Embracing the Splendors of Autumn: The 23rd Squishing of the Squash Festival at Oregon Zoo

In a jubilant celebration of the fall season, the Oregon Zoo recently hosted the 23rd Squishing of the Squash festival, featuring the charming antics of playful elephants.

The festival’s centerpiece was the smashing and devouring of giant pumpkins, providing a delectable treat for these gentle giants.

Amidst the festivities, the resident elephants reveled in joy as they gleefully stomped and crashed the massive pumpkins, reaching eagerly for the soft and delicious inner flesh.

Witness the playful spectacle in the video at the end.

The exuberant participation left some of the elephants with orange-colored trunks, a visual testament to their enthusiastic involvement.

An impressive 1,200 pounds of orange-hued pumpkins were generously supplied for the elephants to crush and savor.

The herd of elephants indulged wholeheartedly, relishing the playful activity of crushing and consuming the pumpkins.

This annual tradition at the Oregon Zoo not only provides entertainment but also serves to stimulate the elephants mentally.

Yet, the joy wasn’t exclusive to the elephants. Other zoo residents, including ring-tailed lemurs, river otters, and porcupines, were also treated to smaller pumpkins for engaging activities.

The spectacle of elephants stomping and crushing the giant pumpkins brought joy to both the zoo’s animals and animal lovers alike.

This harmless destruction transformed the Squishing of the Squash festival into a delightful experience for everyone involved, showcasing the sheer joy that autumn and playful traditions can bring to the animal kingdom and those who cherish it.