BEIJING, April 12 -- It looked like a normal birthday party with a cake and pink balloons -- but the birthday boy was an endangered Asian elephant.

    Pamai celebrated his 18th year in style Saturday at Changsha Zoo, in the capital of Hunan Province.

    His super-sized cake contained more than 100 kilograms of fodder and 30 kilograms of fruit and vegetables.

    The celebration was also used to highlight the plight of wild Asian elephants.

    More than 30 college students came to the party to show their dedication to protect wild animals.

    Soundbite: Zhou Ting, Kindergarten Teacher We brought the children to celebrate the elephant's birthday because we think it's very significant. It can help learn about animal protection.

    Soundbite: Guo Peng, Changsha Citizen Kids in foreign countries have opportunities to get close to animals, but in China we seldom have such chances. So activities like the party today can help us get close to animals.

    The pouring rain failed to dampen the celebration or Pamai's appetite -- and the cake quickly disappeared.

    Soundbite: Ye Wei, Changsha Zoo Asian Elephants are in danger of extinction. We should show more concern for them.

    In June, the animals will move to Changsha Ecological Zoo, where Pamai will have more space, and maybe find a mate.

    Soundbite: Ye Wei, Changsha Zoo We will introduce Asian Elephants and African Elephants to Pamai. As elephants are social animals, the big changes in living environment will help Pamai find a mate.

    Pamai lived in the wild in Yunnan Province before he was taken to the zoo.

    Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Changsha. (XHTV)