The 2026 Squishing of the Squash

Since 1999, when a prize-winning 828 pound pumpkin was donated to the Oregon Zoo, the annual Squishing of the Squash has been a premiere event. Local farmers donate excess produce, and the elephants love it. For them, it's a combination of a ball game, a treasure hunt, and snack time. The crowds of humans love it, too. 

This year, the star of the show was an 18-year-old Asian elephant named Samudra. She was offered a 500 pound pumpkin that was stuffed with apples, sweet potatoes, and lettuce. She had fun playing with the gourd until it cracked open, revealing the surprise banquet. This will be the last Squishing of the Squash in Oregon for Samudra, as she is moving to the St. Louis Zoo next year. Her little sister Tula-Tu, only 20 months old, got her own smaller pumpkin. (via Laughing Squid)