Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2022

[Zoofan15]

I agree, i'm surprised Melbourne haven't any plans to export Man Jai before the move to Werribee to free up space if required due to delays. I was told they plan to hold him in a bachelor group though, presumably with Luk Chai, unless the plan is for Sabai who's also no use within the region, to join Man Jai at Werribee. The US would be a great destination for Man Jai. He's unrepresented over there.

I was told by the keeper that all breeding decisions were made by a worldwide studbook coordinator, and that interestingly there were three options for being Melbourne's breeding male, including Luk Chai. The other male was Putra Mas at Perth, and then another younger male located in the US, which would've been much better genetic wise. But since Melbourne needed a bull asap, Luk Chai was closest, and the easiest option.

I think personality would come into play with Permai. All of Melbourne's cows aren't overly dominant individuals, but it would really depend on Permai, whether she may present the problems challenging the females for dominance ect. Or is she a rather subdued female?

I was surprised that Putra Mas wasn’t Melbourne’s new breeding bull given we all predicated at the time he would be. Breeding programmes usually aim to exhaust founders where possible, so Luk Chai taking precedence over Putra Mas indicates availability and proximity took priority. Given the large birth intervals, Melbourne needed to get a bull on site ASAP and fortunately it’s paid off! That’s interesting to know a third candidate was identified in the USA. It’s a shame Sydney Zoo couldn’t have received this bull instead of the two from Dublin.

Permai is a flighty female. When I visited in 2016, they were only walking Tricia around the zoo as she was more self assured. Permai isn’t a dominant female and has never challenged Tricia for leadership of their herd, so it’s possible she could assimilate into Melbourne’s herd. I suppose it’s a case of whether they’d accept her. Cows seem to welcome juveniles (or certainly calves) with open arms, but can be more stand offish with adolescents and adults.

 

[Zorro]

The new Werribee complex might have enough yards to mix and match as needed which would make common sense, Since some of the top elephant people worldwide are involved in it design I expect plans for all contingencies to have been thought of. I would expect that Putra Mas still has a big roll in the regions breeding plans.

 

[Zoofan15]

The new Werribee complex might have enough yards to mix and match as needed which would make common sense, Since some of the top elephant people worldwide are involved in it design I expect plans for all contingencies to have been thought of. I would expect that Putra Mas still has a big roll in the regions breeding plans.

The most recent sketches showed a yard overlapping the bull and cow paddocks which will be used for introductions. This will be a valuable asset to the breeding programme as it will enable introductions of the bull to the cow without having to be concerned about non target cows being impregnated.

It appears the short term plan is for Luk Chai and Sabai to share the bull paddock, but either one of them could be accommodated in the introduction yard (a decent sized space) if conflicts were to arise. Luk Chai and Pathi Harn sparred frequently and their time together was limited to avoid injuries. Pathi Harn has a strong personality versus Luk Chai, who is more relaxed, so I anticipate their relationship to remain amiable for a longer period.

The ideal situation would be for the upcoming bull calves born at Werribee to join Luk Chai long term given the significance mature bulls play as role models to younger bulls.

 

[Swanson02]

I’m not sure Zoos Victoria would agree to taking on Permai. She’s non viable as a breeder and could potentially upset the herd dynamics. Having seen the dramas overseas, they’re probably grateful the Thai females (especially Dokoon who was 13 upon import) have integrated so well with Mek Kepah. Cows can be particularly wary of incoming females when they have young calves, so this could further fuel resentment of the herd towards Permai.

Permai could also present an EEHV risk as well to Melbourne which as far as we know is currently free of EEHV. I could see Perth using Putra Mas as a bargaining tool if Melbourne is desperate enough for him. As in a 'Both or none' kind of deal. Ultimately though splitting Putra Mas and Permai isn't a major issue. Otherwise, I could see Permai going to Australia Zoo and taking up the vacancy left by Burma's failed transfer. This is assuming that Tricia passes in at least 3-4 years' time and that by then AZ has cleared all of their TB issues with Megawati. Saying that AZ as we now know is unreliable and Perth may not want to potentially lose a million dollars on another failed transfer.

I wonder who that young bull in the US could have possibly been? A young male at Houston or Fort Worth?

Luk Chai and Pathi Harn sparred frequently and their time together was limited to avoid injuries. Pathi Harn has a strong personality versus Luk Chai, who is more relaxed, so I anticipate their relationship to remain amiable for a longer period.

