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Panya The Elephant Celebrates 50 Years

Credit Jason Saul / WWNO
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WWNO
There were plenty of party hats, presents and birthday cake for both elephants and guests.

Panya the elephant celebrated her 50th birthday at the Audubon Zoo last week, and scores of people came out to celebrate.

Panya, a 9,500-pound female Asian elephant, was presented with a birthday cake and presents, as well as a special AARP card. A gaggle of children in party hats serenaded her with toy horns, signed a giant birthday card, and shared in some cake of their own.

She was joined by 7,500-pound Jean, a 41-year-old female Asian elephant who has been Panya's sidekick at the zoo for over 30 years.

The elephants were shown in a temporary structure while their new habitat is under construction. Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look by taking the Elephant Barn Tour.

Jason Saul served as WWNO's Director of Digital Services. In 2017 he took a position at BirdNote, in Seattle.