What do a sloth bear, chimpanzee,  duck, and cane toad all have in common? At Sunset Zoo, they all depend on insects as part of their diets — and some of them eat a lot more than you might think! The Crunchy Cost of Care takes a closer look at the Zoo’s insect-eating animals, exploring their natural history to learn who they are and how they eat.  From omnivorous animals that forage for grubs and termites to supplement their diet to species that rely exclusively on insects for essential nutrients, these insects play an important role in their health, wellbeing, and overall quality of care. But keeping all those hungry mouths fed comes at a price, and purchasing insects in the quantities we need can be surprisingly expensive. This presentation explores the possibility of farming insects in-house as a way to better support consistency, animal wellbeing, and long-term sustainability. Along the way, it highlights the thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work and deep commitment to care that go into meeting each species’ unique needs every day. Most of all, it’s a chance to share just how much creativity, dedication, and heart go into caring for the animals at Sunset Zoo.