At Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the world’s oldest zoo located in Vienna, Austria, elephants got into the Halloween spirit by smashing giant pumpkins weighing nearly half a ton! After stomping the massive pumpkins, the elephants enjoyed a feast, devouring the pumpkins with great enthusiasm. These pumpkins were a special treat, gifted from Austrias Giant Pumpkin Championship, held in the historic town of Tulln an der Donau in Lower Austria.

It took several people to lift each pumpkin, and a special crane was required to transport them into the elephant enclosure.

Dagmar Schratter, the zoos director, explained that the pumpkins provide a nutritious snack for the elephants. Its fascinating to watch how they use their heads, tusks, and feet to break open the pumpkins and get to the soft flesh inside, Schratter said. Elephants like Tonga, Mongu, and Iqhwa quickly devoured the seasonal treat.

Growing pumpkins of this size takes serious dedication. Martin Lasinger, from Austrias Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, revealed that many growers spend up to two hours a day caring for their pumpkins, often sacrificing holidays and free time to prepare for the competition. Lasinger added, Seeing the elephants enjoy the fruits of our labor brings us great joy.

While the elephants were the first to enjoy the pumpkins, zoo officials ensured that other animals, including tortoises, anteaters, and otters, would get their share of pumpkin treats later in the afternoon.