Yesterday was National Pumpkin Day, and the animal care team at Walt Disney World Resort celebrated in style—with pumpkins, of course! Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a group of Galápagos tortoises got to enjoy a seasonal surprise courtesy of the chefs at the Animal Nutrition Center.
Meet the Pumpkin-Loving “Monsters” of Discovery Island
Say hello to Phantom, Dracula, Mummy, Frankenstein, Wolfman, and Creature. These herbivorous Galápagos tortoises have a taste for fresh produce, and pumpkins are a top treat. Carved by their dedicated keepers, the pumpkins were delivered with care—and a bit of Halloween flair—by the Animal Nutrition team.
Behind the Scenes: Feeding 5,000 Animals Daily
The Animal Nutrition Center is responsible for preparing customized diets for more than 5,000 birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish across Walt Disney World Resort. That includes over 10,000 pounds of high-quality food each day—the equivalent of a fully grown African elephant! From massive hippos to tiny spiders, every animal’s diet is part of the overall animal wellness program.
More Than Just a Snack
Pumpkins are rich in fiber and loaded with nutrients like beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamin C. While some animals devour the festive gourds, others smash, bat, or toss them around. Whether they’re a snack or a toy, pumpkins serve as a source of enrichment, encouraging animals to explore and use their natural instincts.
Fall Fun Across Walt Disney World
More than 200 pumpkins are being delivered across the resort this Halloween season. From Disney’s Animal Kingdom to EPCOT’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends and even resort hotels like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the fall festivities are in full swing.
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World this week, keep your eyes peeled—you just might spot a hippo with a pumpkin or a lemur getting into the spooky spirit!
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World this week, be on the lookout and you just may spot some animals snacking on pumpkins throughout the resort. From Disney’s Animal Kingdom to The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, and even resorts like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, pumpkins will be all around!
