Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset has unveiled a record-breaking jumbo elephant mosaic made from an astonishing 11,000 home-grown pumpkins and gourds, celebrating an annual harvest tradition that began six years ago when pumpkins were found unexpectedly growing on the elephant muck heap after the zoo’s bachelor group of African elephants enjoyed seasonal treats as part of their enrichment program. From those first surprise sprouts, a dedicated pumpkin patch was created using elephant poo as unique fertilizer, and this year despite a dry summer, the natural fertilizer helped achieve the best harvest yet with over 15,000 pumpkins grown including varieties from fiery red Fireballs to knobbly Warty Goblins and classic Jack-o’-Lanterns. Zoo Director Larry Bush says they realized they were onto something special when pumpkins started thriving on the muck heap, turning what began as an accident into an annual highlight for both the team and visitors.
The impressive mosaic took shape right beside the elephant habitat with the zoo’s group of African elephants looking on with curiosity as corporate partners Albert Goodman created the giant design during a team building day. The colossal artwork featuring 34 striking pumpkin and gourd varieties spotlights the elephants’ unusual role in pumpkin growing, with Noah’s Ark believing the 11,000-pumpkin scale could make it one of the largest pumpkin mosaics ever created. The record-breaking harvest is showcased at the Noah’s Ark Farm Shop during Pumpkinfest running until November 2nd, where visitors can pick perfect pumpkins from a family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible patch. This delightful poo-to-pumpkin story proves that sometimes the most beautiful creations come from the most unexpected sources, turning elephant waste into harvest abundance and stunning community art that celebrates the circle of nature in the most colorful way possible.
