From Our Dad to Yours
Houston Zoo’s Patriarchal Pachyderm Celebrates 60th Birthday
This Father’s Day weekend Houston Zoo is celebrating its largest papa pachyderm. On Monday, June 16, Asian elephant Thailand, affectionately known as Thai, turns 60 years young, making him the oldest breeding male elephant and the second-oldest male in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) population in North America. Guests can celebrate their dads at the Houston Zoo this weekend by visiting the elephant herd and wishing Thai a happy birthday in the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat.
Thai’s life is a remarkable story of longevity, legacy and lots of personality. Of his 60 years, he has spent the last 45 years inspiring generations of guests and staff at the Houston Zoo while ensuring the future for his species. Thai is the father of six members of the Zoo’s herd (Tupelo, Joy, Tilly, Nelson, Teddy and Kirby) and grandfather to one (Winnie).
In his six decades, Thailand has defied the odds for male elephants who typically don’t live as long as females and has done so with an easy-going spirit which truly makes him one of kind. While adult males often prefer solitude, Thai has long been the central figure in the Zoo’s elephant family even sharing space with younger male elephants, elderly females and baby calves all of which are extremely rare for bull elephants. While known for his laidback demeanor, Thai has never shied away from demanding attention, especially in his older age.
“He’ll blow raspberries at us when he wants food, a hose-down, or just a little more one-on-one time,” shares Kristin Windle, supervisor of elephants and one of Thai’s longtime keepers. “It never fails to make us laugh. It’s his way of asking, and it works every time!”
In his golden years, his devoted animal care team works with the Zoo’s world-class veterinarians to create specialized care to treat several age-related conditions. His care includes daily medication for arthritis and multiple custom-designed exercise sessions each day to help maintain his mobility along with pre-chipped hay to help with digestion.
“Every day with Thai is a gift,” says Windle. “He’s taught us so much about the needs and behavior of aging male elephants, and we tailor every aspect of his care to ensure he’s thriving at every stage of life.”
Thai is not only an extraordinary elephant in terms of age but also an extraordinary dad. His legacy lives through his offspring and through the generations of guests, staff and animal lovers he’s inspired.
Guests can help save wild elephants by visiting Thai and the rest of the elephant herd this Father’s Day weekend. A portion of every Houston Zoo ticket and membership goes directly toward protecting wild elephants. The Zoo provides equipment, training, salaries, and support for Dr. Farina Othman, a Malaysian conservationist protecting elephants. Dr. Othman’s team collect Bornean elephant behavior observations and creates plans to protect this species.
