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Jumbo Celebration for Zoo Matriarch Photos Bohdan Warchomij January 24, 2021

Posted by bohdan.warchomij in : Metaphor Online , trackback

Perth Zoo’s Asian Elephant, who arrived in Perth in 1963, turned 64 years old today.

Zoo staff, volunteers, visitors and the media gathered on the main lawn to see Tricia enjoying her giant cake made from frozen bran, fruit and peanut butter.

Senior Elephant Keeper, Kirsty Carey, who has personally looked after Tricia for 15 years, said “Tricia is a Perth icon and loved by the community, so we are not surprised by the attention she receives on her birthday.”

Asian elephants have six sets of teeth in their lifetime and Tricia is on her final set. Her health and welfare are the top priority for her six zookeepers who work hard to ensure she is kept comfortable.

“To help alleviate age related niggles she regularly receives deep tissue massages with an equine massage therapy pad, and we oil and moisturise her skin,” said Kirsty. “We also have humidifiers in her barn to keep her skin moist at night – it’s like an elephant spa experience.”

“In the colder weather we have a specially designed blanket to keep her toasty warm on her slow walks around the Zoo.”

“Having cared for Tricia for more than fifteen years, it is my absolute privilege to look after her in her final years.’

‘She is an amazing animal that has had a unique impact on the people of Perth.” said Kirsty.

 

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