Cincinnati Zoo Welcomes 10,000-Pound Asian Elephant Raja for Breeding Program
The Cincinnati Zoo has welcomed a 10,000-pound, 33-year-old Asian elephant named Raja, who transferred from the Saint Louis Zoo as part of a breeding recommendation to support genetic diversity for the endangered species.
Little Rock Pine Bluff, AR, October 30, 2026 — The Cincinnati Zoo is now home to a new resident: Raja, a 10,000-pound, 33-year-old Asian elephant. Raja arrived at the zoo as part of a recent transfer from the Saint Louis Zoo.
This move was initiated as a breeding recommendation, aiming to bolster genetic diversity for the Asian elephant species, which is classified as endangered. The Cincinnati Zoo’s elephant program plays a role in conservation efforts for this species. Raja’s introduction is intended to contribute to the broader goals of elephant conservation and managed care within zoological institutions.
The specific timeline for Raja’s integration into the Cincinnati Zoo’s daily operations and public viewing was not provided. Further details regarding the breeding recommendation and the conservation impact of Raja’s transfer are expected to be shared by the zoo as his acclimatization progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by Michael Pincumbe on katv.com, see more information here.
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