– Tess, our second oldest female Asian elephant, is celebrating her 40th birthday tomorrow.
– Her animal care team threw her a pool party with many treats, including a full-size watermelon and chopped apples.
– Tess weighs 7,000 pounds and can eat up to 200 pounds of food per day.
– Surprisingly, her favorite food is kale!
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Tess’s 40th Birthday and Our Second Oldest Female Asian Elephant
It’s a special day at the zoo! Tomorrow, we celebrate the 40th birthday of Tess, our second-oldest female Asian elephant. Tess has been an integral part of our zoo family for decades, and it’s time to shower her with love and attention.
Her animal care team threw her a pool party to kick off the festivities. Elephants are known for their love of water, and Tess is no exception. The moment she saw the pool filled with cool, refreshing water, her excitement was palpable. She made her way into the pool with a gentle and graceful stride, raising her trunk in sheer delight.
But a pool party wouldn’t be complete without some treats! Tess’s care team wanted to ensure she enjoyed her special day. They prepared a feast fit for an elephant queen. A full-size watermelon, chopped apples, and more snacks were presented before her in vibrant displays of colors and textures.
Tess’s size and weight are truly awe-inspiring. She tips the scales at a staggering 7,000 pounds, making her one of the largest residents in our zoo. She can consume up to 200 pounds of food daily to satisfy her hunger. Yes, you read that right! 200 pounds! It’s astonishing to think about how much sustenance an elephant needs to thrive.
Now, here’s a fascinating fact that might surprise you. Of all the delectable options for Tess, her favorite food is kale! Who would’ve thought this leafy green vegetable would be the top choice for such a majestic creature? Elephants are known for their varied diets, which include an assortment of grasses, fruits, and vegetables. But Tess’s chosen leafy green is undoubtedly kale – a testament to her refined taste.
In the wild, Asian elephants are herbivores, consuming vast quantities of plant matter to sustain themselves. They are essential in their ecosystems, acting as key seed dispersers. As they roam the jungles and forests, they unknowingly distribute seeds through their dung, helping ensure the growth and survival of various plant species.
Tess’s 40th birthday celebration highlights her milestone and reminds her of wildlife’s incredible diversity and beauty. Elephants represent resilience, strength, and a profound connection to the natural world.
As we gather to honor Tess on her special day, let us also reflect on zoos’ vital role in conservation efforts. Zoos provide a haven for animals like Tess, offering them protection, care, and opportunities for natural behavior.
By visiting our zoo, you become a part of this conservation journey. Your support and patronage contribute directly to animals’ welfare, just like Tess. Each visit and interaction is a step towards creating a world where wildlife can thrive.
So, join us in celebrating Tess’s 40th birthday with joy, excitement, and an appreciation for nature’s unique and fascinating aspects. Together, let’s ensure that future generations can witness the beauty and wonder of elephants like Tess for years. Happy birthday, Tess! May your days be filled with kale and endless love.
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Source Description
Our second oldest female Asian elephant, Tess, turns 40 tomorrow! Today, her animal care team threw her a pool party, and she received a full-size watermelon, chopped apples, and more snacks. Tess weighs 7,000 pounds, and an elephant can easily eat about 200 pounds of food per day. Tess’s favorite food is kale – who would’ve thought? 🥬
