Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2022

[Jambo]

I really like the fact that projects like this is going to create 350 new jobs and give ZV a world class exhibit complex. I hope we can get content updates until its open.

Considering this is Zoo's Vic largest, and most popular project at the moment, i'm fairly certain we will get regular updates on the construction, and also the elephants (once they move, and once they settle in).

350 new jobs will be related to the construction I believe. Most (if not all) of Melbourne's keepers will be transferring to Werribee. It's not a big ordeal anyway, Werribee is only half an hour away.

 

[Zoofan15]

I really like the fact that projects like this is going to create 350 new jobs and give Zoos Victoria a world class exhibit complex. I hope we can get content updates until its open.

At 21 hectares, this exhibit will be world class - so I have no doubt Zoos Victoria will be updating us as they go. It’d be cool to see a time lapse once it’s completed.

I suspect Mega Zoo Season 2 will also follow within the next year - documenting the elephants births around December 2022 through to the transfer of the herd to Werribee.

The transfer of the matriarchal herd of eight elephants will be the largest transfer of this species between two Australasian zoos.

 

[Zoofan15]

Asian Elephant Due Dates

Zoos Victoria have announced the due dates of their Asian elephants as November 2022, December 2022 and January 2023:

Video: Baby elephants coming for Melbourne Zoo

The birth order is: Dokkoon > Num Oi > Mali.

 

[Zoofan15]

If at least 2 females came out of this group it would set them up for years to come

It would be great as a decade from now, those calves could be preparing for motherhood themselves - continuing their matrilineal lines.

If Mali welcomes a female calf, it will create a three generation matrilineal line (a first for the region); while Num Oi will hopefully welcome her first surviving female calf to begin her matrilineal line.

Num Oi is 21 years old, so only four years older than Dokoon was when she had Mali (her first female calf) at 17 years of age.

 

[Zorro]

It would be great as a decade from now, those calves could be preparing for motherhood themselves - continuing their matrilineal lines.

If Mali welcomes a female calf, it will create a three generation matrilineal line (a first for the region); while Num Oi will hopefully welcome her first surviving female calf to begin her matrilineal line.

Num Oi is 21 years old, so only four years older than Dokoon was when she had Mali (her first female calf) at 17 years of age.

I believe that it's in the design they can run more than one breeding bull in the complex, all options are to be included in the complex from the start.

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe that it's in the design they can run more than one breeding bull in the complex, all options are to be included in the complex from the start.

Absolutely. According to this map, there will be a around nine exhibits of varying size (which can be merged via gates to expand or divide them as required):



They’ll need to accomodate their current two bulls long term; and I’m hopeful Putra Mas will be transferred in from Perth.

 

[Zorro]

Absolutely. According to this map, there will be a around nine exhibits of varying size (which can be merged via gates to expand or divide them as required):

View attachment 581771

They’ll need to accomodate their current two bulls long term; and I’m hopeful Putra Mas will be transferred in from Perth.

I believe if they don’t take Putra Mas it will be a massive mistake

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe if they don’t take Putra Mas it will be a massive mistake

It really will. As a wild born founder, he’s extremely genetically valuable - not just regionally, but to the global captive population. We’ll never receive a bull of equivalent genetic value from North America or Europe, so we really need to retain this valuable asset while there’s an opportunity to do so.

A decade from now, Werribee will need a bull to sire calves to any females born within the upcoming cohort and while they could resort to using the Dublin bulls, there’d be little to no demand for their offspring overseas.

We want our Australasian bred bull calves to shift (we can only accomodate so many) and if there’s any hope of exporting them - it’ll come from having genetically valuable bulls.

 

[Zoofan15]

Dubbo Update

Auckland Zoo have shared this update on Anjalee at Dubbo:

We’re happy to share that Anjalee is doing well at her new home, Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo). She’s now fully integrated with the female herd and has developed a particularly close relationship with the youngest female, Kanlaya. Our colleagues at Dubbo say now that she’s established her place in the female herd, they’ll begin introducing her to the bull elephants.

