The Oregon Zoo’s 27th annual “Squishing of the Squash” event once again captivated audiences as its Asian elephants, including playful calf Tula-Tu, engaged in enriching pumpkin demolition, underscoring the zoo’s commitment to both animal welfare and vital conservation efforts for this endangered species.
On October 16, 2025, the Oregon Zoo hosted its 27th annual “Squishing of the Squash,” an event that delights visitors while offering crucial enrichment for its resident Asian elephants. This year, some of the world’s largest land animals faced off against some of the region’s largest pumpkins, turning a simple autumn tradition into a powerful statement on animal welfare and global conservation.
The main spectacle featured adult elephants like Samudra and his father, Samson, skillfully demolishing massive, 1,000-pound gourds provided by Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Club member Larry Nelson. Observers noted the elephants’ unique technique: a delicate placement of one foot at the top, followed by a gentle press that caused the pumpkins to crack with a loud pop, sending rind and seeds flying before the family of elephants enjoyed their squash feast.
Tula-Tu’s Playtime: A Star in the Making
While the adults showcased their immense power, eight-month-old calf Tula-Tu, weighing approximately 775 pounds (351.5 kilograms), was not yet large enough for the main event—one of the pumpkins alone outweighed her! Care staff, however, ensured she wasn’t left out. They presented Tula-Tu with a smaller pumpkin, which she enthusiastically kicked around like a soccer ball, offering an adorable preview of her future participation in the squishing tradition.
The Enduring Tradition of the Squishing of the Squash
The “Squishing of the Squash” tradition began in 1999, sparked by a generous donation from Hoffman’s Dairy Garden of Canby, which provided an 828-pound prize-winning pumpkin for the elephant family. This annual event quickly became a cornerstone of the zoo’s progressive animal enrichment efforts. Animal enrichment involves enhancing animals’ well-being through stimulating and challenging environments, objects, and activities, promoting natural behaviors and cognitive engagement. The Oregon Zoo has long been a leader in this field, using farmer-donated overstock pumpkins to provide varied experiences for its animals, as detailed on the Oregon Zoo website.
Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo’s Asian elephant area, highlighted the dual benefit: “First they squashed them, then they noshed them.” This hands-on interaction allows the elephants to express natural foraging and investigative behaviors, which are vital for their physical and mental health. The continuous evolution of these programs demonstrates the zoo’s dedication to improving the lives of its animals.
Conservation at the Core: Protecting Asian Elephants
Beyond the festive fun, the “Squishing of the Squash” serves as a poignant reminder of the critical conservation challenges facing Asian elephants. These majestic creatures are classified as highly endangered, with a fragmented global population estimated at just 40,000 to 50,000 individuals, spanning from India to the Malaysian island of Borneo. The threat of habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching continues to imperil their survival, a status officially recognized by the IUCN Red List.
The Oregon Zoo is at the forefront of robust conservation initiatives aimed at protecting Asian elephants. Their efforts include establishing a significant $1 million endowment fund specifically dedicated to helping the species. The zoo also actively supports the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) SAFE program (Saving Animals From Extinction), which aims to advance conservation strategies across all 13 Asian elephant range countries. This holistic approach ensures that conservation efforts are coordinated and impactful.
Furthermore, the Oregon Zoo collaborates directly with local partners in Borneo to implement lasting conservation solutions on the ground. These partnerships focus on crucial initiatives such as replanting forests to restore vital habitats, establishing protected corridors to allow safe elephant movement, and fostering peaceful coexistence between elephant populations and local communities. Significant conservation milestones have been achieved in recent years, including notable successes in Cambodia, as reported by The Associated Press.
A Celebration with Purpose
The annual “Squishing of the Squash” is more than just an entertaining event; it’s a vibrant intersection of education, animal welfare, and critical conservation work. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the intelligence and power of Asian elephants firsthand, while simultaneously raising awareness for their plight in the wild. By supporting events like this and the broader conservation efforts of institutions like the Oregon Zoo, the community plays a vital role in ensuring a future for species like Tula-Tu and her magnificent family.
