Sarah Warrender | The Valdosta Daily TimesShirley, Wild Adventures' asian elephant wears a birthday hat in celebration of turning 75 years old.

VALDOSTA — A birthday to remember. 

Wild Adventures Theme Park kicked off Shirley the Elephant’s 75th birthday observance with a media day Thursday morning at the park. Shirley spent this time playing with hay and snacking on a sizable cookie.

Shirley will be sharing her birthday celebration with guests 11 a.m., Saturday at Wild Adventures. Visitors will sign a large birthday card at the park’s giraffe overlook, and the Safari Train will take guests to meet Shirley starting 11:30 a.m.

There will be prize giveaways and an opportunity to win a painting made by Shirley, according to park officials.

Shirley was born June 28, 1943 in the wild and is the oldest living Asian elephant on record in North America, park officials confirmed.

Debbie Allen, team lead in zoological operations, said Shirley is a blessing to Wild Adventures, and the park is happy to have her there.

“Her personality is just so sweet; Shirley is a sweet, sweet elephant,” she said.

Allen has been with Shirley for 14 years, but the birthday girl has been at Wild Adventures for at least 20 years. Shirley enjoys taking naps in her pond and bathing, according to Allen.

“We scrub her down with bubbles; she always bubbles us up, too,” she said. “She loves her pop tarts in the morning. That’s the way to say good morning to Shirley.”

Shirley retired from acting and circus troupes after decades of show business in 1994, according to park officials. Allen said she can be seen in the film, “The Jungle Book.”

Nail trimming is the most essential for an elephant’s care. Chris Kilpatrick, park curator, said they tend to Shirley’s nails every Tuesday.

“The first thing to go on elephants are their feet, so that’s why the feet are the most important part to be taken care of,” he said.

Visit wildadventures.com for information about ticket prices. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.