Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2022

[Zoofan15]

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.

One thing that’s worth mentioning is that while Perth Zoo have been planning to phase out elephants for many years, there was no fixed date bearing in mind Tricia could have potentially reached 70 years of age (another five years from now). While the phase out will enable progress on the masterplan, there’s plenty they can progress with in the interim without needing the space.

Auckland Zoo by comparison had plans in place to see the elephants leave this year. While the urgency to create additional space for their rhinoceros herd has been removed by the death of one the bulls this year, they’re clearly keen to progress with Burma’s export - as indicated to me by staff on my visit last month.

The implications here are that Burma is more likely to be sent to Perth Zoo to join Permai (rather than Permai be sent to Auckland Zoo to join Burma); and that Perth Zoo will likely be happy to hold Putra Mas until Werribee Open Range Zoo are ready to receive him in 2024.

It should also be noted that the alternative for Putra Mas (an export to the US) could probably be arranged no quicker than a transfer to Werribee would be possible (due to it not being built yet). This means the delay in transferring to Werribee (18-24 months) is negligible.

 

[Zorro]

One thing that’s worth mentioning is that while Perth Zoo have been planning to phase out elephants for many years, there was no fixed date bearing in mind Tricia could have potentially reached 70 years of age (another five years from now). While the phase out will enable progress on the masterplan, there’s plenty they can progress with in the interim without needing the space.

Auckland Zoo by comparison had plans in place to see the elephants leave this year. While the urgency to create additional space for their rhinoceros herd has been removed by the death of one the bulls this year, they’re clearly keen to progress with Burma’s export - as indicated to me by staff on my visit last month.

The implications here are that Burma is more likely to be sent to Perth Zoo to join Permai (rather than Permai be sent to Auckland Zoo to join Burma); and that Perth Zoo will likely be happy to hold Putra Mas until Werribee Open Range Zoo are ready to receive him in 2024.

It should also be noted that the alternative for Putra Mas (an export to the US) could probably be arranged no quicker than a transfer to Werribee would be possible meaning the delay transferring to Werribee (18-24 months) is negligible.

I believe exporting Putra Mas out of the country would be a big mistake when one considers the large number of Asian elephants in the US and Europe compared to the tiny population in Australia. Unrelated adult bulls are rare here and importation is expensive and difficult at best

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe exporting Putra Mas out of the country would be a big mistake when one considers the large number of Asian elephants in the US and Europe compared to the tiny population in Australia. Unrelated adult bulls are rare here and importation is expensive and difficult at best

Yes, I’m sure he will be retained. He’s unrelated to all three breeding cows at Werribee and would be useful in siring calves to any females produced within the upcoming cohort. Werribee have surely identified him as an asset to the breeding programme and will be mindful the investment of transferring him to Perth would be comparatively minimal to that required to import an unrelated bull.

The bulls we would be offered from overseas would be from well represented lines too - they would never surrender a founder like Putra Mas.

 

[Jambo]

Yes, I’m sure he will be retained. He’s unrelated to all three breeding cows at Werribee and would be useful in siring calves to any females produced within the upcoming cohort. Werribee have surely identified him as an asset to the breeding programme and will be mindful the investment of transferring him to Perth would be comparatively minimal to that required to import an unrelated bull.

The bulls we would be offered from overseas would be from well represented lines too - they would never surrender a founder like Putra Mas.

Keep in mind Putra Mas was one of Werribee’s candidates initially, so I’m sure they would be happy to have him at WORZ. He’s essentially more valuable versus Luk Chai, so if this is the case, I can definitely see Putra Mas moving into the role as a breeding bull as early as in a decades time.

 

[Zoofan15]

Keep in mind Putra Mas was one of Werribee’s candidates initially, so I’m sure they would be happy to have him at WORZ. He’s essentially more valuable versus Luk Chai, so if this is the case, I can definitely see Putra Mas moving into the role as a breeding bull as early as in a decades time.

