Thursday, March 28, 2024

Audubon Zoo Elephant Panya Celebrates 50th Birthday

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).

www.auduboninstitute.org

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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