Elephants Enjoy Pumpkin 'Squishing' at Oregon Zoo Event
At the Oregon Zoo's annual 'Squishing of the Squash' event, an eight-month-old Asian elephant named Tula-Tu and her family enjoyed a unique treat. The endangered elephants, including Tula-Tu's brother and father, gently smashed massive pumpkins donated by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Club.
Tula-Tu, weighing 775 pounds (351.5 kilograms), was too small to smash the large pumpkins herself. Instead, she played with a smaller one like a soccer ball, displaying her playful nature. Her adult relatives, however, had no trouble with the giant pumpkins, weighing around 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) each. After the smashing, the elephant family delighted in eating the fragments.
Asian elephants like Tula-Tu and her family are highly endangered, with a wild population estimated between 40,000 to 50,000. Conservation efforts have seen recent successes, including in Cambodia, offering hope for these gentle giants.
The Oregon Zoo's 'Squishing of the Squash' event not only entertains but also raises awareness about the plight of Asian elephants. Despite their endangered status, these magnificent creatures continue to captivate us with their strength and playfulness. Conservation efforts worldwide, including those in Cambodia, are crucial for their survival.
