VALDOSTA – Shirley the Elephant and two black bears, Maggie and Colorado, celebrated Christmas early on Thursday with special treats at Wild Adventures.

“Christmas is special, So much of what makes wild adventures special is our animals. These animals are part of our family, and who doesn’t like presents at Christmas?” said Laurie Windham with Wild Adventures.

Shirley, the world’s oldest living elephant, enjoyed a specially prepared cookie, while the black bears tore into boxes with treats and snagged candy canes, their favorite holiday treats, hanging from a pair of make-shift Christmas trees.