Elephants versus Pumpkins: The Oregon Zoo Tradition

At the Oregon Zoo, the annual 'Squishing of the Squash' event garnered attention as elephants took center stage. Baby Asian elephant Tula-Tu charmed spectators by dribbling a small pumpkin, demonstrating her playful spirit during the fall event.

While Tula-Tu, at just eight months old and weighing 351.5 kilograms, tackled a smaller pumpkin, her adult family members conquered much larger gourds. The adult elephants effortlessly cracked open pumpkins weighing around 450 kilograms, delighting a crowd of zoo visitors.

Oregon Zoo officials highlight that Tula-Tu and her family are part of a highly endangered species. Conservation efforts are critical, as the wild population is fragmented, spanning regions from India to Borneo. Successful initiatives, however, give hope for these majestic creatures' continued survival.