El Paso Zoo throws 10th birthday party for Taj the rhino

El Paso Zoo throws 10th birthday party for Taj the rhino by Alijah Cabrales Sun, November 8, 2026 at 4:30 PM 4 VIEW ALL PHOTOS El Paso Zoo throws 10th birthday party for Taj the rhino. (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: El Paso Zoo Taj Rhinoceros Birthday Enrichment Community English Spanish El Paso EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Taj the rhino celebrated his 10th birthday Sunday as the El Paso Zoo welcomed members of the community for a special celebration honoring one of its most recognizable residents. The birthday celebration took place Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with visitors gathering to sing "Happy Birthday" to Taj in both English and Spanish. At noon, Taj received a special birthday enrichment treat prepared by his care team, giving visitors the opportunity to celebrate alongside him. The event also featured activities and giveaways for guests. Jeremy Stocks, who attended the celebration, said he was initially concerned about how the festivities might affect Taj but was pleased with how the Zoo handled the celebration. "I was a little worried that it would be too jarring for the animal itself, but the way they handled it was very smooth and really nice. It brought everybody together," Stocks said. According to the El Paso Zoo, Taj was born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2016. He later lived at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle before arriving in El Paso in 2023. The Zoo hosted the celebration to mark a decade of Taj's life and give the community a fun chance to come together and celebrate his birthday. RECOMMENDED: First Borderlands Renaissance Faire draws big crowd in El Paso Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox. Trending First Borderlands Renaissance Faire draws big crowd in El Paso Day one of the Borderlands Renaissance Faire came with a few bumps, including long lines and unexpected weather, but attendees and organizers are looking ahead. Two juveniles referred to probation following business burglary in East El Paso Two juveniles have been referred to the Juvenile Probation Department following a business burglary in East El Paso. Philadelphia bike protest targets six restaurants over owners' support for Israel A planned bicycle boycott targeting six Philadelphia restaurants has drawn condemnation from city and state leaders ahead of the Kristallnacht anniversary. Fundraiser to help hospitalized El Paso firefighter Juan Martin II El Paso firefighter Juan Martin II has been hospitalized 3 months after a bowel obstruction caused sepsis and multiple surgeries. A fundraiser Saturday at The Cactus Owl will feature a parade, food, music and raffles. Free turkey, Thanksgiving food giveaways set across El Paso this month El Paso groups offer free Thanksgiving giveaways (limited supplies): Firefox Homes gives 300 turkeys Nov. 13; Operation H.O.P.E. hosts a drive-thru food basket event Nov. 14; Flores Mendez Law gives 300 turkeys Nov. 21. NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 5 NEW Horizon City family loses home to flooding amid mothers life-saving kidney donation 3 East El Paso’s Trophie Gaming hit by second break-in in under a week 4 El Paso Zoo throws 10th birthday party for Taj the rhino 5 First Borderlands Renaissance Faire draws big crowd in El Paso