way. The volunteer-driven sanctuary is asking the community to consider donating their uncarved pumpkins rather than tossing them out. And judging by Zola’s less-than-impressed reaction to her empty pumpkin box in a social media video, she may be getting a little impatient. Seasonal enrichments for animals “Pumpkins make wonderful seasonal enrichment for many of our animals, providing opportunities to explore, play and investigate something a little different,” said sanctuary staff. For many animals, a pumpkin can offer a fun new experience, giving them something different to investigate, interact with and enjoy. There is just one catch, the donated pumpkins must be whole, uncarved and in good condition. “Once pumpkins are carved, they begin to deteriorate and can develop mould rather quickly, making them unsuitable for our animals,” staff explained. Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary is a volunteer-driven, donation-funded charity dedicated to the survival of rare and endangered species. The organization relies on community generosity to help support its animals. “If you’ve decorated your porch with beautiful whole pumpkins and aren’t sure what to do with them after Halloween, we’d love to give them a new purpose,” the sanctuary shared. Anyone wishing to make Zola’s day can drop off pumpkins at Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary at 8633 10th Line in Barrie.
