Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Over the summer we were contracted to design and build an aardvark feeder that would allow them to use their amazing tongue, as well as being an educational tool for the public and overnight guests. The feeder we created which either hangs in the viewing window or over the fence worked great (please see the video linked in the comments for info on how it works), but after a couple of weeks of testing, it was discovered that the aardvark were struggling to use the longer channels and were favoring the food in the shorter channels.
The initial answer was to simply cut holes further down, but this would be a permanent solution with no going back on it. So after some discussion, we cut a whole series of blocks that sit inside the channel. The more blocks put in, the shorter the channel. The idea is that over time the aardvark gets used to using them, their tongue muscles get trained, and then a block or two can be removed to make the channel deeper. The process is repeated over time until the aardvark can use the full length of the tongue to reach the food in the deeper channels.
It's a simple solution, but seems to work great. Thanks again to the team at Whipsnade Zoo for trusting us with the design and build of these feeders, we loved being part of the project!
For more information about our unique team building events, courses or enclosure and enrichment design service, head to TeamBuildingwithBITE.com or email Info@TeamBuildingwithBITE.com
Over the summer we were contracted to design and build an aardvark feeder that would allow them to use their amazing tongue, as well as being an educational tool for the public and overnight guests. The feeder we created which either hangs in the viewing window or over the fence worked great (please see the video linked in the comments for info on how it works), but after a couple of weeks of testing, it was discovered that the aardvark were struggling to use the longer channels and were favoring the food in the shorter channels.
The initial answer was to simply cut holes further down, but this would be a permanent solution with no going back on it. So after some discussion, we cut a whole series of blocks that sit inside the channel. The more blocks put in, the shorter the channel. The idea is that over time the aardvark gets used to using them, their tongue muscles get trained, and then a block or two can be removed to make the channel deeper. The process is repeated over time until the aardvark can use the full length of the tongue to reach the food in the deeper channels.
It's a simple solution, but seems to work great. Thanks again to the team at Whipsnade Zoo for trusting us with the design and build of these feeders, we loved being part of the project!
For more information about our unique team building events, courses or enclosure and enrichment design service, head to TeamBuildingwithBITE.com or email Info@TeamBuildingwithBITE.com
