Mar
17

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

The animals—and their keepers—at the National Zoo’s Small Mammal House get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.  Keepers created animal-enrichment activities and objects full of treats for many of the small mammals. These enrichment activities provide physical and mental stimulation for the animals that give them opportunities to use their natural abilities and behaviors.

The Zoo’s 23-year-old male red-ruffed lemur, Joven, enjoyed a tasty frozen treat made of apples, pears, cucumbers, honeydew and diluted fruit juice. This treat is a healthy supplement to his diet and provides a boost for his active and social lifestyle—no blarney!

Photo by Mehgan Murphy

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Posted: 17 March 2011
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.