Auckland City Council
Media release

4 November 2008

Jumbo birthday bash for Kashin

Elephant Kashin, one of Auckland Zoo’s oldest and most recognisable residents, is turning 40, and everyone is invited to her jumbo-sized party on Sunday, 16 November.

The special day, supported by ASB, will be packed full of fun and excitement for the birthday girl, visitors to the zoo, and fellow elephant Burma (26 years), who will also be celebrating her birthday.

To mark the occasion, Kashin and Burma will start their day by being painted in a traditional Thai style that symbolises a celebration. They will then make their way to the Band Rotunda where guests can sing happy birthday and watch them demolish elephant-sized birthday cakes.

The celebration continues with Kashin and Burma treating the crowd to an elephant painting demonstration. An elephant encounter that will give visitors an opportunity to see the elephants in action will follow, before the elephants head off for a birthday swim in Hippo River (minus the hippos!).

Along with games, giveaways and spot prizes, the celebration also includes special guest Ruud ‘the-bug-man’ Kleinpaste. Popular with kids large and small, Ruud will treat the crowd to some fascinating facts about elephants and bugs.

While Kashin’s keepers are busy putting the final touches on her party, Kashin is taking it all in her giant stride.

“Kashin’s like the Queen Mum, the matriarch of the zoo family. She is very intelligent and she knows what she likes – and that’s definitely food ahead of exercise. For a birthday treat, we’ll be giving her a day off her normal exercise routine and will generally make a big fuss of her and ensure she turns 40 in grand style,” says elephant team leader, Andrew Coers.

In the elephant world, 40 is middle aged, but Kashin’s chronic medical conditions, mainly related to arthritis, mean that she feels her age a little these days.

“Kashin’s definitely slowed down in recent years, but despite her chronic ailments she is still a very active elephant who would put many a ‘couch potato’ to shame,” says Mr Coers.

Helping to make this event possible are ASB, Animal Planet, SKY TV and ZM.

Event Details

• Sunday 16 November, 11am to 2pm (rain date Sunday 23 November)
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• normal zoo admission prices apply
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About Kashin

• She arrived at Auckland Zoo in 1972 on a jumbo jet aged four years
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• her name comes from an ASB naming competition (“cash-in”) and she is the elephant on the ASB moneyboxes
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• Kashin weighs approximately 3.6 tonne
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• she loves food, people (especially her keepers), praise and attention
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• she’s not such a big fan of exercise these days, but does love swimming in her pool
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• TV2 is screening ‘Kashin This Is Your Life’ on Sunday 23 November at 7pm
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ENDS

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