ST. LOUIS – A new adventure is on the way for beloved Asian elephant Raja. A spokesperson says he is leaving the St. Louis Zoo. His new home will be the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. The move is still likely to be at least a year away.
The bittersweet change comes in an effort to help save the species from extinction. Raja will have the opportunity to bond with four females and form a new family group there.
“We know Raja is dear to his fans and to the Zoo family and he’ll be missed here, but we know this is for the best for Raja and the survival of this species,” states Michael Macek, Saint Louis Zoo Director.
Raja is expected to make his transition in late 2024 or at the beginning of 2025. Following his relocation, the Zoo will have the capacity to introduce another male at River’s Edge. Samudra, a 15-year-old from Oregon, has tentatively been selected as a suitable match for our female herd.
“Samudra has reached the age where wild male elephants naturally move away from the herd they were raised in,” states Bob Lee, AZA Asian Elephant SSP Coordinator. “The timing could be right for him, and this would be an amazing opportunity for Samudra to meet and mingle with a different female herd.”
Raja was the first elephant born at the St. Louis Zoo 31 years ago and is considered a St. Louis legend. River’s Edge at the Saint Louis Zoo is home to a seven-member, three-generation family of Asian elephants:
- Raja, 30: Father to Maliha, Jade and Priya
- Pearl, 52: Mother to Raja
- Ellie, 52: Mother to Maliha and Priya; grandmother to Jade
- Sri (pronounced “See), 43: Unrelated “auntie” to Priya, Maliha and Jade
- Maliha, 17: Ellie and Raja’s daughter (born August 2006)
- Jade, 16: Raja’s daughter (born February 2007)
- Priya 10: Ellie and Raja’s daughter (born April 2013)