Elephant Transfer: Raja Moves to Cincinnati Zoo After 33 Years
The Saint Louis Zoo's first born elephant arrives at his new home in Ohio under the management of the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan.
By William Turner ·
Raja, an Asian elephant who has resided in St. Louis for 33 years, arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden on the afternoon of Thursday, October 29. The transfer marks the end of the animal's tenure at the Saint Louis Zoo, where he was born on December 27, 1992. According to a Friday announcement from the Cincinnati Zoo, the elephant is currently settling into the Elephant Trek facility.
The move was executed as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan. This cooperative breeding program aims to maintain a genetically healthy population of the endangered species across accredited North American institutions. The transfer also aligns with the natural behavior of male Asian elephants, which often leave their family herds as adults to live in solitary or small group settings until they mate.
Raja's departure was announced by Katie Pilgram-Kloppe, the curator of mammals and ungulates at the Saint Louis Zoo. In a statement, Pilgram-Kloppe noted that Raja leaves a legacy within the zoo's multigenerational elephant family. She stated that while the zoo is sad to see him go, the institution is thrilled that Raja and Samudra have the opportunity to start new families and contribute to the species.
The timeline of Raja's life at the zoo spans over three decades. As the first elephant born at the Saint Louis Zoo, he has been watched by generations of local families. He has progressed from a calf to a father and most recently a grandfather. His presence has served as a constant for the community since his arrival in the late 20th century.
Raja leaves behind a substantial portion of his family at the Saint Louis Zoo. He has three daughters named Maliha, Jade, and Priya. He also has a grandson named Jet, who was born in November 2024. Raja's mother, Pearl, remains at the zoo, ensuring the elephant family continues to span four generations on the local site.
The Saint Louis Zoo is not leaving the male role in the herd vacant for long. The institution plans to welcome an 18-year-old male Asian elephant named Samudra from the Oregon Zoo in 2027. Samudra was identified as a suitable match for the St. Louis herd through the same breeding program that facilitated Raja's transfer. The arrival of Samudra will continue the genetic contribution of the zoo's elephant population to the broader species survival effort.
The physical relocation of Raja is complete, with the animal now integrated into the Cincinnati Zoo's care. The Saint Louis Zoo continues to house the remaining members of Raja's family, including his mother and descendants. The next scheduled event in the zoo's elephant management plan is the arrival of Samudra in 2027.
