ST. LOUIS — The first elephant ever born at the Saint Louis Zoo turned 31 years old on Wednesday, and it could be his last birthday celebrated in St. Louis.
Earlier this month, the zoo announced that Raja the Asian elephant will soon be moving to a new home at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to help save his species from extinction.
In Columbus, Raja will have the opportunity to start a new family group with four females and mentor a young male. According to the Saint Louis Zoo, Raja's move will likely happen in late 2024 or early 2025.
Due to this week's unpredictable weather, the elephant care team celebrated Raja's 31st birthday on a warm day last week by letting him open presents filled with popcorn, fruits and hay.
Watch Raja open his birthday presents:
For those who want to visit him on his birthday, Raja and his elephant family will have access to their outside habitat throughout the day at River's Edge if they choose. The elephant care team will also provide enrichment activities for Raja if weather permits, according to the zoo.
Regardless of the weather, the zoo said Raja will be treated to a very special day with extra attention, enrichment and his favorite foods.
In addition to Raja, the Saint Louis Zoo is currently home to six other elephants: 52-year-old Pearl, who is Raja's mother; 52-year-old Ellie; 43-year-old Sri; and Raja's daughters, 17-year-old Maliha, 16-year-old Jade and 10-year-old Priya.
To learn more about Asian elephants, click here.
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