Of most interest is the note they plan to begin introductions to the bulls - implying this will be for breeding.

I’m of the belief they’ll want Thong Dee to conceive first, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Thong Dee is in the early stages of pregnancy. She was seen sharing a yard with Pathi Harn earlier this year - who we can expect to be her breeding partner given the over representation of Gung x Thong Dee.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zorro

Totally agree that not taking Putra Mas would be a massive mistake, he is a very viable bull. Still wondering Permai eventual destination?

@Zoofan15

Sorry bro if you answering question feels like a repeat, but do I recall correctly you mentioned Burma's destination leaving Auckland is likely to be a US zoo?

Also what is the overall size again of Werribee's intended Elephant 'complex'?

 

[Zorro]

@Zorro

Totally agree that not taking Putra Mas would be a massive mistake, he is a very viable bull. Still wondering Permai eventual destination?

@Zoofan15

Sorry bro if you answering question feels like a repeat, but do I recall correctly you mentioned Burma's destination leaving Auckland is likely to be a US zoo?

I can't see as to why they could not take Permai as well they would have enough yards and room

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zorro

Totally agree that not taking Putra Mas would be a massive mistake, he is a very viable bull. Still wondering Permai eventual destination?

@Zoofan15

Sorry bro if you answering question feels like a repeat, but do I recall correctly you mentioned Burma's destination leaving Auckland is likely to be a US zoo?

Also what is the overall size again of Werribee's intended Elephant 'complex'?

No apologies necessary. The elephant complex at Werribee will be 20ha. To put this into perspective, the elephant complex at Melbourne Zoo would encompass 2% of that space!

It’s difficult to say where Burma will end up (and indeed the zoo are yet to announce anything), but her only realistic option within Australia is Werribee Open Range Zoo - which could receive her in 2024. If they aren’t willing to take her on, then an export to the USA is the most likely alternative. This could take up to two years to arrange, so the zoo would be looking at a similar timeframe of 2024.

Permai is in the same boat as Burma and it’s possible we’ll either see them both join Werribee’s herd; or both be exported to the US (not necessarily together).

Perth may be able to use Putra Mas as a bargaining chip, but that’s only if Zoos Victoria acknowledge what an asset he is to the regional breeding programme.

 

[Zorro]

No apologies necessary. The elephant complex at Werribee will be 20ha. To put this into perspective, the elephant complex at Melbourne Zoo would encompass 2% of that space!

It’s difficult to say where Burma will end up (and indeed the zoo are yet to announce anything), but her only realistic option within Australia is Werribee Open Range Zoo - which could receive her in 2024. If they aren’t willing to take her on, then an export to the USA is the most likely alternative. This could take up to two years to arrange, so the zoo would be looking at a similar timeframe of 2024.

Permai is in the same boat as Burma and it’s possible we’ll either see them both join Werribee’s herd; or both be exported to the US (not necessarily together).

In my view I believe having both Burma and Permai should join the Werribee herd, shipping them to the USA at there age would be unfair, just let them live out the rest of their lives here in Australia its not that hard.

 

[Jambo]

Dubbo Update

Auckland Zoo have shared this update on Anjalee at Dubbo:

We’re happy to share that Anjalee is doing well at her new home, Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo). She’s now fully integrated with the female herd and has developed a particularly close relationship with the youngest female, Kanlaya. Our colleagues at Dubbo say now that she’s established her place in the female herd, they’ll begin introducing her to the bull elephants.

Of most interest is the note they plan to begin introductions to the bulls - implying this will be for breeding.

I’m of the belief they’ll want Thong Dee to conceive first, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Thong Dee is in the early stages of pregnancy. She was seen sharing a yard with Pathi Harn earlier this year - who we can expect to be her breeding partner given the over representation of Gung x Thong Dee.

