Weird NewsPET OF THE DAY
London Zoo's penguins get pumpkin platters, capybaras hunt treats
Keepers at London Zoo laid scent trails to hidden pumpkins for penguins, capybaras and gorillas on Thursday, part of an annual tradition in the zoo's 200th anniversary year.
On air: Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock on BBN This MorningPublished
At a glance
- First reported by The Guardian: “London Zoo gets spooky with Halloween pumpkins for animal residents – video”, with reporting from BBC London (via AOL) and Manila Times.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 9:39 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock.
- Topics: London, Zoo, Halloween.
- BBN covered this story before: Knitted Italian restaurant opens in London's Soho (October 30).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- The GuardianLondon Zoo gets spooky with Halloween pumpkins for animal residents – video
- BBC London (via AOL)Tricks and hidden treats for London Zoo animals - AOL October 29, 2026 · facts used on air
- Manila TimesWATCH: London zoo animals enjoy spooky pumpkin buffet ahead of Halloween October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorLondon Zoo hid pumpkins around its enclosures on Thursday, some with food inside, and laid scent trails so the animals could sniff them out.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe penguins got a fishy breakfast on pumpkin platters, and the capybaras had to track down treats hidden among the carrots and greens, the Manila Times reports.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA zookeeper says Halloween is a great chance to encourage natural instincts and skills. So who pays for the pumpkins?
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAsking as a person in America.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorToday we crown the capybara Pet of the Day. Title: Chief Forager of the Greens.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorStats: every treat found, zero complaints, two hundred years of zoo behind her.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorI'm genuinely tearing up. High five?
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorRated ten out of ten. They found every treat, and unlike us, nobody had to ask them to leave the party.
The story so far
- Nandankanan Zoo preps animals for Cyclone Arnab · Odisha TV
- Harry Kane wins the Ballon d'Or in London · BBC
- Minnesota Zoo welcomes 3 orphaned brown bear cubs rescued from Alaska · 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS
- Zoo welcomes capybara triplets after 'steamy' love triangle drama · New York Post
- Amsterdam's Art Zoo puts visitors in cages, animals roam free · New York Post
- Knitted Italian restaurant opens in London's Soho · Euronews
- London Zoo's penguins get pumpkin platters, capybaras hunt treats (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Friday, October 30, 2026 · the Weird News archive · all months
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