New Orleans, LA, USA (January 16, 2014) — Panya, the senior member of the beloved pair of female Asian elephants at Audubon Zoo, celebrated her 50th birthday today
Zoo staffers presented Panya with a cake, gifts and a giant birthday card signed by guests.
Panya, who weighs in at 9,500 pounds, was be joined by her longtime sidekick, 7,500-pound Jean, who is a spry 41. The two pachyderms have been star attractions at Audubon Zoo for 30-plus years. Jean came to Audubon Zoo in 1978 and Panya arrived in 1980.
Guests are encouraged to take the newly-created Elephant Barn Tour which offers an up-close look at the new, state-of-the-art living quarters built recently for Panya and Jean.
Tickets for the Elephant Barn Tour are $65 per person for Audubon members and $75 per person for non-members. Tickets include same day admission to Audubon Zoo, Advance tickets are recommended.
The tour is available Fridays and Saturdays at 11:15 a.m. The encounters are limited to seven guests, six years old and above. One adult must accompany each child under 10 years of age (one adult per child).
