Keepers presented whole pumpkins to the big cat youngsters and their families, as a form of seasonal enrichment to offer new sights, textures and smells, all stimulating natural behaviours.

The three lion cubs, born in April this year, enjoyed playing with the pumpkins, pouncing on them and guarding them from the rest of the pride.

The ten-month-old Sumatran tiger cub triplets and their two-year-old sister, Lestari, also enjoyed the pumpkins, with Lestari taking hers to the pool for a game of pumpkin-bobbing.

Despite looking like kittens at play, the cubs left the pumpkins with large tooth and claw marks, showing off their strength.

Senior keeper of carnivores, Shuana Jenkins, said: “Any novelty item makes excellent enrichment for our animals, giving them a chance to use some of their natural, species-typical behaviours, whilst interacting with it.

“The team have loved watching both our lion and tiger cubs get into the Halloween spirit with their first experience of pumpkins, with all the cubs showing just how strong they are with the unexpected ease it’s taken for them to carry them around.”

The park is currently hosting its Spooky Spectacular event, which sees the park decorated with hundreds of pumpkins.

Visitors can join in with the Halloween activities, including the Monster Mystery Trail and the Crazy Craft Club.

There’s also a new event this year, Frankie’s Monster Mash Show, hosted by the park’s Frankenstein’s monster, Frankie.

The Spooky Spectacular event runs until Sunday, November 2 and is also the last chance for guests to enjoy the theme park rides before they close for the winter.

All of the Spooky Spectacular activities are included in the admission price.

Visitors can book in advance online for the best prices via the West Midlands Safari Park website.