It’s possible Putra Mas could be utilised in breeding as early as the next rotation in 3-5 years time. This would create first generation lines from him and the two founder cows (Dokoon and Num Oi) and offer additional options for pairings long term.

Putra Mas is 20 years older than Luk Chai and while we all hope he’ll be around for many decades to come, banking on breeding daughters of Putra Mas to Luk Chai is a safer bet if there’s the option to do so.

 

[Zoofan15]

Breeding over the next Decade

We have a total of 3.4 founders (1.0 deceased) that have living offspring within the Australasian region; as well as a further 0.2 that have no (living) offspring, but are likely to contribute to the regional breeding programme in the near future.

The number of direct descendants of each founder are as follows (total includes unborn calves):

Gung (2000): 5
Bong Su (Deceased): 4
Putra Mas (1989): 1

Thong Dee (1997): 5
Porntip (1992): 2
Pak Boon (1992): 0
Anjalee (2006): 0

Dokoon (1993): 4
Num Oi (2001): 1

These figures give an indication as to the future breeding plans over the next decade:

Cows:

Breeding from Pak Boon should be a priority given she’s 30 years old and unrepresented. AI with Putra Mas is the most likely given the resulting offspring would be unrelated to the bulls at Dubbo (advantageous if the calf is female) where Pak Boon will likely move within five years. A second calf is likely within the next ten years via a natural mating at Dubbo.

Anjalee will likely conceive through natural mating to either Gung or Pathi Harn within the next 12 months. I’d expect a second calf from Anjalee following a seven year age gap. She’s a young cow and time is on her side if she can have a successful first birth in 2-3 years time.

Thong Dee will have a maximum of one calf in the next decade. I would expect her (reproductive chances) to be first on the chopping block if space continues to limit the births at Dubbo given how well represented she is. The decision will need to be made in the four years given her last calf is now six years old.

Num Oi will likely be bred almost to natural birth intervals. Her unborn calf is her sole living descendant and she’ll be playing catch up to Werribee’s only other viable founder, who has a viable breeding daughter (double the reproductive output) and an adolescent son. I would expect three calves to Num Oi over the next decades versus two each to Dokoon and Mali.

Bulls:

With regards to the bulls, priority should be on utilising Putra Mas’ genes which are currently represented solely by his one surviving offspring (a juvenile female). Siring the next cohort at Werribee would be the logical step as well as breeding with Pak Boon via AI.

Bong Su’s line should not become overwhelmed by Gung’s representation. The best way to address this would be to breed Pathi Harn at Dubbo with Anjalee; as well as breeding Mali with Putra Mas for her second pregnancy. It’s likely Kanlaya will breed with Gung or Sabai (if still at Taronga).

Kavi and Ashoka at Sydney may enter the breeding programme, though the focus will likely be on exhausting the other founders we have given the representation of the Dublin bulls overseas.

 

[Zorro]

Breeding over the next Decade

We have a total of 3.4 founders (1.0 deceased) that have living offspring within the Australasian region; as well as a further 0.2 that have no (living) offspring, but are likely to contribute to the regional breeding programme in the near future.

The number of direct descendants of each founder are as follows (total includes unborn calves):

Gung (2000): 5
Bong Su (Deceased): 4
Putra Mas (1989): 1

Thong Dee (1997): 5
Porntip (1992): 2
Pak Boon (1992): 0
Anjalee (2006): 0

Dokoon (1993): 4
Num Oi (2001): 1

These figures give an indication as to the future breeding plans over the next decade:

Cows:

Breeding from Pak Boon should be a priority given she’s 30 years old and unrepresented. AI with Putra Mas is the most likely given the resulting offspring would be unrelated to the bulls at Dubbo (advantageous if the calf is female) where Pak Boon will likely move within five years. A second calf is likely within the next ten years via a natural mating at Dubbo.

Anjalee will likely conceive through natural mating to either Gung or Pathi Harn within the next 12 months. I’d expect a second calf from Anjalee following a seven year age gap. She’s a young cow and time is on her side if she can have a successful first birth in 2-3 years time.

