Gunda's Birthday Is A Big 'Ele-bration' At Tulsa Zoo

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- There was a really big birthday Wednesday at the Tulsa Zoo. Gunda the Asian elephant is 59 years old.

The News On 6 doesn’t show up for everyone's birthday, but Gunda has been at the zoo longer than any other animal.

“Hi – birthday time,” said zoo keeper Jessica Scallan is getting us all ready for Gunda's big day. Ella Goodwin, 3, is very excited. She’s wearing an “I Love Gunda” t-shirt, and there are hats.

Afterall, this is Gunda's 59th birthday

"Here comes the birthday girl," said Scallan. “She's 59 years old. She's one of the top five elephants, as far as the oldest in North America."

Gunda likes to show off when she has the chance.

“Look at that - she's pretty spry,” Scallan said, “Way to go Miss Gunda."

Snacks and cake were the order of the day at Gunda’s party. The birthday cake had peanut butter frosting and carrot strips.

Gunda was not in the mood to share; she ate the whole thing.

Scallan says Gunda is exceptional among elephants.

“Once they get over 45, that’s old for an elephant,” the zoo keeper said. “Beyond that it's what we would call making history."

So Tulsa Zoo’s longest resident is making history and short work of all her birthday snacks: banana leaves, broccoli and apples, one at a time.

The birthday party was a ball. Everyone had a good time including Ella and little Greta who's celebrating her first birthday.

Next year Gunda will be 60, and the Zoo's already planning a big “ele-bration.”