I too hope their relationship remains relaxed and amicable, but from what I've seen on social media Man Jai appears to be similar to his brother Pathi Harn, always the playful aggressor at Luk Chai. Obviously, Luk Chai is still in charge due to his sheer size advantage, but as Man Jai gets larger and likely overtakes Luk Chai we could see the same issues arise. Werribee will likely have the space to split them, if not it's just another reason to export Man Jai.
I personally think that Melbourne could have been instructed by the international coordinator to hold onto Man Jai, at least until Pathi Harn has sired a few calves at TWPZ. Because if anything happened to Pathi Harn before he had offspring and Man Jai was already out of the country, it would mean Bong Su's male line in Aus would be lost.

 

[Zoofan15]

Permai could also present an EEHV risk as well to Melbourne which as far as we know is currently free of EEHV. I could see Perth using Putra Mas as a bargaining tool if Melbourne is desperate enough for him. As in a 'Both or none' kind of deal. Ultimately though splitting Putra Mas and Permai isn't a major issue. Otherwise, I could see Permai going to Australia Zoo and taking up the vacancy left by Burma's failed transfer. This is assuming that Tricia passes in at least 3-4 years' time and that by then AZ has cleared all of their TB issues with Megawati. Saying that AZ as we now know is unreliable and Perth may not want to potentially lose a million dollars on another failed transfer.

That’s a good point. Stress within the herd (from an incoming elephant) can cause juveniles to present with EEHV. For this reason, they would also be wise to get the matriarchal herd settled in at Werribee while the calves are still nursing from their mothers. The stress on the herd of moving to a new facility combined with the calves being weaned could prove a risky combination.

It’s hard to say if Perth Zoo would negotiate with Australia Zoo. Auckland Zoo aren’t open to future discussions with them regarding Burma (even if Megawati’s health issues resolve), which is fair enough as it’s important to identify a reliable destination given the costs involved.

Ultimately it depends on how much Werribee want Putra Mas. Long term, he’d be an asset to their breeding programme; but we’re talking over a decade before an unrelated bull is need to breed with any female calves from this cohort. Indeed, the gender of these calves may even sway their decision. Three males would stretch their capacity to accomodate multiple bulls and restrict their ability to commit to Putra Mas; while all female calves would mean the opposite.

 

[Jambo]

Permai is a flighty female. When I visited in 2016, they were only walking Tricia around the zoo as she was more self assured. Permai isn’t a dominant female and has never challenged Tricia for leadership of their herd, so it’s possible she could assimilate into Melbourne’s herd. I suppose it’s a case of whether they’d accept her. Cows seem to welcome juveniles (or certainly calves) with open arms, but can be more stand offish with adolescents and adults.

I believe Mek Kapah would definitely be a female that would accept her. Num Oi and Kulab are very friendly females too; I think it would just be the case of whether Dokoon (the matriarch) and her daughter, Mali will. Dokoon is laidback so i'd imagine this won't be an issue, and Mali is much similar to her mother. Overall, Melbourne's cows are all very laidback and knowing them for all these years, i'd doubt they'd find any issues with another female. Especially if Permai can easily slot in the herd taking up a lower ranking role.

It appears the short term plan is for Luk Chai and Sabai to share the bull paddock, but either one of them could be accommodated in the introduction yard (a decent sized space) if conflicts were to arise. Luk Chai and Pathi Harn sparred frequently and their time together was limited to avoid injuries. Pathi Harn has a strong personality versus Luk Chai, who is more relaxed, so I anticipate their relationship to remain amiable for a longer period.

Luk Chai has been a great companion for Man Jai, and they play-fight a lot, which Man Jai loves. Luk Chai is really a great mentor for Man Jai, and I believe his experience with younger juveniles may have contributed to him being chosen over Putra Mas. The plan is for the pair to live together at Werribee, which is an interesting decision, but I can see it playing out well. Luk Chai definitely knows how to keep Man Jai in his place, so would prove a great leader for a bachelor group.

I wonder who that young bull in the US could have possibly been? A young male at Houston or Fort Worth?

I was thinking more or so along the lines of Baylor (2010) at Houstan. He would've been of perfect age, and also has had experience with calves and in a bachelor group. Otherwise, the only other suitable option would've been Samundara (2008) at Oregon. In the end, Melbourne needed a bull for breeding asap and Luk Chai proved to be the easiest and most suitable option.

I too hope their relationship remains relaxed and amicable, but from what I've seen on social media Man Jai appears to be similar to his brother Pathi Harn, always the playful aggressor at Luk Chai. Obviously, Luk Chai is still in charge due to his sheer size advantage, but as Man Jai gets larger and likely overtakes Luk Chai we could see the same issues arise. Werribee will likely have the space to split them, if not it's just another reason to export Man Jai.
I personally think that Melbourne could have been instructed by the international coordinator to hold onto Man Jai, at least until Pathi Harn has sired a few calves at TWPZ. Because if anything happened to Pathi Harn before he had offspring and Man Jai was already out of the country, it would mean Bong Su's male line in Aus would be lost.

They are like brothers, and the keeper seems to believe they'll do well together at Werribee without any issues. Luk Chai has many traits similar to a female elephant would; he knows how to keep Man Jai in his place, and even does so towards Mali and old Mek Kapah on occasions. He's a dominant bull, but has a very caring nature and is very gentle with Man Jai which was great to hear.

Ultimately it depends on how much Werribee want Putra Mas. Long term, he’d be an asset to their breeding programme; but we’re talking over a decade before an unrelated bull is need to breed with any female calves from this cohort. Indeed, the gender of these calves may even sway their decision. Three males would stretch their capacity to accomodate multiple bulls and restrict their ability to commit to Putra Mas; while all female calves would mean the opposite.

I'm genuinely excited to see the calves all born later this year. Three calves around the same age would have to be one of the very few that have been born in zoos worldwide. Dublin had three calves born in 2014; in a much similar way to what Melbourne's would be and had a popular and engaging herd for many many years. Three females would obviously be more preferable, but any calf from Num Oi would be welcomed. It'll be great for her to finally have another chance to raise her own calf, with all the tragedy she's been through.

 

[Zoofan15]

Some sad news from Perth Zoo this evening:

Tricia the Elephant's health has "deteriorated rapidly" says Perth Zoo - ABC Perth

Tricia has suffered a rapid decline in health and is close to the end of her life. She’s being assessed day by day by staff, who will make a decision of when it’s in her best interests to make that difficult decision. It appears we’re talking days rather than weeks.

Tricia is the oldest elephant in the region at an estimated 65 years of age. Her death will leave behind Putra Mas (1989) and Permai (1989) and herald the end of an era as the zoo moves to phase this species out.

 

[Swanson02]

Some sad news from Perth Zoo this evening:

Tricia the Elephant's health has "deteriorated rapidly" says Perth Zoo - ABC Perth

Tricia has suffered a rapid decline in health and is close to the end of her life. She is being assessed day by day by staff, who will make a decision of when it’s in her best interests to make that difficult decision. It appears we’re talking days rather than weeks.

Tricia is the oldest elephant in the region at an estimated 65 years of age. Her death will leave behind Putra Mas (1989) and Permai (1989) and herald the end of an era as the zoo moves to phase this species out.

That's not great, poor Tricia, I assume the issues are related to arthritis due to her age? It's amazing she's lived at Perth for close to 60 years

 

[Zoofan15]

That's not great, poor Tricia, I assume the issues are related to arthritis due to her age? It's amazing she's lived at Perth for close to 60 years

Honestly, it could be any age related condition given her advanced age. 65 years is an incredible age to reach and a longevity record for the region that I doubt will be surpassed for some time.

I had the privilege of visiting her and the other elephants at Perth Zoo in 2016 and find it difficult to imagine the zoo without them - a reality we will soon have to face.

Given there’s currently no facility in Australia that’s able to take on an additional post reproductive cow like Permai, I wonder if they will join forces with Auckland Zoo given both their females will likely be heading to the US. An export to the US could easily take two years to organise. Sending Burma to Perth for that time would at least mean they’d have each other before heading off to a North American facility together.

 

[Swanson02]

Honestly, it could be any age related condition given her advanced age. 65 years is an incredible age to reach and a longevity record for the region that I doubt will be surpassed for some time.

I had the privilege of visiting her and the other elephants at Perth Zoo in 2016 and find it difficult to imagine the zoo without them - a reality we will soon have to face.

Given there’s currently no facility in Australia that’s able to take on an additional post reproductive cow like Permai, I wonder if they will join forces with Auckland Zoo given both their females will likely be heading to the US. An export to the US could easily take two years to organise. Sending Burma to Perth for that time would at least mean they’d have each other before heading off to a North American facility together.

She is a mainstay in Perth, her residence there spanning many people's lives, with grandchildren getting to meet the same elephant their grandparents knew as a child. From the sounds of it, they have given her a slim chance of recovery. It would be a shame to lose both her and Saigon within the same year. I also feel for the keepers who would have worked with her for probably their entire careers.

