Legacy of C'sar | North Carolina Zoo

Remembering C'sar

Orphaned in Kenya, C'sar arrived at the North Carolina Zoo on July 25, 1978, at around four years old. He was the 27th animal resident to join the Zoo, and its first elephant. Over five decades of life, he became an iconic figure and steady source of inspiration for multiple generations of Zoo guests. While the North Carolina Zoo had hoped for C’sar to breed, he did not produce any offspring.

C’sar’s legacy extends far beyond Asheboro. He served as a global ambassador for African elephants, representing a species that remains vulnerable in the wild. His story elevated the Zoo’s conservation leadership, including its decades-long efforts in West Africa to protect wild elephant populations through satellite tracking collars, anti-poaching initiatives, and community-based conservation strategies.

“C’sar helped the world understand why conservation matters,” said Rich Bergl, Deputy Director and Chief Mission Officer of the Zoo. “Because of him, countless people have felt a personal connection to the struggle and the hope inherent in protecting his and other wild species.

The Zoo will be planning opportunities for the community to honor C’sar’s memory, and details will be shared in coming weeks. In the meantime, the Zoo is asking the public to join them in celebrating a life that touched so many and helped advance the care and protection of elephants worldwide.

Donate to The C'sar Legacy Fund through the NC Zoo Society to help protect and provide for others of his species:

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Elephant C'sar standing in a green grassy field with a blue sky behind him.

Photo Gallery of C'sar

“C’sar was a living piece of history and a beloved member of our Zoo community,” says Diane Villa, Interim Director of the North Carolina Zoo. “His gentle presence and remarkable story introduced millions of guests to the wonder of wildlife and the importance of conservation. We are grateful to every staff member, past and present, who devoted their time, expertise, and hearts to caring for him. His longevity is a testament to the love and quality of care he received throughout his life.”

A portrait of a young Elephant named C'sar staring at the viewer with his trunk raised and touching his forehead, standing in a grassy field with a tree behind him in 1978.

Elephant C'sar standing next to hay in a green field with a short two rail wooden fence behind him.

A historical photo of Csar, a tiny, grey, baby Elephant being ushered into a barn stall with a tall, wooden door by three men in 1979.

C'sar standing in the front of a very large grassy field with a pond and two elephants walking in the field behind him.

In the 1980s, two children over looking a large field where C'sar and another elephant are near a pond.

Elephant C'sar in 2005 standing next to a large pile of dirt for the Watani Grasslands groundbreaking ceremony

In 2007, C'sar and two additional elephants standing in a pond and splashing water with their trunks

Two Elephants stand together with their trunks dipping into a small pond with large rocks on its shoreline. A grassy field and a line of trees are visible in the background.

Elephant Csar standing next to a pool of water, and dipping his trunk in, in the NC Zoo Watani Grasslands. There are some small trees and bushes scattered across a field in the background.

Closeup of Elephant Csar's large, dark eyes from the front.

A large group of guests enjoy watching elephant C'sar splashing in the water with his trunk at North Carolina Zoo.

Taken in 2021. Five elephants standing in an expansive green field with trees and a pond in the background. C'sar is on the far left.

Elephant C'sar walking in a grassy field in front of a pond with pink flowers in the foreground and trees behind the pond.

A muddy Elephant, with large ears, two long tusks and a powerful trunk, named Csar walking around in the Watani habitat at the NC Zoo which is a large, grassy area sprinkled with large rocks, trees, and shrubs.

Zookeeper standing in the foreground by a rock with four elephants behind the pool with rocks on each side. Elephant C'sar is in the middle of the elephant group.

Elephant C'sar standing with a rock in the foreground

Closeup of the left side of elephant C'sar's face

Elephant, C'sar stands in his sprawling habitat among his scattered 50th Birthday party enrichment items, including the numbers 5 and 0, juicy watermelons and pineapples, a "cake" substitute made of a variety of frozen fruits, and a large ball painted festively for the occasion and filled with treats.

Elephant C'sar standing behind a pond with rocks on each side. His reflection shows in the pool of water.

Videos of C'sar

More information

North Carolina Zoo Celebrates 50 WILD Years with C’sar Elephant

C’sar, the North Carolina Zoo's original elephant, recently celebrated his 50th birthday.

A person taking notes on a handheld device in the guest overlook watching an elephant.

Using Science to Inform Elephant Management

The North Carolina Zoo has teamed up with students from North Carolina State University to determine the best practices for ensuring our elephants thrive.

C'sar elephant walking through lush green grass against a cloudless blue sky.

North Carolina Zoo Mourns Death of Oldest African Bull Elephant in the U.S.

The North Carolina Zoo is mourning the death of 51-year-old C’sar, the Zoo’s longest-tenured resident and the oldest African bull elephant in the United States.