Tigers at Howletts Wild Animal Park have been set a new challenge to earn their lunch.

Keepers and researchers at the park in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury have introduced a new contraption to the Sumatran tiger enclosure to encourage natural behaviour among big cats Indah and Amir.

Mark Kingston Jones, the park’s research and enrichment supervisor, said: “This feed pole was built in collaboration between the carnivore section and the education team as an enrichment tool to encourage stamina in the tigers and stimulate muscle development and bone strength.”

Pole feeders have been used at various parks in the past, but the Howletts one uses a pulley system set into the pole that can be lowered down to hook the meat on before being raised.

Animal director Neil Spooner added: “The feed pole is proving very effective. Although tigers infrequently climb trees in the wild, the leaping action that they perform to grab and wrestle the meat replicates the effort of pulling down prey using similar muscles.

“We’re gradually increasing the height of the meat to build up the tiger’s stamina.

“Enrichment like this is so important for our animals, not only does it stimulate different senses for them and provide interesting challenges, it also helps to keep them healthy and in tip top condition.”

For more information regarding different forms of enrichment, park opening times and the passport offer please visitwww.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts