In brief
Yangon Zoo celebrated the 73rd birthday of its beloved elephant Momo, drawing families and seniors to a day of singing, a fruit cake, and personal reflections on the animal’s long life. Visitors recalled childhood memories and the elephant’s history as a performer. The zoo’s warden highlighted Momo’s donation in 1961 and her annual birthday celebrations since she stopped performing in 2013.
Momo, the 73‑year‑old Asian elephant at Yangon Zoo, was the star of a birthday celebration that drew children, parents and seniors to the zoo on Sunday. Residents of Yangon and visitors from neighboring towns lined the gates to witness the gentle giant’s special day.
As “Happy Birthday” filled the air, Momo swayed her trunk and shuffled her legs, appearing to join the chorus. After the singing, caretakers let the elephant feed on a display of fruits and vegetables shaped like a cake.
For 11‑year‑old Thuta Nyan Kywal, the trip was a first‑hand lesson in elephant behavior. She said, “In the past, I only saw elephants in textbooks. Now I can see them in real life and learn how they behave and what they eat… I wish Momo a long and healthy life.”
Older visitor Thida Soe recalled childhood visits. She added, “I have known Momo since I was young and used to visit her at the zoo. Seeing her brings back so many childhood memories… Even among humans, not everyone gets to live that long.”
Than Myint Tun, warden of Yangon Zoological Gardens, explained Momo’s history. He said that the elephant was donated to the zoo in 1961, grew from a performing animal into a grandmother figure, and stopped performing when she turned 60 in 2013. Since then, the zoo has celebrated her birthday every year.
In her youth, Momo entertained visitors with performances and dances and even took part in the opening ceremony of the Shwedagon Pagoda stairway.
At 73, Momo continues to be celebrated as a beloved symbol of the zoo, bringing generations of visitors together to honor her long life and gentle presence.
