Zoo Staff Plant 6,500 Pumpkins with Help from Zoo Animals
3rd Jun 2025
Last week, we wrapped up our exciting annual pumpkin planting week, sowing the seeds for another bumper harvest ahead.
Staff from across the zoo gathered to get stuck into the planting, and 6,500 pumpkin plants will now start to take root in the nutrient-rich compost made from the African Elephants and Southern White Rhinos poo at the Zoo!
Our pumpkin-growing journey began quite by chance when we noticed a few vines sprouting from our elephant habitats compost heap. It turned out the pumpkins given to our elephants for enrichment had unintentionally started what’s now become one of our most popular seasonal traditions.
Our pumpkins are a true product of the zoo—grown right here on-site using nutrient-rich poo from our elephants and rhinos. Each one has been carefully planted by our team, reflecting our dedication to sustainable practices and working with nature. It’s also a great opportunity to see staff from across different teams roll up their sleeves, get muddy, and work together—it really brings the whole zoo together.
Having planted 6,500 pumpkins this year—over double last year’s total— we're ready to see our largest harvest to date. Make a note in your diary's to visit the Farm Shop for our annual Pumpkinfest!
Sign Up to the newsletter
Would you like to receive marketing emails from us? Please tick the box if you would like to receive information about future events, ways you can support our charity, offers and discounts.