Asian Elephant Takes Joyful Selfies at Syracuse Zoo
On Friday, December 8 the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York posted an adorable update on their Facebook page that proved that some zoo animals are a lot like us.
At least when it comes to thinking we look cute and should document that moment.
The zoo shared that their elephant Yaad took what they are calling an "elfie" - an elephant selfie! We think Yaad looks pretty adorable in these shots. Facebook users agree and @Lorraine comments, "Great pic Yaad!" @Ron adds, "What a great selfie Yaad!" @Janet responded, "Omg you stop, I can't handle the cuteness!" @Jolie said, "Strike a pose, there's nothing to it!"
Related: Zookeeper and Sloth Are Impossible to Tell Apart with Matching Hairstyles
People magazine reports that Yaad had a little assistance with the elephant selfies from Alinda Dygert — a member of the animal care staff who works closely with Yaad — who helped the elephant get the cute snaps.
Yaad has a twin brother named Tukada at the zoo, and the spokesperson for the facility adds that Yaad is the more "adventurous and independent" of the twins. These qualities cause Yaad to "seek out new things," including photo opportunities. Yaad lives with his brother and six other elephants at the zoo's six acre habitat.
Twin elephant births are extremely rare
The zoo reported in a press release when the two elephant twin brothers were born on October 24, 2022. The press release explains, "Elephant twins comprise less than 1% of elephant births worldwide. Of twin pregnancies, twins are often stillborn or are too weak to survive. Sometimes the mother elephant does not survive. To date, there has never been a recorded case of surviving elephant twins in the United States. The few successful twin births have only taken place in their range countries in Asia and Africa and nowhere else in the world.."
The twins are Asian elephants that are classified as Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
If you would like more information about the Rosamond Gifford zoo and how they are helping with elephant conservation, you can visit their website here.
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