Two BIG birthdays in one week!

It was a double celebration over in Elephant Meadow this month, as two of the Asian elephant herd both had a birthday in the same week! Chandrika and Raja - the two biggest residents in the Park - turned 31 and 29 respectively in January.

Chandrika is the matriarch of the herd, and biggest of the female elephants. She moved to the Park when she was 5 years old, and has been a firm favourite with visitors ever since!

You can tell Chandrika apart from the other female elephants by her large stature and folded-over ears.

Raja is the only male of the herd, and came to the Park at just 2 years old.

He weighs over four tonnes, and his impact has been almost as big as his appetite for pineapples, bananas and maize (his favourite foods!)

In September 2014 he became a father to Tarli, the newest member of the herd.

Both elephants enjoyed spending their respective big day playing with enrichment and getting lots of attention (and delicious treats) from the keeper team.

Spot them on your next Safari adventure...

The Asian elephants can be seen in their Road Safari paddocks alongside the re-entry route.  You can see them on your left as you drive into the repeat circuit.