COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — One of the oldest living elephants in the country will celebrate a milestone birthday this weekend at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Missy, a female African elephant, is turning 50 – surpassing the median life expectancy for female elephants living in zoos by about 12 years, according to the zoo.
To celebrate the occasion, the zoo is hosting a number of special birthday enrichment activities, like creating an elephant-sized birthday cake made up of Missy's favorite snacks.
Guests will also be able to take free photos in the zoo's elephant-themed photo booth, learn about Missy and the CMZoo African elephant herd of six aging females during a keeper demonstration, and participate in paid feeding opportunities with Missy.
"Missy is in good health, and is one of the fastest power-walkers in the herd," the zoo said. "Her keepers describe her as, 'patient but demanding, kind of like you’d expect a ‘Golden Girl’ to be.' She is one of the oldest African elephants currently living in the U.S."
The birthday celebration will be held at the zoo on Sunday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children's Hospital Colorado partnered with the zoo to throw the birthday extravaganza.
Here’s a look at some of the planned festivities for the big day:
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Write a "message to Missy," take a free photo with elephant-themed props at Children’s Hospital Colorado’s photo booth, and learn about African elephants from the CMZoo Docents with elephant biofacts.
10:10 a.m.
Missy and her best friend, LouLou, have the opportunity to enjoy special birthday enrichment activities in the main elephant yard.
10:45 a.m.
Keepers caring for elephants demonstration.
11 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
Elephant feeding opportunities with Missy ($10 to $15 per feeding).
11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join us in singing 'Happy Birthday' to Missy, as she enjoys an elephant-sized birthday cake, made with her favorite snacks.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Feature stories from 9NEWS