CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. (WPIX) -
Humans and elephants alike faced off in a rare cross-species eating contest at Coney Island on Friday and apparently a lot was on the line.
"This contest has significant implications for inter-species relations," said George Shea, Chairman of Major League Eating. "If humans win it shows we are unbeatable in this sports, and if the elephants win it will significantly enhance their stature in the animal kingdome."
The competition, which was sponsored by Major League Eating and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, drew hundreds of spectators. When it came down to it, three elephants showed what they are made of by scarfing down over 500-hot dog buns in six minutes, beating out their human competitors who only consumed 143 buns during the same time period.
Animal experts say the elephants had an advantage over their competitors since they enjoy bread and can eat about a foot-long loaf in a mere 1.6 seconds.
According to the event's organizers, the humans collectively weighed 500 pounds while the elephants weighed in at about 9 tons.
The human competitors are not done yet. They are slated to compete in Saturday's annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest at Coney Island.
"This contest has significant implications for inter-species relations," said George Shea, Chairman of Major League Eating. "If humans win it shows we are unbeatable in this sports, and if the elephants win it will significantly enhance their stature in the animal kingdome."
The competition, which was sponsored by Major League Eating and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, drew hundreds of spectators. When it came down to it, three elephants showed what they are made of by scarfing down over 500-hot dog buns in six minutes, beating out their human competitors who only consumed 143 buns during the same time period.
Animal experts say the elephants had an advantage over their competitors since they enjoy bread and can eat about a foot-long loaf in a mere 1.6 seconds.
According to the event's organizers, the humans collectively weighed 500 pounds while the elephants weighed in at about 9 tons.
The human competitors are not done yet. They are slated to compete in Saturday's annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest at Coney Island.
