Festive decorations, gifts and a large cake surprised the elephant herd at the Valencian park this morning to celebrate the third anniversary of their first calf, Makena.
Many people have taken advantage of the promotion BIOdays, also those that have the annual pass B! and numerous tourists They sang "Happy Birthday" when contemplating this original action of environmental enrichment that promotes the well-being of the animals.
The largest land animal in existence has lost 95% of its population in just over a century, and is therefore in serious danger of extinction and the scientifically controlled breeding group at BIOPARC Valencia is part of international program that seeks to guarantee its survival.
Some things are worth getting up early on a Sunday, and this beautiful morning, a very large audience wanted to go to BIOPARC Valencia to sing a loud “happy birthday” and celebrate what was a unique moment, the birth of the first African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in the Valencian Community.
Three years have passed since then, and today Makena enjoyed a truly memorable anniversary celebration, befitting the largest land animal in existence. Thus, the original a "cake" made from their favorite fruits and vegetables such as pumpkins, celery, onions, beets, apples, carrots, lettuce or tomatoes has sparked the enthusiasm of the entire pack.
The "birthday girl" and her little brother Malik (born in March 2024) found the eye-catching gifts especially appealing and played non-stop.
To ensure no detail was overlooked, the staff in charge of its care have taken great care in decorating the spectacular baobab forest enclosure with natural elements to create an atmosphere suitable for this important commemoration.
Many people have taken advantage of the BIOdías promotion, which offers all tickets at the child price throughout November. Families, B! annual pass holders, and numerous tourists from various origins have also gathered to enjoy this unique event, which aims to... to draw attention to this species that is in serious danger of extinction.
In addition, it allows stimulate search activity and innate behaviors of the animals through the technique of environmental enrichment, one of the key strategies in animal welfare that is applied in the Valencian nature park.
With an estimated population of 350.000 Elephants, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has increased the threatened status of its Red List and encourages the implementation of the One Plan Approach conservation strategy. It is a global model that integrates actions aimed at preservation both in their natural habitat and under human care.
La BIOPARC Foundation with the Valencia pack participate in the International program who works in this direction whose aim is to guarantee the species survival through scientific criteria and sustainable and genetically viable management of populations.
During these years, the Makena's development has been optimal in every way.Her weight has increased from 115 kg to her current 740 kg. The baby elephant has shown a curious, playful, and very social personality, which has made her a key member of the group.
The presence of the young animals brings vitality and strengthens social bonds, encouraging natural behaviors in the BIOPARC area that recreates the African savanna.
