Zoo favourite still going strong in twilight years

• Tricia the Asian Elephant celebrates 55th birthday
• Special 1.5m tall cake made for celebrations

Her hair might be thinner and she might be a little less energetic but Tricia the Asian Elephant is still one of the most popular residents at Perth Zoo.

The gentle-natured giant celebrated her 55th birthday today with a 1.5m high fruit and bran cake decorated with tree branches.

Acting Environment Minister John Day said Tricia, who was the matriarch of the elephant herd at Perth Zoo, deserved a special celebration to match her milestone birthday.

"Tricia is only a year younger than me so I can understand how she might be feeling at the moment," Mr Day said.

"But it is a great age and she's still a favourite with the many visitors to the zoo each day.

"Tricia stays active through painting and daily walks around the zoo, which are part of an extensive enrichment program for the elephants to provide them with physical and mental stimulation.

"In terms of ageing, Tricia sometimes pretends she can't remember when the keepers ask her to do something. She also has less hair than younger elephants. 

"During the life of an elephant, they have six sets of teeth. Tricia is on her last set of teeth but still has all four molars."

The elephant herd at Perth Zoo is made up of Tricia, her 22-year-old female companion Permai and 22-year-old male elephant Putra Mas.

       Fact File

• Tricia first arrived in Perth from Singapore in 1963
• She is the longest resident at Perth Zoo
• Her favourite fruits include watermelon, pineapple and bananas

Minister's office - 9220 5000