The Elephants Will Be Squishing the Squash at Rosamond Gifford Zoo This Weekend

By Lorrell Walter

Syracuse, NY - For those who have ever wondered what happens to pumpkins after Halloween, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo has the answer: the squash get squished! The annual Squishing of the Squash is on Saturday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and it’s sure to be a smash! The event is included in the price of admission.

New this year: underwater pumpkin carving in the penguin pool! Mike Druce, director of education for National Aquatic Service, will work along side Ted Fox, curator at the zoo, and the penguins to carve a pumpkin in the 50,000 gallon penguin pool. This activity will take place at 11:30 a.m.

Throughout the day, more than 20 species of animals will receive pumpkins during this gourd-filled gala of fun, including the tigers, siamangs and wolves. Presenting unusual items, such as pumpkins, to the animals is part of the zoo’s enrichment program, designed to promote natural behaviors and enhance the well-being of the animals.

As part of the day’s activities, zoo-goers can watch as the animals stomp, romp and chomp pumpkins of varying size and shape. Keeping with the tradition of the event, the elephants will receive a pumpkin of pachyderm proportion. The extremely large gourd weighs an estimated 880 pounds and was donated by Walter Merriam of Fayetteville. Be sure to watch as the Asian Elephants pulverize this pumpkin of pachyderm proportions at 11:00 a.m.! Afterwards, visitors can have their photo taken along side a 950 pound pumpkin in the picnic area at the zoo.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is focused on conserving, exhibiting and interpreting a living animal collection in order to promote public recreation, understanding of the relationships between animals and people, and action to sustain the environment we share. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors age 62 and up and students age 16 to 21 with I.D, $4.00 for youth ages 3 to 15. Children two and under are free. For more information, call the zoo at (315) 435-8511 or visit the zoo’s Web site at www.RosamondGiffordZoo.org

To view Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-473-Rosamond_Gifford_Zoo