It's also a bit poetic that as the older outdated era of elephants in Australasia ends, with Burma moving away and the passing of both Saigon (our last circus elephant) and Tricia (our oldest elephant). We also enter a new era with three calves expected all at once at Melbourne.

On a future note, in the event Tricia passes, I think sending Permai to Auckland or vice versa with Burma is a great decision. They both have very easy-going personalities and would make good friends in their middle age. It does obviously increase the challenge of finding a home in the US for not only one but two middle-aged cows, some contenders for one extra elephant-like like Honolulu may not have the space for 2. However this is not a major issue, and the benefits of them finding good company outweigh it, it also gives Auckland more time to ensure the best home is found.

 

[Zoofan15]

She is a mainstay in Perth, her residence there spanning many people's lives, with grandchildren getting to meet the same elephant their grandparents knew as a child. From the sounds of it, they have given her a slim chance of recovery. It would be a shame to lose both her and Saigon within the same year. I also feel for the keepers who would have worked with her for probably their entire careers.

It's also a bit poetic that as the older outdated era of elephants in Australasia ends, with Burma moving away and the passing of both Saigon (our last circus elephant) and Tricia (our oldest elephant). We also enter a new era with three calves expected all at once at Melbourne.

On a future note, in the event Tricia passes, I think sending Permai to Auckland or vice versa with Burma is a great decision. They both have very easy-going personalities and would make good friends in their middle age. It does obviously increase the challenge of finding a home in the US for not only one but two middle-aged cows, some contenders for one extra elephant-like like Honolulu may not have the space for 2. However this is not a major issue, and the benefits of them finding good company outweigh it, it also gives Auckland more time to ensure the best home is found.

That’s the special thing about elephants. They’re that constant presence at the zoo that have been around for decades and you feel as if they always will be. Burma was the elephant I grew up with. She came to Auckland Zoo before I was even born, but I still remember her as a young female in the 2000’s. Watching one of my sons become fascinated by her on a visit is one of my favourite zoo memories and everyone who visits will have their’s.

It is indeed the circle of life and reflects the shift from the 20th Century, where juveniles from the wild came to live in pairs in city zoos with elephant houses; to successful breeding programmes at open range zoos - where elephants are housed in large multigenerational herds.

I agree and believe it would bring great comfort to Permai, who will be mourning the loss of her almost lifelong companion and mother figure; while providing both with companionship. Sending Burma to Perth makes the most sense given Perth have nowhere obvious to send Putra Mas at this point in time; but they may be content to do a partial phase out and send Permai to Auckland, while retaining their bull for the time being.

 

[Mr.Ivory]

That’s the special thing about elephants. They’re that constant presence at the zoo that have been around for decades and you feel as if they always will be. Burma was the elephant I grew up with. She came to Auckland Zoo before I was even born, but I still remember her as a young female in the 2000’s. Watching one of my sons become fascinated by her on a visit is one of my favourite zoo memories and everyone who visits will have their’s.

It is indeed the circle of life and reflects the shift from the 20th Century, where juveniles from the wild came to live in pairs in city zoos with elephant houses; to successful breeding programmes at open range zoos - where elephants are housed in large multigenerational herds.

I agree and believe it would bring great comfort to Permai, who will be mourning the loss of her almost lifelong companion and mother figure; while providing both with companionship. Sending Burma to Perth makes the most sense given Perth have nowhere obvious to send Putra Mas at this point in time; but they may be content to do a partial phase out and send Permai to Auckland, while retaining their bull for the time being.

I would be in favor of moving Burma to Perth to keep Permai companionship for the time being and sending them to the US, while sending Putra Mas to Targona Sydney

 

[Zoofan15]

I would be in favor of moving Burma to Perth to keep Permai companionship for the time being and sending them to the US, while sending Putra Mas to Targona Sydney

Long term, I think Werribee is a more likely destination for Putra Mas given Dubbo will have two breeding bulls and breeding will likely cease at Taronga Zoo (with the cows rejoining the matriarchal herd at Dubbo in the next few years). If bulls are kept at Taronga Zoo, they’ll probably be surplus non reproductive bulls.

One option could be for Perth Zoo to retain Putra Mas for three or so years until Werribee can accomodate him. If Werribee can’t commit to a timeframe of taking him on, they may have to consider options outside the region, though I think it would be a great loss to the region if it came to that.

