Oregon Zoo, Portland, Oregon – October 16, 2025 – The Oregon Zoo celebrated its 27th annual Squishing of the Squash as some of the world’s largest land animals demolished enormous pumpkins in a lively display of strength and playfulness.

“We gave our elephants some extra-large pumpkins to stomp on and chomp on,” said Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo’s Asian elephant area. “First they squashed them, then they noshed them.”

Eight-month-old Tula-Tu was too young to join the main event, as one of this year’s pumpkins outweighed her. Care staff presented her with a smaller pumpkin, which she kicked around like a soccer ball, previewing the festivities.

The Squishing of the Squash tradition began in 1999 when Hoffman’s Dairy Garden of Canby donated a prize-winning 828-pound pumpkin for the elephants. Local farmers continue to contribute surplus pumpkins to support the zoo’s enrichment programs, which stimulate and challenge animals for their well-being.

This year’s pumpkins included a 1,000-pounder for Tula’s older brother, Samudra, and their father, Samson. The pumpkins were provided by Larry Nelson, a member of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Club.

Asian elephants are highly endangered, with only 40,000 to 50,000 remaining in fragmented populations from India to Borneo. The Oregon Zoo has established a $1 million endowment fund to support conservation and participates in initiatives such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE program. Local partnerships in Borneo also focus on replanting forests, establishing protected corridors, and fostering peaceful coexistence between elephants and communities.

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