Celebrate Ruth and Emily at Buttonwood Park Zoo’s Elephant Appreciation Day

Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford is thrilled to host its Elephant Appreciation Day on October 1^st as it celebrates the special day with two of the oldest Asian elephants in North America.

Ruth is turning 65 and Emily is turning 59, and the zoo is gearing up for a big celebration in honor of these wonderful animals.

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Asian Elephants at BPZoo

According to Buttonwood Park Zoo, Asian elephant numbers are 10 times lower than those of African elephants. It is estimated that only 40,000 to 50,000 remain.

“Lack of habitat competition for resources, and development have left about a third of all Asian elephants reliant on some form of managed care,” said the zoo.

Buttonwood Park Zoo is among the facilities and conservation organizations that are working to find a way for humans and elephants to peacefully coexist in hopes of saving the species.

Elephant Appreciation Day is a chance to come together as a community, celebrate the wonderful lives of Ruth and Emily, and contribute to the conservation of elephants worldwide.

Elephant Appreciation Day at BPZoo

Guests are encouraged to stop by the Asian elephant habitat for educational activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a Happy Birthday sing-a-long and special enrichment happening at 1 p.m.

This is a birthday celebration, and the two birthday girls would love some treats. Donations of unopened packages of unsalted shelled peanuts, yogurt-covered raisins, and dried fruit are welcomed.

Can’t attend the event? Donate in their honor for Asian elephant conservation.

Happy Birthday, Ruth and Emily!