Panya the elephant celebrated her 50th birthday at the Audubon Zoo last week, and scores of people came out to celebrate.
Panya, a 9,500-pound female Asian elephant, was presented with a birthday cake and presents, as well as a special AARP card. A gaggle of children in party hats serenaded her with toy horns, signed a giant birthday card, and shared in some cake of their own.
She was joined by 7,500-pound Jean, a 41-year-old female Asian elephant who has been Panya's sidekick at the zoo for over 30 years.
The elephants were shown in a temporary structure while their new habitat is under construction. Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look by taking the Elephant Barn Tour.