GEORGE THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT celebrated his 28th birthday on the Fourth of July with his pachyderm pals, TIKI and ALICE, who “sang” happy birthday to him. Several visitors joined the party, too. “The elephants loved their hand-made sweet potato and fruit ‘cake,’ pictured top, lovingly prepared by their keepers,” said Darlene Alexander of Wildlife Safari in Winston, where George lives.

It was a hot day, and after all that “cake,” George took a nice shower and drink, pictured, bottom, and reveled in all the attention. Alexander says he is “truly a gentle giant and only one of a few large male elephants that the public can touch and pet.”

Following the birthday party, George and “the girls” took over the ever-popular elephant car wash and handed out flags. There was a drawing for an elephant painting (who knew he was an artist, too?) and an Elephant Bath Encounter (meaning the winner got to help give George a bath). And a good time was had by all. Especially George.