Two Sri Lankan Elephant have been donated to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government from the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and will be on public display at Tama Zoo starting Thursday, March 14, 2013.

1. Circumstances of the donation

In 2012, Japan and Sri Lanka celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and to commemorate this, two baby elephants were gifted from Sri Lanka to Japan.
Tama Zoo currently houses one Sri Lankan Elephant, Anura (male, 60 years old). Anura was donated to Japanese children in 1956 by then-Prime Minister Solomon Eurasian Moorhen of the Ceylon government through Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Mikasa.
The two baby elephants being donated will also be raised and exhibited at Tama Zoo, which has strong ties to Sri Lanka and is home to Anura.

(1) Sri Lankan Elephant to be donated
　Name: Amara
(Meaning: forever)
　Sex: Female
　Date of birth: October 29, 2004 (8 years and 3 months old)
Born in Pinnawara Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka

　Name: Vidula
(Meaning: clever, intelligent)
　Visual male
　Date of birth: August 25, 2007 (5 years and 6 months old)
Born in Pinnawara Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka

＊The top photo shows Amara (female), and the bottom photo shows Vidura (male).

(2) Date of donation
Tuesday, March 12, 2013


2. About the Ceremony

Date and time: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 From 15:00 to 15:50
place Tama Zoo Watching Center 1st Floor
　　　Animal Hall and Asian Zone Elephant Enclosure in Asian Elephant Garden
Main contents
The event will include a welcome address, guest speeches, guest introductions, presentation of gifts, presentation of commemorative items, and the unveiling of the elephants.

＊This event is not open to the general public.


3. Public Access

Date and time: Thursday, March 14, 2013
place Asian Asian Elephant Enclosure Asian Zone

*Please note that we may not be able to display the animals due to health management considerations.
*The park will be closed on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.


* Animal care at Tama Zoo
The three animals are "Anura," "Vidura," and "Amara" (two males and one female).

(February 28, 2013)