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Japan's Oldest Elephant Celebrates 60th Birthday
9 Oct
Summary
- Mary, an African elephant, is estimated to be 60 years old.
- She is the oldest African elephant in Japan and resides in Sendai.
- Zoo staff implement special care for her aging needs.
Mary, an African elephant at Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai, Japan, is believed to be around 60 years old, earning her the title of the nation's oldest African elephant.
Despite her age, Mary is reported to be in good health and maintains a hearty appetite, especially for her favorite fruits. Her keepers and veterinarians conduct daily checks to monitor her condition, recognizing that difficulty standing can be life-threatening for elephants.
Specialized care is provided to enhance Mary's quality of life. Her diet includes chopped grass and straw to ease chewing, and she receives supplements to support joint movement. Due to her sensitivity to cold, she spends more time in a heated indoor enclosure during winter.
Keepers have also developed a unique communication method with Mary, practicing leg lifts and ear movements to build trust and assess her range of motion. This bond has been cultivated over years of dedicated care by staff like Shinya Takahashi, who has worked with elephants for three decades.
Mary, weighing approximately 4 tons and measuring 3.8 meters long and 2.5 meters tall, was a recipient of special treats including melon, grapes, pears, and peaches during a recent celebration of her birthday. The zoo also houses Lily, another African elephant, who is estimated to be 37 years old.
