The Tulsa Zoo wishes a happy 64th birthday to Tulsa’s first elephant, Gunda.
Gunda has lived at the Tulsa Zoo for 60 years. Jessica Scallan has been one of Gunda’s caretakers for 13 years now. Scallan said she’s one exceptional elephant.
"Elephants live approximately to about 47, and then from that point, every day is making history," Scallan said. "Gunda has definitely made history living ... to 64."
Gunda's caretakers built a cardboard cake for her to tear down for fun, and the zoo’s commissary made a birthday cake for her to eat out of sugar-free gingerbread mix, jelly, raisins and various pieces of fruit.
"Not something you get every day," Scallan said. "It's kind of — definitely a special treat for her big birthday."
Scallan also had some kind words for Gunda on her birthday.
"She's very easygoing, very food-motivated, pretty patient overall and is a great elephant to kind of learn this field or career with," Scallan said.
Gunda has lived at the Tulsa Zoo since she was four years old. Her stay there is longer than any other animal’s.
