Zoo Atlanta
May 9, 2023
Hello, my name is Erin. I am a seasonal carnivore keeper. With the weather getting warmer, this is the perfect time to soak up the sun, lie by the pool, and eat popsicles. You might even get a nice frozen treat to survive. However, they do get popsicles that taste a little different than the ones we eat.
Lions, tigers, and clouded leopards all love frozen “gravy treats,” or blood meat. It’s made using the leftover liquid or “juice” from the food bags from the daily meat delivery. Lions and tigers also love milksicles made from diluted goat milk. Bears and binturongs love fruit with different types of fruit from their diet. And I love getting fun scented cicles made using interesting scents that are safe for consumption by each carnivore and approved for use by our team of veterinarians, such as Listerine and Cinnamon.
These popsicles are a nutrient-rich way for zoo carnivores to cool down when it gets hot, and they also get nutrients. I also like handing out these treats on special occasions, such as Suhana the clouded leopard’s recent birthday. I love helping make these popsicles and it’s even more fun watching each animal eat a cold treat and have a great time. Get a glimpse of one of the carnivores and enjoy your own unique and interesting summer treats. Stay cool and don’t forget to hydrate!
(Photo by Christina D)
Erin G.
seasonal keeper carnivore