Elephants are the world's largest land animal, which means that they have big appetites. In fact, elephants can consume approximately 150 pounds of fruits, vegetables, grain, and plant material each day, including pumpkins.
Through November 30, local residents are invited to donate their pumpkins to the elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary. Because the elephant's habitats are not open for public visitation, caregivers will deliver the donated pumpkins to the habitats to provide enrichment and supplement the elephants' decreased foraging opportunities during the cooler months.
"We love this time of year because we know that the elephants will soon be the recipients of pumpkins donated by our Lewis County community and beyond. The pumpkins provide the elephants a novel treat, and the elephants provide donors an alternative to just taking their pumpkins to the dump," said Todd Montgomery, Outreach Manager at The Sanctuary.
Donated pumpkins may be brought to The Sanctuary's Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald where there will be a designated drop-off location. Pumpkins should be uncarved, unpainted, and not yet decomposing. The elephants' habitats are closed to the public. Call 931-796-6500 with questions or for more information.