Thong Dee will have a maximum of one calf in the next decade. I would expect her (reproductive chances) to be first on the chopping block if space continues to limit the births at Dubbo given how well represented she is. The decision will need to be made in the four years given her last calf is now six years old.

Num Oi will likely be bred almost to natural birth intervals. Her unborn calf is her sole living descendant and she’ll be playing catch up to Werribee’s only other viable founder, who has a viable breeding daughter (double the reproductive output) and an adolescent son. I would expect three calves to Num Oi over the next decades versus two each to Dokoon and Mali.

Bulls:

With regards to the bulls, priority should be on utilising Putra Mas’ genes which are currently represented solely by his one surviving offspring (a juvenile female). Siring the next cohort at Werribee would be the logical step as well as breeding with Pak Boon via AI.

Bong Su’s line should not become overwhelmed by Gung’s representation. The best way to address this would be to breed Pathi Harn at Dubbo with Anjalee; as well as breeding Mali with Putra Mas for her second pregnancy. It’s likely Kanlaya will breed with Gung or Sabai (if still at Taronga).

Kavi and Ashoka at Sydney may enter the breeding programme, though the focus will likely be on exhausting the other founders we have given the representation of the Dublin bulls overseas.

Then there are the 4 Sumatran cows that may never be bred from since no Sumatran bull is at hand or be bred to mainland Asian bulls here in other collections

 

[Swanson02]

Auckland Zoo by comparison had plans in place to see the elephants leave this year. While the urgency to create additional space for their rhinoceros herd has been removed by the death of one the bulls this year, they’re clearly keen to progress with Burma’s export - as indicated to me by staff on my visit last month.

The implications here are that Burma is more likely to be sent to Perth Zoo to join Permai (rather than Permai be sent to Auckland Zoo to join Burma); and that Perth Zoo will likely be happy to hold Putra Mas until Werribee Open Range Zoo are ready to receive him in 2024.

It should also be noted that the alternative for Putra Mas (an export to the US) could probably be arranged no quicker than a transfer to Werribee would be possible (due to it not being built yet). This means the delay in transferring to Werribee (18-24 months) is negligible.

I too believe Putra Mas will remain in Australia, Perth has already worked with Taronga twice on artificially producing two calves, and they are fully aware of his genetic importance to Taronga and ZoosVic's programs. I also think Putra Mas for Perth, represents the last vestige of their breeding program, so him remaining in Australia might have some sentimental value to them. A successful elephant breeding program in Perth in the 90s would have likely changed the Australasian zoo landscape, potentially prompting Perth to build an open-range sister zoo. A calf in Perth as we have theorized would have likely inspired/contributed to the foundation of breeding programs in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland much sooner.

In the unlikely event, he does leave, it would have to be for a fair amount of money. That also brings my question of whether we think Perth is going to donate him to WORZ, or maybe they expect a small amount of compensation? Unlike Burma or Permai, Putra Mas has genetic value and he will likely generate extra revenue for ZoosVic in the form of young calves he sires in the future.

The issue I could see with the sending Burma to Perth plan is that Auckland might already as of now have some suitors in the US lined up for her and that sending her to Perth will likely not be sending her to a "forever home". @Zoofan15 you will obviously understand Auckland's intentions for Burma much better than me, but from my interpretation, it sounds like they are getting sick of the issue and want to send her to a place where she will remain happily forever ASAP. Sending her to Perth, although it may be the best for her socially just complexes the issue. They also run the small risk of her and Permai not gelling (something I find unlikely as temperament wise they seem very compatible). Perth after Tricia's passing may also not be in a huge rush to move on Permai like Auckland is with Burma. Putra Mas still provides some level of socialization for Permai and Perth may want to explore the possibility of moving them both to Werribee.

If Perth is keen to move Permai on quickly I could see both her and Burma being sent to the same location, for example, Honolulu, but separately from their respective zoos with a bit of a time gap between each transfer to allow the first one to acclimatize, without the added stress of another new elephant.

