Buttonwood Park Zoo to Celebrate Elephant Appreciation Day

According to a recent release, the Buttonwood Park Zoo will honor two of their beloved residents this weekend. The zoo will celebrate Elephant Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. The events will double as their birthday parties, giving the community a chance to join the fun. Ruth will be 62 and Emily will be 56.

“Stop by the Asian elephant habitat at 10 am or 3 pm during the Elephant Keeper Chat to wish Ruth and Emily a BIG Happy Birthday. Our dedicated elephant keepers will be available to answer questions while offering these pretty pachyderms some special birthday surprises.”

Buttonwood Park Zoo provided some information about Ruth and Emily, and I honestly had no idea just how special they were.

“Ruth is the 3rd oldest Asian elephant and Emily is the 9th oldest Asian elephant in an AZA-accredited facility? Their vitality and health in their advanced age is a testament to the high level of care we provide for these magnificent animals. It is an honor and a privilege to provide a home for these beautiful elephants and we welcome the community to join us in celebrating them!”

BPZ will be accepting birthday gifts on behalf of Emily and Ruth this weekend in the form of unopened packages of unsalted shelled peanuts, yogurt covered raisins, and dried fruit. You can also make a donation in their honor that goes directly towards Asian elephant conservation. “Or you can symbolically adopt an elephant through our new Adopt an Animal program.”

Even if you can’t make it to the zoo this weekend, BPZ will also be celebrating with a Facebook Live video on Saturday at 10 am. “Tune in to our Facebook page and watch our special girls enjoy birthday treats and festive enrichment.”