In brief
In Yangon, the 73‑year‑old elephant Momo was honored with a birthday celebration that attracted families, seniors and children. Visitors sang “Happy Birthday” and shared personal memories, while the zoo’s warden explained the elephant’s long history at the zoo.
At Yangon Zoo on Sunday, the 73‑year‑old elephant Momo was the center of a birthday celebration that drew people of all ages. Children, parents and the elderly gathered to sing “Happy Birthday,” and Momo responded by gently swaying her trunk and moving her legs, as if joining the festivity.
After the singing, staff handed Momo a platter of fruits and vegetables arranged like a cake. She happily chewed on the treats, delighting onlookers.
For 11‑year‑old Thuta Nyan Kywal, visiting the zoo with her mother and sister was her first chance to see real elephants. She told reporters, “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 did not know about Momo before coming here, but today I learned about her and am very happy to join her birthday celebration.”
She added, “I wish Momo a long and healthy life. Happy birthday, Momo!”
Thida Soe, 60, recalled childhood visits to the zoo. She said, “Seeing Momo again is like taking a journey back to my childhood. I have known Momo since I was young and used to visit her at the zoo. Seeing her brings back so many childhood memories.”
When asked about Momo’s role in the zoo, Than Myint Tun, the warden, explained that she was donated to Yangon Zoo in 1961. He added, “Momo stopped performing when she turned 60 in 2013. Since then, we have celebrated her birthday every year.” He noted, “Momo is loved by the public and is one of the zoo’s most recognizable residents.”
Momo’s early years were marked by performances and dances that entertained visitors, and she even participated in national events, such as the opening ceremony of the Shwedagon Pagoda stairway, Tam noted. The 73‑year‑old elephant, once a performing star, now serves as a gentle grandmother figure for many generations of zoo visitors.