Bong Su’s line should not become overwhelmed by Gung’s representation. The best way to address this would be to breed Pathi Harn at Dubbo with Anjalee; as well as breeding Mali with Putra Mas for her second pregnancy. It’s likely Kanlaya will breed with Gung or Sabai (if still at Taronga).

Using A.I on Porntip with Bong Su back in the day was a masterstroke. It could have been seen at the time as a bit excessive as Gung I believe was viable for A.I as well and was in proximity to Porntip, thank god they didn't though as we would be in a much much tougher position now if Pathi Harn was sired by Gung, not Bong Su.

 

[Zoofan15]

Then there are the 4 Sumatran cows that may never be bred from since no Sumatran bull is at hand or be bred to mainland Asian bulls here in other collections

I believe they’ve resigned themselves to the fact the older two are now a lost cause (especially given the health issues of the eldest female). If a Sumatran bull is imported, breeding efforts will focus on the two youngest cows; but I suspect AI with an Indian bull at the eleventh hour is more likely (after the Sumatran bull import falls through).

 

[Zoofan15]

I too believe Putra Mas will remain in Australia, Perth has already worked with Taronga twice on artificially producing two calves, and they are fully aware of his genetic importance to Taronga and ZoosVic's programs. I also think Putra Mas for Perth, represents the last vestige of their breeding program, so him remaining in Australia might have some sentimental value to them. A successful elephant breeding program in Perth in the 90s would have likely changed the Australasian zoo landscape, potentially prompting Perth to build an open-range sister zoo. A calf in Perth as we have theorized would have likely inspired/contributed to the foundation of breeding programs in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland much sooner.

In the unlikely event, he does leave, it would have to be for a fair amount of money. That also brings my question of whether we think Perth is going to donate him to WORZ, or maybe they expect a small amount of compensation? Unlike Burma or Permai, Putra Mas has genetic value and he will likely generate extra revenue for ZoosVic in the form of young calves he sires in the future.

The issue I could see with the sending Burma to Perth plan is that Auckland might already as of now have some suitors in the US lined up for her and that sending her to Perth will likely not be sending her to a "forever home". @Zoofan15 you will obviously understand Auckland's intentions for Burma much better than me, but from my interpretation, it sounds like they are getting sick of the issue and want to send her to a place where she will remain happily forever ASAP. Sending her to Perth, although it may be the best for her socially just complexes the issue. They also run the small risk of her and Permai not gelling (something I find unlikely as temperament wise they seem very compatible). Perth after Tricia's passing may also not be in a huge rush to move on Permai like Auckland is with Burma. Putra Mas still provides some level of socialization for Permai and Perth may want to explore the possibility of moving them both to Werribee.

If Perth is keen to move Permai on quickly I could see both her and Burma being sent to the same location, for example, Honolulu, but separately from their respective zoos with a bit of a time gap between each transfer to allow the first one to acclimatize, without the added stress of another new elephant.

It’s a real shame that Perth never experienced success with their breeding programme. Despite being only three years old upon import, Putra Mas mounted the females and was not a behavioural non breeders. Combined with the fact they had two young females (albeit one that soon developed health issues) and they had the foundations of a successful breeding programme.

I wouldn’t expect Perth to receive any payment/compensation for Putra Mas, but it’s a standard condition of the breeding programme that the receiving zoo pays the transport costs. What they may be able to do is use him as a bargaining chip with Werribee re. Permai’s future. Burma and Permai are both non reproductive cows that will soon come with a range of geriatric health issues. Being blunt, it will be difficult to find a zoo willing to pay (via transport costs) to inherit that. Their options are to find it themselves (as I suspect Auckland will) or use in Perth’s case, use Putra Mas as an incentive (they come as a pair).

Yes, the impression I got from Auckland’s keepers is that they want Burma to be exported sooner rather than later (while still finding the best home for her). This is as much based around them not wanting her to be left alone as it is to bring an end to the inevitable (phasing out elephants) and making productive use of the exhibit space.

