Remember turning 21? A milestone birthday for sure, and perhaps you spent it at a public house, drinking legally for a change. Or were you feted with cereal, melons, bananas, popcorn and other edibles? If you preferred the edibles, you're most likely an elephant and not interested in saloons anyway. Ask Raja which celebration he prefers; we'll bet he swings his trunk over to check the cereal-and-melons box. Raja the Saint Louis Zoo's star Indian elephant -- he was the first Asian elephant ever born at our zoo -- turns 21 today and he's way too big to take to your favorite bar, so celebrate his big birthday with him at the Saint Louis Zoo's River's Edge habitat (One Government Drive in Forest Park; 314-781-0900 or www.stlzoo.org). Weather permitting the party, which starts at 11 a.m. and is free, will be hosted by the R-Man's devoted zookeepers and volunteers. You're invited to sing "Happy Birthday" to the big kid and cheer as he trundles out to open his presents.
Fri., Dec. 27, 2013