The Snak-a-Ball originally designed for horses has found a new admirer. The giraffes at Chicago Zoo have been trialling the Snak-a-Ball and the keepers think that they are fantastic for enriching the giraffe’s environment.

The equine Snak-a-Ball from Likit products stimulates a natural grazing behaviour which is beneficial the horse’s digestion. The ball contains the horse's daily food ration and can be used in the stable or the field for the horse to play and feed throughout the day.

Andrew Robertson, Managing Director of Likit Products, a subsidiary of Buccleuch Country Group, said “We are delighted to get this news from Chicago Zoo. This is the first time we are aware that a Snak-a-Ball has been used to enrich the environment of giraffes. The Snak-a-Ball is a versatile feeding ball originally designed for horses, however has also been used by pot belly pigs and even elephants.

“The Snak-a-Ball is usually found in fields or stables as horses enjoy being rewarded by their efforts of moving the ball around, however the keepers at Chicago zoo decided to hang up the ball as giraffes are not grazing animals. This has now stimulated a trial at the zoo into reducing development of boredom in confined animals.”