 

[Zoofan15]

Using A.I on Porntip with Bong Su back in the day was a masterstroke. It could have been seen at the time as a bit excessive as Gung I believe was viable for A.I as well and was in proximity to Porntip, thank god they didn't though as we would be in a much much tougher position now if Pathi Harn was sired by Gung, not Bong Su.

The decision was made primarily for the reasons of getting Porntip pregnant ASAP. Thong Dee was already pregnant and as matriarch, they wanted Porntip to have a calf around the same time. How long Gung would take to reach the adult females was an unknown. Ultimately, he took a further eight months after Porntip was inseminated via AI to impregnate Pak Boon.

Taronga were hopeful Porntip would have a female calf. This would have meant she could have bred naturally with Gung on site - which would have happened by now if she’d given birth to a female in 2010. In any event she had a male calf, but like you say, it gives them a seperate patriarchal line on site; and one that’s even more valuable now Bong Su has passed.

Had Pathi Harn have been female, I like to think they would have had the sense to retain Ongard. He’s the most valuable of Bong Su’s three living sons given his mother has no other calves and never will.

 

[Jambo]

Breeding over the next Decade

We have a total of 3.4 founders (1.0 deceased) that have living offspring within the Australasian region; as well as a further 0.2 that have no (living) offspring, but are likely to contribute to the regional breeding programme in the near future.

The number of direct descendants of each founder are as follows (total includes unborn calves):

Gung (2000): 5
Bong Su (Deceased): 4
Putra Mas (1989): 1

Thong Dee (1997): 5
Porntip (1992): 2
Pak Boon (1992): 0
Anjalee (2006): 0

Dokoon (1993): 4
Num Oi (2001): 1

These figures give an indication as to the future breeding plans over the next decade:

Cows:

Breeding from Pak Boon should be a priority given she’s 30 years old and unrepresented. AI with Putra Mas is the most likely given the resulting offspring would be unrelated to the bulls at Dubbo (advantageous if the calf is female) where Pak Boon will likely move within five years. A second calf is likely within the next ten years via a natural mating at Dubbo.

Anjalee will likely conceive through natural mating to either Gung or Pathi Harn within the next 12 months. I’d expect a second calf from Anjalee following a seven year age gap. She’s a young cow and time is on her side if she can have a successful first birth in 2-3 years time.

Thong Dee will have a maximum of one calf in the next decade. I would expect her (reproductive chances) to be first on the chopping block if space continues to limit the births at Dubbo given how well represented she is. The decision will need to be made in the four years given her last calf is now six years old.

Num Oi will likely be bred almost to natural birth intervals. Her unborn calf is her sole living descendant and she’ll be playing catch up to Werribee’s only other viable founder, who has a viable breeding daughter (double the reproductive output) and an adolescent son. I would expect three calves to Num Oi over the next decades versus two each to Dokoon and Mali.

Bulls:

With regards to the bulls, priority should be on utilising Putra Mas’ genes which are currently represented solely by his one surviving offspring (a juvenile female). Siring the next cohort at Werribee would be the logical step as well as breeding with Pak Boon via AI.

Bong Su’s line should not become overwhelmed by Gung’s representation. The best way to address this would be to breed Pathi Harn at Dubbo with Anjalee; as well as breeding Mali with Putra Mas for her second pregnancy. It’s likely Kanlaya will breed with Gung or Sabai (if still at Taronga).

Kavi and Ashoka at Sydney may enter the breeding programme, though the focus will likely be on exhausting the other founders we have given the representation of the Dublin bulls overseas.

I was told the cows at Werribee will still have the usual artificial gaps (6-8 years).

Regarding, Pak Boon, considering a move to Dubbo hadn’t already been announced, I’d be surprised if there will be one for at least another few years or so. Factoring in her age (30), I think it would be ideal for Pak Boon to get pregnant now. I got the impression talking to the elephant keeper at Taronga that they don’t plan to get rid of their elephants. An extension of their enclosure was part of the masterplan, and Taronga was only plagued by the sudden deaths of Tukta and Jai Dee. Sydney holding elephants only gives Taronga more of a reason to retain their elephants. For now, AI with Putra Mas would be best for Pak Boon, but in the future it may be best to send Pathi Harn for breeding with any female calves of Pak Boon.

