What:
On November 3, 2000, news of a female Asian elephant born at Woodland Park Zoo circled the globe. Five years later, the zoo is throwing a birthday bash for elephant Hansa (HUN-suh), who has become a popular ambassador for her cousins in the wild. Kindergartners from Seattle’s West Woodland Elementary will come to the zoo Thursday, November 3, to decorate cupcakes for the 3,900-pound calf. The cupcakes, a concoction of cornmeal, carrots, grapes, bananas, raisins, bamboo leaves, pumpkin frosting and other favorite treats, will be offered to Hansa and the herd at the birthday bash Saturday, November 5.

When:
Cake decorating: Thursday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.

Where:
Woodland Park Zoo’s Rain Forest Food Pavilion. Please meet at the ARC (locked building) near the West Entrance at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Late arrivals can enter through the West Entrance and proceed to the restaurant.

Info:
The birthday bash is Saturday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Festivities for the whole family include face painting, storytelling, live music by Mad Frogs, crafts, elephant baths, and a complimentary cupcake courtesy of Cupcake Royale, while supplies last. A special elephant keeper talk will highlight Hansa’s birth, her growing up, and why she is a symbol of hope for Asian elephants in zoos and in the wild. The finale is cupcakes for Hansa and the herd. Birthday activities take place at the Elephant Forest’s Thai Village, South Entrance Plaza and Auditorium.

The community celebration is free with zoo admission. To receive a $1 off admission discount coupon for up to four people (valid November 5 only), log onto the Hansa's Birthday page on our Web site. For more information, call 206.684.4800 or visit www.zoo.org.

Zoo admission: Adult (13-64) $10; Child (3-12) $7; Toddler (0-2) Free. Seniors and disabled receive a discount and zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round. Parking: $3.50. Parking is limited – call Metro at 206.553.3000 for bus service to the zoo.

Asian elephant Chai gave birth to Hansa on November 3, 2000. Hansa’s arrival was the first elephant birth in the zoo’s 100-year history and in the state of Washington. Hansa has been a famous ambassador for her wild counterparts as she offers visitors the opportunity to be inspired to learn about elephants and participate in preserving elephants and their habitat.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.