 

[Zorro]

Long term, I think Werribee is a more likely destination for Putra Mas given Dubbo will have two breeding bulls and breeding will likely cease at Taronga Zoo (with the cows rejoining the matriarchal herd at Dubbo in the next few years). If bulls are kept at Taronga Zoo, they’ll probably be surplus non reproductive bulls.

One option could be for Perth Zoo to retain Putra Mas for three or so years until Werribee can accomodate him. If Werribee can’t commit to a timeframe of taking him on, they may have to consider options outside the region, though I think it would be a great loss to the region if it came to that.

Or perhaps speed thing’s up at Werribee if possible also due to the fact of the 3 extra babies due

 

[Zoofan15]

Or perhaps speed thing’s up at Werribee if possible also due to the fact of the 3 extra babies due

What they could do is prioritise the construction of the cow facilities, which would allow them to receive the larger matriarchal herd sooner (as oppose to working on the bull facilities simultaneously). This was the original plan (phase one), with the cows and calves scheduled to arrive late 2023; with the bulls arriving within the year (phase two). Instead they currently seem to be working on a plan to transfer all the elephants in stages to Werribee in 2024.

Even if a late 2023 deadline isn’t possible, getting the cows and calves on site as a priority would allow Melbourne Zoo to receive Putra Mas and retain him alongside their two bulls in the space vacated by the cows/calves. They could then use this extra time to adapt plans at Werribee to accomodate Putra Mas.

 

[Zoofan15]

Werribee Elephant Complex Plans

Current plans detail the following:

- One large paddock (bulls)
- Two barns/holding yards (bulls)

- One small paddock (shared)
- One barn/holding yard (shared)

- One extra large paddock (cows)
- One barn/holding yard (cows)

The current plans provide provision for the bulls, Luk Chai and Man Jai, to live together but still be allocated a large amount of space if there’s the need to house them seperately by utilising the shared space. This need will increase as they mature.

Under these plans, they could theoretically accomodate Putra Mas given the bulls have a large paddock and two barns/holding yards as well as use of an additional barn/holding yard; though long term, the zoo would need to factor in the integration of adolescent bulls from the upcoming cohort, which would ideally live in a fission-fushion bachelor herd with Luk Chai.

By this time the zoo has adolescents from the upcoming cohort, Man Jai may well have been moved out of Werribee, which really makes sense given he’s of little use to their breeding programme; but would be a valuable asset to the North American breeding programme.

 

[Nisha]

Re: Burma and Permai

Now with Permai being without female company in the near future, I was thinking earlier about potential options for both her and Burma going forward.

One option that's already been suggested would be be to move either Burma to Perth, or Permai to Auckland. The problem with this option is that it would likely take several months to arrange to relocate either of them. It would also cost either zoo a small fortune. By this time Auckland may have a home in the USA lined up for Burma. What if the US zoo then can't or won't take Permai too?

This is a radical idea, but has anyone yet suggested that Taronga potentially look to house a none breeding group of older/none breeding females? If the current females go over to Dubbo in the near future (likely) then they'll have an enclosure free. It also solves the issue of competition with Sydney Zoo with both still having elephants onshow. If they wanted to make it a trio then they could potentially ask Melbourne for Kulab (none breeding) to go with Burma and Permai. I appreciate it's unlikely to happen but it would free up some much needed space at Melbourne and help both Perth and Auckland out of difficult situations.

Just a thought

 

[Zoofan15]

North American Candidate Zoos

For interest’s sake, I thought I’d copy in this excellent assessment by @Elephant Enthusiast on potential zoos for Burma now that Perth Zoo may well be looking at options in North America.

Options could include sending Burma and Permai to different zoos within this list; or sending them as a pair to one of these zoos. All five remain candidates for receiving both as a pair in my opinion - though Honolulu and Los Angeles seem to represent a long term commitment to holding geriatric elephants; while San Diego and Miami may wish to transition to bachelor and breeding herds respectively - the former which would be set back by the acquisition of the younger Permai (1989).

Thank you, @Zoofan15. The following American zoological institutions would be the most probable/possible candidates to receive Burma.

Honolulu Zoo - Honolulu, Hawaii
• Honolulu would be the perfect forever home for Burma! Honolulu currently has two cows, Mari (7 years older than Burma) and Vaigai (3 years younger than Burma), who would, theoretically, be great companions for Burma. Also, adding Burma to their herd would enhance the current dynamics at Honolulu, and bring the herd to three, the minimum number by AZA standards. In addition, the elephant facility received a major upgrade a few years back, so Burma would be living in a state-of-the-art facility. Further, the climate in Honolulu is comparable to that of Southeast Asia. Honolulu checks all the boxes.

