SALT LAKE CITY -- Hmmm, exactly what do you put in an elephant's birthday cake?
Vegetables and protein pellets sound pretty tasty to Dari, Hogle Zoo's 52-year-old African elephant. And hold the chocolate frosting, please -- this cake will be topped off with fluffy mashed potatoes instead.
Dari celebrates her birthday during festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave. Keepers will present the birthday cake at 10:30 a.m.
Born in 1960, the elephant is the oldest African elephant living in an accredited zoo in North America, according to a Hogle Zoo press release.
In honor of Dari's birth during the "flower child" era, children can make flower headbands during the party. Pie will be served to guests as well, as long as supplies last.
Dari -- her full name is Hydari -- is one of three African elephants living at the Salt Lake City zoo; her companions are Christie, 26, and Zuri, Christie's offspring, who is nearly 3.
The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; visitors may stay on the grounds until 6:30 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children and seniors, and free for age 2 and under.
For more information, call 801-582-1631 or visit www.hoglezoo.com.