Around 11,000 pumpkins and gourds were used to create the mosaic. Pictures: Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

11,000 pumpkins used to create amazing mosaic at Somerset attraction

Paul JonesOctober 9, 20250 Comment0

AROUND 11,000 pumpkins and gourds were used to create a memorable mosaic at a Somerset attraction.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, at Wraxall, has unveiled the 2026 installation – a giant elephant creation – made using home-grown squashes.

The artistic tradition came about six years ago, when pumpkins were found unexpectedly growing on the elephant muck heap – from the park’s bachelor group of African elephants.

From those first surprise sprouts, a dedicated pumpkin patch was created, using elephant poo as a unique fertiliser.

Larry Bush, director at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, said: “Once we saw pumpkins thriving on the muck heap, we realised we were on to something special.

“Now, it’s grown into an annual highlight for both our team and our visitors.

“Despite the dry summer this year, our elephants’ natural fertiliser has helped us achieve our best harvest yet – from fiery red Fireballs to knobbly Warty Goblins and classic Jack-o’-Lanterns.

“With over 15,000 grown this year, there really is a pumpkin for everyone.”

Around 11,000 pumpkins and gourds were used to create the mosaic. Pictures: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

During a recent team building day, the park’s corporate partners, Albert Goodman, were involved in creating the jumbo elephant pumpkin mosaic, which illustrates the ‘poo-to-pumpkin’ story.

The impressive creation took shape right beside the elephant habitat – the largest in Northern Europe and spanning more than 20 acres – with the elephants looking on as the design took shape.

The colossal artwork shone a spotlight on the elephants’ unusual role in pumpkin growing, using more than 30 pumpkin and gourd varieties, with 11,000 pumpkins used in total.

It has now been disassembled, with the pumpkins taking place on shelves at the farm shop.

Tom Stone, partner in the Farms & Estates team at Albert Goodman, said: “Our team building day at Noah’s Ark was a brilliant way to bring everyone together.

“The pumpkin mosaic was a unique and a really memorable activity for our team to take part in.”

Until November 2, visitors to the park can enjoy the Noah’s Ark Farm Shop Pumpkinfest, when they are invited to pick the perfect pumpkin from a family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible patch as they browse the autumnal display.

The park is also running a ‘Poo Done it- Dung Detectives’ trail in which visitors can uncover a whole host of fun dung facts.