One of our best-known and most-loved elephants, Petita, will celebrate her 54th birthday this Saturday, 22 August.

Terra Natura Benidorm will mark the occasion with a special day dedicated to learning about and raising awareness of the conservation of the Asian elephant. We have prepared a programme combining educational and awareness-raising activities with music, dance and interactive experiences, offering families the opportunity to discover more about these fascinating animals, the care they receive and the importance of contributing to their conservation.

The day will begin at 11.00 am at the park entrance, in the Pangea area, with a traditional Indian welcome featuring Bollywood dancing and live music. From then onwards, visitors will be able to take part in a variety of activities designed to introduce them to the world of elephants in an engaging and educational way. This year, we have placed particular emphasis on the educational aspect of the celebration, using the occasion to deepen visitors’ understanding of these animals and raise awareness of the importance of protecting the species.

Our Education Department will organise a range of activities offering visitors an insight into the work we carry out every day with our elephants. The educational programme will include an interactive stand dedicated to the Asian elephant and its conservation, as well as an educational talk taking place before the traditional fruit offering. Participants will be able to see a variety of items associated with the species up close, including tusks, molars, hair and footprint impressions, while also learning about some of the veterinary equipment used during our animals’ routine health checks.

The educational programme will also feature the ‘Myth or Reality?’ game, giving participants the chance to test their knowledge and discover the truth behind some of the common misconceptions surrounding elephants. Younger visitors will also be invited to take part in the collective decoration of two large mandala-style murals, adding a creative dimension to the celebrations.

At 12.30 pm, music and dancing will accompany a procession to the elephant area, where we will hold a traditional fruit offering, accompanied by an educational explanation highlighting the importance of conserving the species and the efforts we make to ensure the protection and welfare of our elephants.

Our team will offer Petita and her companion Kaiso a selection of foods including alfalfa and a variety of fruits such as apples, melon, watermelon, pineapple, papaya and tomatoes. Some of the food will be served frozen, turning feeding time into an enriching and stimulating activity for the elephants as well.

Following this celebration, the festivities will move to the Asia Village, where visitors can enjoy the traditional Holi Festival, featuring water and brightly coloured powders. Inspired by the Indian tradition, this lively activity will bring the morning programme to a colourful close, with music, dancing and plenty of fun.

The celebrations will continue in the afternoon at Aqua Natura Benidorm. From 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm, we will host the ‘Jungle Party’, an exciting water-based celebration featuring a live DJ, extending the birthday festivities throughout the afternoon.

For us, Petita’s birthday is also an opportunity for both children and adults to discover more about the work we carry out every day with our elephants and to understand the importance of their care, welfare and conservation.

Petita arrived at Terra Natura Benidorm in 2004. Due to her slender build, she was initially rejected by members of her herd. The close bond she developed with Kaiso played a key role in helping her overcome this difficult situation and gradually become integrated into the group, until she was fully accepted by the herd.

Since then, Petita’s story has become an inspiring example of resilience, friendship and integration for everyone at Terra Natura Benidorm.