Regarding Dubbo I can see them breeding every once in a while. Anjalee will have no need to breed besides the artificial gaps, and Thong Dee will most likely be bred from two times more at most. Porntip will also probably be bred from twice more, as she’ll likely have offspring through both Pathi Harn and Kanlaya.

Re. Num Oi, she’s only in her early 20’s so still young. They could achieve artificial gaps of six years, and easily be able to have her have four calves. Mali, much like Anjalee, will only be bred from with artificial gaps, probably even protruding the eight year mark, considering her young age and representation. Dokkoon, will also likely be bred once more following the birth of her upcoming calf. Another eight year gap will bring her to that perfectly.

Regarding the bulls, Gung will likely continue to be breed with Porntip and Anjalee. He only has two surviving calves surprisingly, so I can definitely see him siring at least two calves to each female.

Pathi Harn will likely be breed with Anjalee and Thong Dee ( considering Thong Dee and Gung’s line will be well represented via Luk Chai).

One of the Sydney bulls could then be moved to Dubbo in say a decades time, to replace Gung and assist Pathi Harn with future breeding.

The fact that Werribee plans for Luk Chai to be part of a bachelor group makes me think that Werribee may have plans to replace him with Putra Mas as breeder there sooner than we think. Luk Chai’s a perfect male to lead a bachelor group, and it would be difficult if he was used as the breeding male at the same time.

 

[Astrobird]

Perth Zoo’s adored elephant Tricia passes away aged 65 And Tricia has died...

 

[Zoofan15]

Tricia (1957-2022)

While it’s sad to hear of the death of Tricia this evening, we can take comfort that she died peacefully and surrounded by those who loved her. She was an incredible elephant and inspired all those that knew. Her most important role was perhaps that of matriarch - a role she revelled in when the three juveniles arrived in 1992.

My thoughts are with her keepers during this difficult time.

Perth Zoo are asking for donations to contribute towards a guard post - an initiative similar to that for Karta at Adelaide Zoo:

We hope to build an elephant guard post in the Bukit Tigapuluh eco-system, in Tricia’s name. This will provide accommodation for rangers who work 24/7 to protect one of the last remaining herds of wild Sumatran Elephants. Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Aaaa

 

[Swanson02]

Tricia (1957-2022)

While it’s sad to hear of the death of Tricia this evening, we can take comfort that she died peacefully and surrounded by those who loved her. She was an incredible elephant and inspired all those that knew. Her most important role was perhaps that of matriarch - a role she revelled in when the three juveniles arrived in 1992.

My thoughts are with her keepers during this difficult time.

Perth Zoo are asking for donations to contribute towards a guard post - an initiative similar to that for Karta at Adelaide Zoo:

We hope to build an elephant guard post in the Bukit Tigapuluh eco-system, in Tricia’s name. This will provide accommodation for rangers who work 24/7 to protect one of the last remaining herds of wild Sumatran Elephants. Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Very sad to see her go, it's the end of an era in Perth. I assume in the end, was she the region's oldest ever elephant? Being 65 would she have also exceeded her wild, life expectancy by a few years?

My thoughts are also with her keepers, some of whom would have spent most of their lives with her too. It frustrates me when people on social media comment things like "Finally Free", "Freed from the pain" and "Alone for all those years". I find them very disrespectful to the keepers and staff, who have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure she had the best quality of life.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very sad to see her go, it's the end of an era in Perth. I assume in the end, was she the region's oldest ever elephant? Being 65 would she have also exceeded her wild, life expectancy by a few years?

My thoughts are also with her keepers, some of whom would have spent most of their lives with her too. It frustrates me when people on social media comment things like "Finally Free", "Freed from the pain" and "Alone for all those years". I find them very disrespectful to the keepers and staff, who have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure she had the best quality of life.

