The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee’s oldest elephant, Shirley, is turning 70 on July 6.
Despite the fact that the average life span of captivated elephants is 42 years, five of the 11 elephants in the sanctuary have lived past that age, the oldest being Shirley.
Shirley’s milestone birthday of 70 years is being celebrated by her caregivers creating an elephant sized ’70’ out of her favorite snack; bamboo strung with flowers and produce.
During these past 70 years, Shirley has been through a lot. After experiencing injuries from performing with a traveling circus for more than 20 years she was then transferred to The Louisiana Purchase Zoo & Gardens where she was the sole resident for 22 years, until finally being transferred to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee.
The Sanctuary is asking anyone who wishes her a happy birthday via social media to use the hashtag #ShirleyTurns70. On her birthday, caregivers are going to pick their five favorite submissions to receive a gift bag full of Shirley merchandise.
Also on July 14 at the Discovery Center, caregivers will be having a family-friendly chat where audience members will be able to ask questions to learn what it is like to take care of an elephant, first-hand.