Raja, the popular Asian elephant at the St. Louis Zoo, will soon leave for a new home in Ohio. The zoo announced that the 31-year-old male elephant, born at the St. Louis Zoo, will be relocated to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium within the next year.
He aims to connect with the four female elephants in Columbus, assist in breeding efforts, and mentor a young male elephant.
As the first elephant ever born at the St. Louis Zoo, Raja has become a beloved figure, and his December 27 birthday is celebrated with treats, songs, and a giant birthday card signed by visitors.
Michael Macek, director of the zoo, expressed mixed emotions about Raja’s departure, acknowledging the fondness many feel for him but recognizing the importance of this move for the species’ survival.
“Raja is special to both our visitors and our zoo family, and while we will miss him, this is ultimately the best step for Raja and the conservation of Asian elephants,” said Macek.
Asian elephants are considered endangered, with fewer than 50,000 remaining in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Habitat destruction and poaching have greatly reduced their numbers. As the largest land animals in Asia, these elephants face significant threats.
Raja’s move is part of a larger effort led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan to maintain the health, welfare, and genetic diversity of elephants in North American zoos.
Raja is already the father of the three breeding-age female elephants at the St. Louis Zoo. The other female elephants at the zoo, including Raja’s mother, are too old to reproduce.
A recent tragedy affected the elephant herd when a 27-year-old female named Rani died in October after being disturbed by a loose dog that had entered the zoo.
Macek explained that Raja’s relocation mirrors the natural behavior of elephants in the wild. Female elephants live in multi-generational family groups and raise the young, while male elephants live independently or in small bachelor groups. After breeding, males typically move on.
“This move allows Raja to grow his family in a way that aligns with his instincts and enhances his well-being,” Macek added.
Raja is expected to leave for Columbus in late 2024 or early 2025. After his departure, the St. Louis Zoo plans to welcome a new male elephant named Samudra, a 15-year-old from the Oregon Zoo in Portland.
Meanwhile, Raja’s daughter, 16-year-old Jade, is pregnant with her first calf and will give birth around when Raja is expected to leave.
This will be the first elephant born at the St. Louis Zoo via artificial insemination, with the calf’s father currently residing at the Denver Zoo.
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