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The Cincinnati Zoo has welcomed Raja, a 33-year-old, 10,000-pound Asian elephant from the Saint Louis Zoo. His arrival follows a breeding recommendation aimed at improving genetic diversity among endangered Asian elephants in accredited North American zoos. The transfer is part of broader herd changes that will also send Cincinnati elephants Sanjay and Kabir to another zoo in December 2026.
The Cincinnati Zoo has welcomed a 10,000-pound Asian elephant from the Saint Louis Zoo as part of a national conservation breeding program.
The 33-year-old bull elephant, named Raja, arrived in Cincinnati on October 29 and is settling into the zoo’s Elephant Trek exhibit.
His transfer follows a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and its Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP). The program coordinates breeding and animal transfers among accredited zoos to maintain a genetically healthy and sustainable elephant population.
According to the Cincinnati Zoo, officials hope Raja will breed with two female elephants, Anak and Yasmin, also known as She-Ra.
Raja’s arrival aims to improve genetic diversity
Raja’s relocation could help strengthen the genetic diversity of Asian elephants in accredited North American zoos.
The Cincinnati Zoo said Anak and Yasmin have genetics that are underrepresented in the population, making successful breeding particularly important.
The two female elephants have been with Cincinnati’s existing bull elephant, Sabu, for more than two years. However, zoo officials said Sabu has shown almost no interest in breeding with them.
Raja, meanwhile, has an established breeding history. During his years at the Saint Louis Zoo, he fathered three daughters: Maliha, Jade and Priya. He also became a grandfather to Jet, born in November 2024.
Raja was the first elephant ever born at the Saint Louis Zoo. Born on December 27, 1992, he became a longtime resident and a well-known figure at the Missouri zoo.
Saint Louis Zoo officials described his departure as bittersweet but welcomed the opportunity for him to contribute to the conservation of his endangered species.
Two Cincinnati elephants expected to leave in December
Raja’s arrival is part of a broader series of elephant transfers recommended by the AZA’s Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan.
The Cincinnati Zoo expects two younger male elephants, Sanjay and Kabir, to move to another AZA-accredited zoo in December 2026. The destination has not yet been announced.
Zoo officials said the two elephants are maturing and need opportunities to establish their own breeding groups.
Sanjay and Kabir also made history in 2024 when they received the world’s first mRNA vaccine against Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a potentially fatal disease affecting elephants.
Both elephants subsequently tested positive for the virus, developed antibodies and later tested negative, according to the zoo.
Another male elephant is also expected to move to the Saint Louis Zoo as part of the coordinated transfers.
Asian elephant conservation remains a priority
Asian elephants are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants are estimated to remain in the wild. Habitat loss and poaching continue to threaten their populations.
The AZA’s Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan works to maintain a genetically diverse and sustainable population among accredited North American zoos.
The coordinated transfers help match elephants for breeding while supporting the long-term management and conservation of the species.
Visitors can see Raja at Elephant Trek
Visitors can see Raja and the rest of the elephant herd at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Elephant Trek exhibit.
However, some elephants may temporarily be out of public view as animal care teams manage introductions and help the animals adjust to the changes.
The Cincinnati Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors planning a trip can check the zoo’s official website for operating hours and visitor information.
FAQs
Which elephants will Raja potentially breed with?
Raja is expected to be paired with Anak and Yasmin, also known as She-Ra. Their genetics are underrepresented in the North American Asian elephant population.
What is the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan?
The Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan is an AZA-coordinated program that manages breeding and animal transfers among accredited zoos. Its goal is to maintain genetic diversity and support a sustainable population of Asian elephants in human care.
Are Asian elephants endangered?
Yes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies Asian elephants as endangered. Their populations face threats from habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and poaching.
Will Raja immediately join the Cincinnati Zoo’s other elephants?
Not necessarily. Zoo staff must carefully manage introductions and monitor the elephants as they adjust to changes in the herd. Some animals may temporarily be unavailable for public viewing during this process.
