ST. LOUIS – Raja the Asian elephant, a long-time beloved fixture of the Saint Louis Zoo, celebrated his 32nd birthday Friday.
It marked the icon’s final celebration locally as he will transfer to the famous Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio in 2025 in order to help form a new family at the facility and save the species from extinction.
Many zoo attendees have been following the pachyderm since his December 1992 arrival.
“The first year Raja was born, I started a tradition of bringing my kids here because it’s my birthday too,” said St. Louisian Patty Ort. “We’ve been doing this every single year since.”
“Oh, I never miss a birthday for Raja,” added Michelle Monahan. “I think it’s amazing what they have done, and I don’t think that there’s any question that Raja knows when his birthday is.”
Raja’s legacy at the zoo contains three daughters and a grandson, Jet, who was born last month.
The specific date for his journey to Columbus has yet to be set, but some are already ready for the big move.