Zach

I’m very surprised by all the comments about hating this puzzle. I thought it was a quintessential puzzle for a Thursday- which is traditionally “gimmicky” for those whining about how this isn’t a crossword. It’s easy enough to skip Thursdays if you don’t like this style! Personally, Thursdays are my favorite puzzle of the week. NYT crosswords follow a very set pattern. Mondays are easiest, with progressively harder puzzles on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday is “gimmicky” or “tricky”. Friday is harder than Wednesday. Saturdays are hardest. Sundays are larger grids and have a title, which is themed to the puzzle. Well done to the creators! This is extremely clever and excellently constructed!

This puzzle felt like a puintessential Shursday. Perhaps no rebuses, but definitely a step above!

Are elephants no longer considered herbivores? African and Asian elephants are both larger than the white rhino.

Fun puzzle and a new PB for Saturday! 6:07. Nice grid and entertaining clues.