Tallinn Zoo animals feast on donated pumpkins

Animals at Tallinn Zoo held a pumpkin feast on Saturday, a week before Halloween, as the zoo’s vegetable donation campaign came to a close, ERR reported. More than four tonnes of vegetables have been donated to the zoo.

Young elephant Carl was among the keenest diners. He reached for apples first, while hay, usually a favourite, drew little interest.

“They love pumpkins most. The elephant eats the largest amount, 600 kilograms a year, and many other zoo animals eat them too,” said Anita Tamm, a communications specialist at Tallinn Zoo.

The only animals that do not eat pumpkin are predators, specifically cats. The smallest annual pumpkin portion goes to a pygmy marmoset, which eats just 120 grams. Ungulates, rhinoceroses, primates, prosimians and reptiles are also among the animals that enjoy pumpkin, Tamm said.

The elephants’ pumpkin feast was one of the event’s highlights, drawing many children. The zoo’s vegetable collection campaign has ended, but people can still donate produce in a box at the zoo’s north gate.