Yes, Tricia was the region’s oldest elephant. She has also set the regional record for longevity given no elephant in an Australasian zoo has ever reached the age she did. The life expectancy of a wild elephant is estimated to be around 50.

We’ve had a few elephants in Australasia reach their 50’s and 60’s. Given living conditions and husbandry have improved vastly from the elephant house era of the early to mid 20th century, I suspect we’ll see our regional population reach greater ages free from conditions like arthritis that originate from standing on concrete floors (that have seen a few euthanised prematurely).

The insensitivity of people’s comments is baffling. Even prior to her death somebody asked the zoo in a comment if they’d dug the hole to put her in yet.

 

[Zorro]

Very sad to see her go, it's the end of an era in Perth. I assume in the end, was she the region's oldest ever elephant? Being 65 would she have also exceeded her wild, life expectancy by a few years?

My thoughts are also with her keepers, some of whom would have spent most of their lives with her too. It frustrates me when people on social media comment things like "Finally Free", "Freed from the pain" and "Alone for all those years". I find them very disrespectful to the keepers and staff, who have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure she had the best quality of life.

Regardless of how much care and love she received at the zoo The AR crowd will always push their agenda lets not forget PETA want to remove all animals out of human care wether it be zoos,farms and peoples pets nothing less will please them

 

[Zoofan15]

Regardless of how much care and love she received at the zoo The AR crowd will always push their agenda lets not forget PETA want to remove all animals out of human care wether it be zoos,farms and peoples pets nothing less will please them

Elephants in captivity has long been a contentious topic, second only to cetaceans. Taronga Zoo reportedly get numerous complaints regarding their elephants versus their open range zoo at Dubbo which gets none.

Adelaide and Wellington phased out their elephants long ago and soon Auckland, Melbourne and Perth will follow. The general public seem divided - half think the elephants are better off in open range zoos (or the wild); the other half think their zoo isn’t a zoo without the elephants they grew up with.

 

[Zorro]

Elephants in captivity has long been a contentious topic, second only to cetaceans. Taronga Zoo reportedly get numerous complaints regarding their elephants versus their open range zoo at Dubbo which gets none.

Adelaide and Wellington phased out their elephants long ago and soon Auckland, Melbourne and Perth will follow. The general public seem divided - half think the elephants are better off in open range zoos (or the wild); the other half think their zoo isn’t a zoo without the elephants they grew up with.

They are a species that the holders is all in or all out in regards to their keeping them. Most of us would be aware because of their sheer size and social structure they are far better off in a open range zoo, the keeping of the herd at Taronga and Melbourne was never going to work out for the long term which i have stated before, both groups should of been sent to their respective open range zoos from the beginning, now time has been wasted and lots of money spent not to mention the double handling of them in moving them again it’s not rocket science

 

[Zoofan15]

They are a species that the holders is all in or all out in regards to their keeping them. Most of us would be aware because of their sheer size and social structure they are far better off in a open range zoo, the keeping of the herd at Taronga and Melbourne was never going to work out for the long term which i have stated before, both groups should of been sent to their respective open range zoos from the beginning, now time has been wasted and lots of money spent not to mention the double handling of them in moving them again it’s not rocket science

The open range zoos are best suited to holding large breeding herds. Given the difficulties faced by the zoos in breeding this species in the decades prior, I’d imagine the success of the breeding programme took them by surprise. Within four years of arrival - five of the seven imported cows had given birth; and a sixth would soon be pregnant.

Combined with a decent survival rate from EEHV (another unknown at a time when this virus was decimating herds overseas), the breeding program has gone from strength to strength and quickly outgrown the facilities of the zoos involved.

The open range zoos will allow the region’s cows to breed with more regular birth intervals long term; while city zoos like Taronga and Sydney could still support the region via holding bachelor bulls. Hopefully Monarto will come onboard also with Werribee soon producing a cohort of three calves; with a promise of a succession of births to follow.