Raja the elephant, a beloved and prominent figure at the St. Louis Zoo for many years, is preparing to relocate.

On Thursday, the zoo made a statement that the male Asian elephant, who was born at the zoo 31 years ago, will be moved to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio within the next year. The goal is for him to form a connection with four female elephants in Columbus, reproduce, and serve as a mentor to a young male.

Raja, the initial elephant to be born at the St. Louis Zoo, celebrates his birthday every year on December 27th. This special occasion includes treats, songs, and many visitors who sign an extra-large birthday card.

The announcement from the St. Louis Zoo’s director, Michael Macek, was a mix of emotions. He stated, “We are all saddened by this news, but we understand that Raja is beloved by his fans and our zoo family. While we will miss him, we believe this is the right decision for Raja’s well-being and the preservation of his species.”

According to The World Wildlife Fund, the population of Asian elephants in the wild is less than 50,000 and they are considered an endangered species. Their decline is attributed to loss of habitat and illegal hunting. These elephants are the largest terrestrial mammals in Asia.

The St. Louis Zoo announced that Raja will be relocated based on the recommendations of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan. This plan aims to oversee the Asian elephant population in North America, ensuring their overall wellness and genetic variety.

Raja, a male Asian elephant, is the father of the only three female Asian elephants who are currently able to reproduce at the St. Louis zoo. The other three females are past their reproductive age and one of them is actually Raja’s mother. In October, a 27-year-old female elephant named Rani passed away due to agitation caused by a small dog that entered the zoo and caused distress among the herd.

According to Macek, Raja’s actions mimic the typical behavior of wild elephants. Female elephants typically care for their young and live in extended family groups, while males tend to be solitary or form small groups of bachelors. Macek stated that males mate and then continue to travel.

Macek stated that Raja’s relocation to Columbus offers a conducive setting for him and his peers to expand their families, which greatly contributes to their overall well-being.

The relocation is anticipated to take place in late 2024 or early 2025. Upon Raja’s departure, the St. Louis Zoo will have space for a new male. The zoo announced that the potential candidate is a 15-year-old named Samudra from the Oregon Zoo in Portland.

At this time, Raja’s 16-year-old daughter Jade is expecting her first baby elephant and is expected to give birth around the same time that Raja departs. Asian elephants usually carry their pregnancy for 22 months. This will be the zoo’s first elephant calf born through artificial insemination, with the father residing at the Denver Zoo.

Source: wral.com