Birthday parties and photo opportunities were common for Melbourne Zoo's celebrity animals, such as Betty the Asian elephant.

Betty arrived at the zoo in 1939, along with another elephant calf, Peggy. These two elephants took over Queenie's duties after 1944, giving rides to hundreds of zoo visitors every day.

Animal performances and elephant rides continued at Melbourne Zoo into the 1960s. These performances included elephant balancing acts and monkeys riding on miniature bicycles. These acts and rides continued for so long because Melbourne Zoo patrons enjoyed them and expected them as part of their zoo experience. They were also great sources of income for the zoo.

Elephant rides at Melbourne Zoo were ceased in 1962 for safety reasons. This coincided with the end of elephant rides in European and North American zoos.

Further information:

150 years Melbourne Zoo, Zoos Victoria, Bounce Books, 2012