Oregon Zoo welcomes 'Howloween' with Squishing of the Squash, elephantine fun

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Zoo welcomed fall fun with its annual Squishing of the Squash, where delighted onlookers watched as the zoo's herd of Asian elephants gleefully stomped and smashed an 800-lb pumpkin - then ate it up as a tasty fall treat.

"First, they destroy them, then they enjoy them,"senior keeper Dimas Dominguez once told KATU about the famous event.

And really, who wouldn't want to watch excited pachyderms pulverize some giant pumpkins?

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:Oregon Zoo elephants smash massive pumpkins at annual 'Squishing of the Squash'

A favorite fall tradition that dates back 25 years, the zoo says the Squishing started in 1999 when Hoffman's Dairy Garden in Canby dropped off a prize-winning 828-pound pumpkin for the elephants to enjoy.

"In those days, local farmers often donated overstock pumpkins for use in the zoo’s groundbreaking animal enrichment efforts — improving animals’ well-being by providing stimulating and challenging environments, objects and activities," the zoo previously told KATU.

Officials say this year the 800-pound pumpkin was provided by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Club.

The event is a precursor to 'Howloween', the Oregon Zoo's autumn celebration.

The event takes place Oct. 19-20 and 26-27, and costumed trick-or-treaters can learn about healthy habitats for wildlife with engaging activities throughout the zoo.

You can find more information about the event HERE.