Zoo Celebrates 50th Birthday of Oldest Elephant
Zookeepers and guests gathered at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden this morning to celebrate the 50th birthday of Mai Thai, the Zoo’s oldest and most recognized elephant. Mai Thai and the rest of the herd, including 47-year-old Schottzie, had a grand time indulging in an elephant-sized cake and smashing all the decorations that took the Zoo’s volunteer enrichment committee weeks to make, so the party went pretty much as expected!
The Celebration
The zookeepers and volunteers had planned for weeks to make the festival memorable. When the day finally arrived, guests were treated to the sight of Mai Thai and her entire elephant herd tearing down the decorations and indulging in a massive elephant-size cake. Turning 50 is no small feat for an elephant, and it was only fitting that Mai Thai received the celebration she deserved.
The Cake
The cake was carefully prepared to ensure it was fit for an elephant. The three-tiered cake was made using frozen juice, fruit, applesauce, and maize. According to zookeepers, the cake weighed 150 pounds, roughly the same as a full-grown human. Despite its size, the elephant devoured the cake in just a few minutes.
The Enrichment Committee
The Zoo’s volunteer enrichment committee had worked for weeks to ensure Mai Thai and the other elephants had a great time. They made custom decorations and helped in the preparation of the cake. Without their hard work, the celebration would not have been possible. The Zoo relies heavily on its volunteers to provide a quality life for its animals, and this celebration was a shining example of their excellent work.
Importance of Celebrating Animals
Mai Thai’s 50th birthday celebration was not just a random event. According to zookeepers, the event was essential for promoting the park’s mission of addressing species extinction and raising awareness about the importance of elephant conservation. The Cincinnati Zoo is not just a place where people can see exotic animals but also a sanctuary where the animals are given the best possible care.
The Elephant Herd at Cincinnati Zoo
Mai Thai is considered an icon in the Cincinnati Zoo community, and zookeepers want her to live the rest of her life in comfort. Mai Thai was brought to the Zoo in 1973 from Thailand, and today she is the oldest elephant in the herd at 50 years old. Her arrival marked the beginning of a new era at the Cincinnati Zoo, which has since developed into a world-class animal sanctuary. Mai Thai is also remarkable, giving birth to three of the Zoo’s four Asian elephants.
The Cincinnati Zoo has, in recent years, become synonymous with elephant conservation. The Zoo has managed to breed several elephants, in addition to conducting extensive research into elephant behavior and habitats.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a vital sanctuary for animals in the region. From elephants to other rare species, it has consistently maintained a high standard of animal care. Mai Thai’s 50th birthday celebration serves as a reminder of the excellent work behind the scenes to ensure that the animals are happy, healthy, and comfortable. This celebration was not just for Mai Thai but a show of dedication and appreciation to the Zoo’s volunteer enrichment committee’s work tirelessly to make the park the magical place it is.
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Summary of Description:
The Cincinnati Zoo celebrated the 50th birthday of Mai Thai, their oldest and most recognized elephant, with a party attended by zookeepers and guests. The elephant herd, including 47-year-old Schottzie, enjoyed an elephant-sized birthday cake and smashed all the decorations the Zoo’s volunteer enrichment committee created. Videos and more information can be found on the Cincinnati Zoo’s website and social media pages.
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Source Description
Zookeepers and guests gathered this morning to celebrate the 50th birthday of Mai Thai, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s oldest and most recognized elephant. Mai Thai and the rest of the herd, including 47-year-old Schottzie, plowed through an elephant-sized cake and smashed all the decorations that took the Zoo’s volunteer enrichment committee weeks to make, so the party went pretty much as expected!
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