A zoo has brought a touch of storybook magic to its animal enclosures.
Drusillas Park in Sussex marked Winnie the Pooh Day on Sunday, January 18, with a themed enrichment day for its animals, inspired by the beloved bear and his Hundred Acre Wood.
Located just a short distance from Pooh Corner in Hartfield and the famous Pooh Bridge in Ashdown Forest, the zoo celebrated the occasion by treating its residents to “honey pot” enrichment activities in their own “Hundred Acre Zoo.”
Jacinta Dawe, senior zookeeper, said: "Winnie-the-Pooh is such an important part of Sussex heritage.
"With Pooh celebrating 100 years and Drusillas having marked our own centenary last year, it felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate together.
"Bringing a little bit of the Hundred Acre Wood to our ‘100 Acre Zoo’ was a fun way to mark the occasion while also benefiting the animals."
The zoo’s animals were quick to enjoy the honey-themed treats.
Echo the sloth eagerly reached for her “golden surprise,” while Napoleon the emperor tamarin bounced excitedly toward his reward.
Eagle the tortoise approached his treat at a slow but steady pace, and the mongoose family investigated their honey pot with caution.
Read more:
-
Christmas jumper fun takes over the zoo as animals join playful seasonal shoot
-
Drusillas keepers begin annual stocktake of over 800 animals
The enrichment activities are designed to encourage natural behaviours and keep the animals mentally stimulated.
Chloe Lilliott, zookeeper at Drusillas, said: "Enrichment doesn’t always have to be complicated.
"Sometimes a simple idea - like foraging for food - can provide fantastic mental stimulation and encourage natural behaviours.
"It’s lovely to combine animal welfare with a story that so many people grew up with."
Drusillas Park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, animal encounters and commitment to education and conservation.
By marking cultural occasions such as Winnie the Pooh Day, the zoo aims to create memorable experiences that connect visitors with both wildlife and local heritage.
Winnie the Pooh first appeared in a story in 1925, with the first book published in October 1926.
Drusillas celebrated its own 100th anniversary in 2025, making this a near double centenary for two Sussex favourites.
The park is open daily from 10am.
Share