Roses are nice, chocolates are too, but animals crave other treats at the Oregon Zoo.

kgw.com photo/Oregon Zoo

An Ore. Zoo sea-otter receives a heart-shaped treat during Valentine's Day last year.

Keepers will spread the love Thursday, Feb. 14, beginning at 10 a.m., when they offer a sea otter and elephants some untraditional Valentine's Day gifts.

A valentine made out of ice might not be the best thing to give your sweetheart during winter, but nothing could sound tastier to sea otters. The zoo's festivities kick off at 10 a.m. when Thelma the sea otter receives a heart-shaped ice treat filled with shrimp and mussels.

If elephants never forget, how would they feel if they were left out of the fun? The festivities wrap up at 10:20 a.m. when the zoo's female elephants receive valentines from their favorite keepers. Hidden inside each heart-shaped box are apples, carrots, sweet potatoes and cereal, as well as some sugar cubes to satisfy an extra-big sweet tooth.

This is the eighth year that special Valentine's Day enrichment treats will be handed out to zoo residents. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, which mentally stimulate the animals, and provide them with the opportunity to play, hunt and forage.

After watching the animals receive their gifts, visitors may enjoy a more traditional Valentine's Day dessert: a slice of Carnegie Deli cheesecake and strawberries in the zoo's Cascade Grill. Homemade fudge makes a great Valentine's Day gift, and is available in the zoo's gift shop. Purchase four pieces of fudge and receive a fifth piece free.