Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/oregon-zoo-gives-watermelon-to-animals/

August 3rd is National Watermelon Day and what better way to celebrate than by sinking your teeth into a juicy slice?

Watermelon is 92% water and the entire melon is safe to eat, so the staff at the Oregon Zoo decided to hand out the refreshing treat to the animal residents.

Zookeepers headed out with whole watermelons to feed to the elephants, lions, and bears and made sure to record it for all to see.

Watermelons were tossed into the mouths of elephants who crushed the fruit with their powerful jaws. Lions and bears wasted no time devouring their sweet snack.

But the lemurs were a bit leery about the fruit.

Caretakers placed a slice in their enclosure and watched as they approached it and then scurried away. It wasn’t until one of the zookeepers held the slice in their hand that the lemurs felt safe enough to eat their treat.

This favorite summertime treat has been around for 5,000 years. The first watermelon harvest occurred in Egypt, according to National Today. There are currently 1,200 varieties of watermelon around the world, but most prefer seedless.

Is Watermelon Safe For Pets?

Seedless watermelon is considered a safe snack for pets. It is filled with nutrients like potassium, vitamins B6 and C. However, it should only be fed in small amounts as too much can cause an upset stomach.

Dogs and horses love watermelon, and it is a great way to help keep them hydrated on hot summer days.

Thousands have viewed the entertaining video of the zoo animals eating watermelon and said it made their day. One person wrote, “There are few things more satisfying than watching animals eat watermelon with such delight. Thank you!”

Check it out for yourself below and don’t forget to share!

Have a juicy Watermelon Day pic.twitter.com/qpoRUC8Esv

— Oregon Zoo (@OregonZoo) August 3, 2021

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog