Three Saint Louis Zoo Elephants Turn 50

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 19, 2021 1:18 am

Ellie the Asian elephant celebrates her 50th birthday with daughter Priya at Saint Louis Zoo

Photo Credit: Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo have celebrated the 50th birthdays of three of their Asian elephants. Pearl, Donna and Ellie have all exceeded the median life expectancy for an Asian elephant under human care which is 47.5 years. As they age they receive specialized medical care from their keepers.

Each of the girls celebrated their birthday with special enrichment items prepared by their keepers.

All of the elephants have had a long and historic life at the zoo. Pearl became the first elephant to give birth at the zoo. She is the mother of current Bull elephant Raja and is now a grandmother to Maliha, Jade and Priya.

Keepers describe Pearl as a good problem solver.

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Donna can be identified by her distinctive, flappy ears which are always moving. She has proven to be a fantastic auntie and often spars with Raja. She has been teaching Raja’s kids to share food and respect their elders.

Ellie is a doting mother to three and a grandmother. She is the tallest female at the zoo with a calm demeanor. She runs life to her own schedule.

As the girls enjoy their golden years they are being given increased support by keepers. The elephant care tea work with the zoos Animal Health and nutrition teams to provide the best in animal care.

Their mental and emotional health is supported through a multi-generational herd environment at the zoo.

Learn more about Asian Elephants here – Asian Elephant Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Saint Louis Zoo on their website – Saint Louis Zoo