![[Translate to English:] Tierbeschäftigung für Zoo-Tiere in Berlin](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/6/csm_Gorilla_Mpenzi_Seminar_Tierbeschaeftigung_Zoo_Berlin_2015_c776dded02.jpg)
Capuchin monkey Boris excitedly examines his new football – where is this rustling coming from? And gorilla dame Mpenzi is quite fascinated by what seems to have been recently hidden in her beloved pine cones.
A few of the inhabitants at the Zoo got quite a surprise at the weekend with some particularly fiddly treats: Interested Berliners can make toys in the "Animal activity seminar" for the Zoo residents under the guidance of Christiane Peter, specialist in "Animal activity".
"Engagement with animals is not only a form of entertainment, it also contributes significantly to the welfare of the Zoo Animals. They provide them with new stimuli that can challenge and encourage them," reports Christine Peter. She is happy to share her long term experience in "Behavioural enrichment" and is offering a seminar on the topic during autumn 2015 for the very first time in Zoo Berlin.
The animal keepers are keen to provide Gorilla Ivo and his sweetheart, the galagos in the Nocturnal House, the curious porcupines and many other Zoo inhabitants with encouragement such as big filled footballs, fruit and vegetable chains and studded pine cones. Course participants were able to observe how the animals enjoyed the variety. The great apes were especially zealous about this: after all, it's important not to overlook any of the packaged, threaded or hidden treats.
"In the wild, animals have to spend almost all day searching for food and have to use all their senses. The animal keepers take on this task in the Zoo. Our animals are mentally and physically stimulated through "Behavioural enrichment", whereby natural, healthy behaviour is promoted. In other words – fun and creativity is good for their health", explains Zoo Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem.
The seminars are offered on the second weekend of the month. The next dates will be 14 and 15 of November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Zoo Berlin. You can find more information about the course here: https://www.zoo-berlin.de/de/erlebnis-zoo/fuehrungen-und-touren/kurs-tierbeschaeftigung.
