A zoo farm has grown up to 10,000 pumpkins using elephant and rhino dung.

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, a zoo and conservation charity in North Somerset, has announced its most successful pumpkin harvest yet.

This year’s Pumpkinfest will showcase more than 6,000 pumpkins, with up to 10,000 expected to be grown.

The pumpkins were grown using nutrient-rich compost made from the zoo's resident elephants and rhinos.

The zoo's managing director, Larry Bush, said the idea for pumpkin farming began five years ago when elephants were given pumpkins as part of their enrichment programme.

Mr Bush said: "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, more than 2,500 pumpkin plants have taken root in the nutrient-rich compost, resulting in one of the zoo's largest pumpkin and gourd crops ever.

Mr Bush said: "The combination of a mild, wet summer and the natural fertiliser from our animals has led to one of our best harvests yet.

"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."

The pumpkins will be the centrepiece of the zoo's Pumpkinfest, which will run from October 1 to November 3.

Visitors will be able to purchase pumpkins from the farm shop or pick them directly from the wheelchair-accessible pumpkin patch.

The event will be a celebration of all things autumn, with photo spots and rustic autumnal décor.

Visitors will also be able to explore the pumpkin patch, browse the selection of pumpkins, and enjoy food and warm drinks from the farm shop.

The pumpkin patch has free parking and is free with visitors also invited to bring their dogs to the event.

The zoo's commercial manager, Chris Brookes, said: "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."

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is a charitable organisation dedicated to conservation, education, and wellbeing.

The zoo attracts more than 215,000 visitors each year and is home to more than 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.