San Diego, California - Today, Mila, the African elephant from New Zealand, celebrated the first anniversary of her arrival to the San Diego Zoo with some special edible treats. The 42-year-old elephant arrived in San Diego on Nov. 14, 2014, through collaboration with the Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust.  Animal care staff celebrated by providing Mila treats of pineapple, flowers and banana stalks.

Mila had been living at the Franklin Zoo since 2009.  As the only elephant in New Zealand, Mila had not been around another elephant for decades.  Animal care staff successfully introduced her into the herd at the San Diego Zoo and she is doing well.
 
Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes onsite wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents.  The important conservation and science work of these entities is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.