Yaad the 1-year-old Asian elephant posing for photos at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York.Photo:Rosamond Gifford Zoo (Alinda Dygert)
Rosamond Gifford Zoo (Alinda Dygert)
One-year-old Yaad is perfecting a new art form: the “elfie.”
On Dec. 8, theRosamond Gifford Zooin Syracuse, New York, shared two photos of the Asian elephant appearing to take a selfieon Facebook.
“Yaad took an elfie (elephant selfie),” the zoo captioned the adorable shots, which feature Yaad staring at the camera with his trunk up.
These photos are Yaad’s most recent newsworthy moment. The young elephant has been making headlines since birth. He is one of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s “Miracle Eletwins.”
Yaad the 1-year-old Asian elephant posing for a photo at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York.Rosamond Gifford Zoo (Alinda Dygert)
In Nov. 2022, Malithe elephant gave birth to Yaad and his twin brother, Tukada, at the New York zoo. The zoo deemed their arrival “historic” since twins only make up 1% of elephant births worldwide.
“Twin elephant births are exceptionally rare, and we are extremely proud to have Yaad and his brother Tukada here with us,” the Rosamond Gifford Zoo says.
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.
The animal care staff at the zoo works to build strong relationships with the residents, allowing the keepers to get close, provide the best care possible, and get a great photo or two when the time is right.
When Yaad isn’t posing for the camera, he enjoys time with his brother and the six other elephants living with them in their 6-acre habitat.
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Those looking to bring holiday cheer to Yaad and the other elephants at Rosamond Gifford Zoo are encouraged to support efforts contributing to elephant conservation.
“Supporting your local AZA institution and Elephant SAFE is a great way to help animals like Yaad. Donating to Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will also directly benefit the work being done here with Yaad, Tukada, and all the animals under our care,” per the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
source: people.com