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California
• Los Angeles currently has three older cows and a mature bull, who would, theoretically, make great companions for Burma. Also, their elephant facility is one of the best in the country, and has the space to accommodate more elephants.

San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California
• San Diego currently has two older Asian cows, who would, theoretically, be great companions for Burma, especially Mary, the social butterfly of the herd. Also, San Diego specializes in caring for elephants in their golden years, so Burma would receive the best of care as she gets older. However, with the recent acquisition of two adolescent African bulls, it appears San Diego may be transitioning from geriatric to bachelor.

Miami Zoo - Miami, Florida
• Miami currently has two (1.1) older Asian elephants, who would, theoretically, be great companions for Burma, and Ongard, the adolescent Asian bull from Melbourne. I'm not sure if Miami intends to transition from geriatric to breeding once Dalip and Nellie pass away but, regardless, Miami does have a great facility for their elephants.

Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, Louisiana
• Audubon currently has three older cows (two of which are pretty much the same age as Burma), who would, theoretically, be great companions for Burma. Also, the elephant facility received a significant upgrade a few years back, so Burma would be living in a state-of-the-art facility.

 

[Zoofan15]

Re: Burma and Permai

Now with Permai being without female company in the near future, I was thinking earlier about potential options for both her and Burma going forward.

One option that's already been suggested would be be to move either Burma to Perth, or Permai to Auckland. The problem with this option is that it would likely take several months to arrange to relocate either of them. It would also cost either zoo a small fortune. By this time Auckland may have a home in the USA lined up for Burma. What if the US zoo then can't or won't take Permai too?

This is a radical idea, but has anyone yet suggested that Taronga potentially look to house a none breeding group of older/none breeding females? If the current females go over to Dubbo in the near future (likely) then they'll have an enclosure free. It also solves the issue of competition with Sydney Zoo with both still having elephants onshow. If they wanted to make it a trio then they could potentially ask Melbourne for Kulab (none breeding) to go with Burma and Permai. I appreciate it's unlikely to happen but it would free up some much needed space at Melbourne and help both Perth and Auckland out of difficult situations.

Just a thought

The advantages of this idea is that it would be easier for Taronga Zoo to justify the holding of senior cows in a retirement context than face the public pressure to transfer a breeding herd to an open range zoo (phase out elephants from their city zoo). It would be a fixed term holding in that Burma and Permai will likely live another two decades and ensure Taronga Zoo didn’t concede a valuable point of difference to their competitor (Sydney Zoo).

The disadvantages are it would hinder Taronga’s ability to hold surplus bulls from their Dubbo herd, which they may have had in mind for Sabai. They also have yet to build the new cow and calf facility which would be advantageous before they receive Pak Boon and Tang Mo from Taronga. Removing Kulab from the Werribee herd would also be disadvantageous to her social welfare imo.

Although regionally, this would be a great plan, I doubt Taronga would be willing to make the sacrifices and investments involved. They did after all refuse to take Burma when it was proposed.

 

[Jambo]

Re. Perth’s elephants

I think the best decision going forward is sending Burma to Perth to live with Permai for at least the time being until a suitable destination can be found for both females overseas. Especially considering both females will likely be sent overseas (to the US), and this could still take years.

Regarding their destination, I think with both Burma and Permai possibly being available, Los Angeles seems the best option for me. They have state of the art facilities and could easily have the space for an additional two adult females, something I don’t think Honolulu have. As it’s been mentioned, both San Diego and Miami seem to be transitioning away from holding senior cows; with Miami almost certainly looking to holding a breeding group in the near future.

Regarding Putra Mas, I can see Perth holding onto him for another couple of years until Werribee are able to take him. I can definitely see Werribee taking him once at least half of the construction is completed; and he could be joined by Man Jai and Luk Chai from Melbourne. This could be as early as the end of next year, but I’d imagine it would be early 2024.

Also, regarding Taronga, I think it would be best for them to act as a bachelor facility. Although following the incident with Pathi Harn from back in 2012, I’m not sure Taronga would go back to holding bulls... The best option for Taronga going forward is to send Pak Boon and Tang Mo to Dubbo; but now that they’ve acquired Anjalee, Dubbo would be skating on thin ice space wise. On a second note, if the bulls at Sydney are introduced into the breeding program soon, Sydney could easily serve as the bachelor facility the Taronga program would need.

Devastating news about Tricia though, she’s lived quite the long life, and has been at Perth for over half a century! May she enjoy her last few moments of life.