Yossi, the world’s largest elephant in captivity, celebrated his 52nd birthday today at Ramat Gan Safari Park in central Israel, as zoos across the globe marked World Elephant Day. The milestone was marked with a special pool party, allowing the elderly pachyderm to cool off during the intense heat that has gripped the region.
At 52 years old, Yossi holds the distinction of being the largest elephant residing in any zoo worldwide. His advanced age and considerable size make such cooling opportunities particularly important for his health and wellbeing during hot weather periods.
Elephants across Israeli facilities took advantage of the scorching temperatures today by spending extended periods in water. At the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, the elephant herd similarly sought refuge in pools and water features, demonstrating how these animals naturally adapt their behaviour to cope with extreme heat.
World Elephant Day, observed annually on 12 August, aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing both wild and captive elephant populations. The celebrations at Israeli zoos highlight the importance of proper care and environmental enrichment for these intelligent, long-lived creatures, particularly as they age.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.