The Oregon Zoo recently held its annual tradition of letting their Asian elephants, Lily and Samudra, destroy and feast on giant pumpkins. The event, known as Squishin’, showcased the elephants using their impressive strength and tusks to crush the pumpkins before digging in to enjoy a tasty treat.
Lily and Samudra were seen enthusiastically stomping on the pumpkins, breaking them into pieces with their powerful trunks and teeth. The pumpkins, which were donated by a local farm, provided both physical and mental stimulation for the elephants, as well as a fun and festive activity for visitors to witness.
The zookeepers explained that activities like Squishin’ are important for the elephants’ overall well-being, as it allows them to engage in natural behaviors and provides enrichment for their daily routines. The event also serves as a way to promote awareness about the important conservation work being done to protect Asian elephants in the wild.
Overall, Squishin’ was a success as both Lily and Samudra seemed to thoroughly enjoy their pumpkin feast. The event captured the playful and curious nature of these magnificent creatures, delighting zoo visitors of all ages. The Oregon Zoo hopes to continue hosting such events in the future to educate and inspire the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and the well-being of animals in captivity.
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