Hundreds of schoolchildren have sung “happy birthday” and numerous visitors have been able to watch this original celebration on the day Makena turned one year old.
If the expected birth of the first elephant born in the Valencian Community was received by the BIOPARC herd with a sonorous and impressive noise Today, just one year later, it was the groups of schoolchildren who sang “happy birthday.” The moment has been exciting, as was the early morning of November 9th 2022 for the entire animal care team because the birth, which was experienced live, was the “happy ending” of a wait of nearly 22 months of gestation. This morning's celebration wanted to emulate all the joy and hope that this historical event which demonstrates the success of the Valencian park's participation in the European program (EEP) for the preservation of this species.
A huge and appetizing cake and a beautiful decoration of the enclosure that recreates a baobab forest has surprised the group of elephants, an activity that is part of the actions of environmental enrichment aimed at offering maximum well-being to different species.
The birth represents a success within the international conservation program of this emblematic species in which BIOPARC participates.
The large audience gathered for the occasion remained expectant and generated some merriment. little Makena's reaction to the “surprise party”. Although she was accompanied by her mother, she stopped her intrepid career in its tracks when she saw its colorful and eye-catching decoration. A few moments had to pass until she, already surrounded by the entire pack, burst into enthusiasm and it was all games, running around, entertainment and a lot of fun.
A large mound of sand with several floors formed the cake that contained their favorite delicacies of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, melon, pineapple, tomatoes, celery, lettuce, pumpkins. All this, in addition to gift boxes filled with food, branches, forage and various elements to motivate his instincts. Definitely a celebration for the whole group and a touching and unusual image for people.
The elephant is increasingly in danger of extinction since less than 5% of the population that existed a little over a century ago survives.
The threat situation of the African elephant is increasingly worrying. In just over a century more than 95% of the population has disappeared, which has led the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify the forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) as “critically endangered” and the one housed by BIOPARC, the savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana), "in danger of extinction". Much of BIOPARC's work is aimed at the active conservation of the most endangered species, both with ex situ conservation actions, participating in international controlled reproduction programs, and in in situ actions, through the BIOPARC Foundation.
Equally important is to engage and mobilize society to “reconnect” with nature and awaken empathy towards wildlife. In this sense, BIOPARC promotes actions “with a cause” to share initiatives like Makena's first birthday. For this, during the month of November a promotion with children's ticket at €1. These actions are especially attractive for families, since this symbolic amount is destined to preserve the environment through the BIOPARC Foundation. This proposal is only available online and the process must be completed at least the day before the visit. To benefit from this promotion it is necessary to purchase a General ticket (also with the General discount, +65 or Reduced discount modalities).
