Oregon Zoo Animals Crunch Into Watermelon Feast For National Watermelon Day

Animals at the Oregon Zoo celebrated National Watermelon Day on August 3 with a fresh watermelon feast, enjoying the seasonal treat in a variety of ways.

The video shows zoo residents, from elephants to orangutans, taking part in the celebration as they bite, crush, and enjoy fresh watermelons.

The seasonal fruit serves more than just a tasty snack. The Oregon Zoo uses items like watermelons as part of its environmental enrichment efforts, providing stimulating environments, objects, and activities that promote animal well-being.

Among the participants, the eastern black rhinoceros family is especially known for its watermelon-crushing abilities.

“I love that King is a smoosher and Jozi is an impaler,” said Chad Harmon, who oversees the zoo’s Africa area. “Two totally different techniques that work.”