A birthday party is planned for this museum’s oldest resident (animal)

A birthday party for the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s oldest living animal is being planned for Saturday, Jan. 7

Rajeev, the Burmese python that weighs 155 pounds and is nearly 16 feet long, is turning 27 this month. According to the museum staff, that translates to about 190 human years. Rajeev has been at the museum since 1991.

The party gets underway at 1 p.m. and will include snake activities. In honor of the occasion, Rajeev — who normally eats every 10 days — will be treated to four to 10 rats in one sitting. Other ambassador animals will be on hand to meet the party-goers.

Birthday celebrations are also being planned for other Boonshoft animals. American River Otters Splasher and Diver will turn seven on March 19, the meerkats will turn 10 on July 30 and the bat-eared foxes — Wyatt and Finn — will celebrate their 11th birthday on Nov. 19.

The museum, located at 2600 DeWeese Parkway in Dayton, is open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $14.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors (60+) and $11.50 for children (ages 3-16). Children under 3 and members are free. For information call (937) 275-7431 or visit BoonshoftMuseum.org