Hippos fed Jack-o'-lantern pumpkins and watermelons for Halloween

Hungry hippos were fed Jack-o'-lantern pumpkins and watermelons for Halloween celebrations at a Thai zoo.

The Chiang Mai zoo in northern Thailand filled the enclosure with Halloween-themed decorations on October 30. The staff can be seen wearing scary costumes while tending to the four hippopotamuses in their pond.

The celebration coincides with the traditional Loy Krathong festival this year and the 66th founding anniversary of the Zoological Park of Thailand.

Doctor Smith Darakon Na Ayudhya of the Zoological Organization of Thailand along with the zoo director Wuttichai Muangman fed the hippos as part of the opening ceremony while zoo diver let out small boats made out of banana leaves locally called Kratong in the aquarium.

Doctor Smith said: "We ask for forgiveness for our sins and thank the Ganga during the Loi Krathong tradition. What a coincidence both Halloween and Loy Krathong are on the same day this year."

Tourists were also allowed to feed the hippopotamus with Jack-O-Lantern fruits from the zoo.

The annual Loy Krathong, or Loi Krathong, celebrations honouring the Buddhist goddess of water sees millions of people float 'Krathong' baskets to bring good luck for the year ahead.