Valentine's Day: Video news release

Roses are nice,
Chocolates are too,
But animals crave other treats at the Oregon Zoo.

Keepers will spread the love Monday, Feb. 14, delivering some nontraditional Valentine's Day gifts to the zoo's tigers, lions and sea otters.

The holiday festivities kick off at 11 a.m. when Amur tigers Mikhail and Nicole receive heart-shaped piñatas.

"We expect to see a lot of great activity as Mikhail and Nicole bat the piñatas," said zoo director Kim Smith. "Investigating new and interesting items is an enriching experience for the tigers."

A valentine made of ice might not be the best thing to give your sweetheart in the winter, but nothing could be tastier to lions and sea otters. Lions will receive their red, heart-shaped ice treats at 12:30 p.m., and the sea otters will get their treats at 2 p.m.

This is the 11th year that special Valentine's Day enrichment treats have been given to zoo residents. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, which mentally and physically stimulate animals by providing them with opportunities to play, hunt and forage.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Oregon Zoo
• valentines day
• siberian tiger
• amur tiger
• amur leopard
• kim smith

[MarieFace]

was that a giant cat-nip ball for the tigers?