Rare Amur tiger cubs enjoy pumpkin feast at Longleat

Now nearly six months old, Ginger Biscuit, Dora-Boo, Seeka, and Heidi have tucked into pumpkins as they begin to explore the park more frequently.

Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said: "We have the biggest collection of tigers in the UK and are really proud of how the cubs have thrived under the care of Yana [their mum] and our dedicated keepers.

Two of the cubs investigating the pumpkins (Image: Ian Turner) Yana and one of her cubs (Image: Ian Turner) "Introducing new activities and different things into their habitat is an important aspect of our work, encouraging and enabling the animals to use their natural behaviours, dynamic senses, and natural instincts.

"With the pumpkins, Yana checked them out before allowing the cubs to investigate themselves and the traditional autumn dish didn’t last long before it was destroyed."

Yana checking out the pumpkins (Image: Ian Turner) One of the cubs at Longleat (Image: Ian Turner) The cubs can only be seen from the drive-through safari, but guests to Longleat during half-term also have the opportunity to meet smaller animals, with keepers introducing visitors to donkeys, ferrets, goats, and chickens.

The Great British Autumn event, which is running until November 3, also features live performances from Louby Lou’s interactive storytelling with the Woodland Wisps, walkabout red squirrel characters Mr and Mrs Nutkin, a haybale slide, scarecrow trail, and crafts.