By Susan Tart and Chen Lin
China.org.cn Multimedia Team

Not every elephant gets to celebrate and eat birthday cake. But not every elephant is as special as elephant Migara. School kids came out in droves to the zoo to help celebrate his eighth birthday. Migara, a gift from Sri Lanka to China, is a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

Wang Jian, the Deputy Secretary General of Beijing's People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, says China values this gift. "The Chinese children cherish deep feelings to Migara. And every child coming to the zoo always pays visits to Migara, saying, 'Oh, that's baby Migara!'"

Wang added that the elephant gets extra special attention at the zoo. "The staff members of the zoo pay special attention to the health and the growth of the Migara. And they look after Migara very well. Take for instance such a very hot day, and Migara would like to enjoy a shower and very delicious meals."