Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, a zoo and conservation charity in North Somerset, is delighted to announce its most successful and varied pumpkin harvest yet. This year’s Pumpkinfest will showcase over 6,000 pumpkins grown with the help of elephant and rhino poo, making it the zoo’s largest and most exciting autumn celebration to date.
The tradition of pumpkin farming at Noah's Ark began five years ago with what can only be described as a fortunate accident. Larry Bush, the Zoo’s Managing Director said the idea first sprouted when their elephants were given pumpkins as part of their enrichment program. Larry commented, “Much to the team’s surprise, a patch of pumpkins began growing from the poo heap left by the elephants. That unexpected, but welcome, discovery led to the intentional cultivation of pumpkins, and now it’s one of the zoo’s most-loved seasonal activities.”
This year, over 2,500 pumpkin plants have taken root in nutrient-rich compost made from the zoo’s resident elephants and rhinos. As a result, the zoo is celebrating one of its largest pumpkin and gourd crops ever. “The combination of a mild, wet summer and the natural fertiliser from our animals has led to one of our best harvests yet,” Bush explained. “This year, we have everything from Honey Bear pumpkins to textured Warty Goblins, with plenty of other varieties in between. There really is a pumpkin for everyone!”
Chris Brookes, the Commercial Manager at Noah’s Ark, highlighted the zoo’s sustainable farming practices, “We’re proud of the way our pumpkins are grown—nurtured on-site using natural compost from our elephants and rhinos. Each pumpkin is harvested by hand and brought to the Farm Shop. It’s a process that reflects our commitment to sustainability and working with nature.”
Visitors can purchase pumpkins from the Farm Shop or pick them directly from a family friendly, wheelchair accessible pumpkin patch during Pumpkinfest, which runs from the 1 October through to November 3. The event promises to be a celebration of all things autumn, filled with fun for all ages and plenty of photo spots with a rustic autumnal décor. Visitors will be invited to explore the pumpkin patch, browse the selection of pumpkins, and enjoy some food and a warm drink from the Farm Shop. The pumpkin patch has free parking and is free to enjoy! Visitors are even invited to bring their four-legged furry friends to sniff out the best pumpkin. Join Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm for Pumpkinfest, where every pumpkin has a story, and every visitor leaves with a cherished memory.
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