Smashing pumpkins: Elephants enjoy annual Squishing the Squash at Oregon Zoo

Squashed.

Elephants at the Oregon Zoo gorged on some of the largest pumpkins in the Portland area as the zoo held its annual Squishing the Squash event Friday.

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The pachyderms delighted zoo patrons by squishing, stomping and eating the pumpkins, KOIN-TV reported. One pumpkin weighed 800 pounds, while another weighed 600 pounds, the television station reported.

The pumpkin smash was a prelude for the zoo's Howloween celebration, which began this weekend, according to the zoo's website.

The large pumpkins were provided by Larry and Christy Nelson of Albany, who belong to the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Club.

Zoo officials said smashing pumpkins keeps the elephants mentally and physically stimulated, KOIN reported.

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