It would make sense if Pathi Harn breeds with Anjalee too. Bulls implies she'll be introduced to both Gung and Pathi Harn, so I guess it'll just be a raffle to see which male impregnates her first.

Allowing Anjalee to conceive soon will leave her to give birth in Spring 2024. She'll be eighteen at the time of the birth, which isn't terrible - two of Taronga's females, Pak Boon and Porntip were also eighteen at the time of their first births.

 

[Zoofan15]

In my view I believe having both Burma and Permai should join the Werribee herd, shipping them to the USA at there age would be unfair, just let them live out the rest of their lives here in Australia its not that hard.

I agree a transfer to Werribee would be in their best interests. They’re amenable elephants, who would surely assimilate nicely into the herd from a social perspective. It would also be more cost effective for Perth and Auckland, not to mention simpler logistically.

The decision really lies with Zoos Victoria, who will need to see a benefit beyond helping out these zoos with a problem of their making (it’s their decision to phase out elephants).

Zoos Victoria may wait for the impending births of their calves before making a call. An all male cohort could motivate them to accept two additional cows to strengthen the foundation of the matriarchal herd in favour of females. An all female cohort would presumably have the opposite effect.

 

[Zoofan15]

Dubbo Update

Auckland Zoo have shared this update on Anjalee at Dubbo:

We’re happy to share that Anjalee is doing well at her new home, Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo). She’s now fully integrated with the female herd and has developed a particularly close relationship with the youngest female, Kanlaya. Our colleagues at Dubbo say now that she’s established her place in the female herd, they’ll begin introducing her to the bull elephants.

Of most interest is the note they plan to begin introductions to the bulls - implying this will be for breeding.

I’m of the belief they’ll want Thong Dee to conceive first, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Thong Dee is in the early stages of pregnancy. She was seen sharing a yard with Pathi Harn earlier this year - who we can expect to be her breeding partner given the over representation of Gung x Thong Dee.

Breeding Plans for Anjalee

This article elaborates on the quoted socials post:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300727548/former-auckland-elephant-anjalee-thriving-in-new-home-and-bonding-with-herd

“We have been collecting blood samples from Anjalee for some time and gathering information to be able to track and monitor her reproductive status.”

Anjalee will soon be introduced to the bull elephants for social opportunities and relationship building, he said, and breeding recommendations would be made when the herd dynamics and timing is right.

Since they refer to introductions taking months or even years before a new elephant is fully integrated, I imagine they’re wanting to give the herd (especially the adult cows) more time to build on the excellent progress they’ve made before adding pregnancy hormones (which affect behaviour) to the mix.

Additionally, I’m of the belief Anjalee won’t be allowed to conceive until Thong Dee has conceived - so they may be waiting for this.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne Zoo Elephant Update

This morning, I came across this essay of an article which provides a fascinating insight into Melbourne Zoo’s elephant breeding programme: Three baby elephants are soon to be born at Melbourne Zoo. And a move to a new open-plains life at Werribee may be next.

I’ll summarise and discuss some of the key points below:

The birthing plan:

The zoo are well prepared for the upcoming births with a 40 page husbandry plan in place to cover every eventuality.

Due to size constraints of the barn, the zoo is unable to have all the cows present for births (which would be their preference).

Instead, the cows will have birthing partners based on the relationships between the cows: Dokkoon (due November 2022) will be partnered with Mek Kepah and Mali; Num Oi (due December 2022) will be partnered with Kulab; and Mali (due January 2023) will be partnered with Mek Kepah, Dokkoon and Dokkoon’s newborn calf.

The pairings are made based of the relationships within the herd. Dokkoon is closest to Mek Kepah and her daughter Mali; while Kulab and Num Oi are close friends. As a first time mother, Mali will surely benefit from having two experienced cows to guide her through the process.

The birth of Mali’s calf will be the largest herd birth in an Australian zoo, with three other elephants present. It’s mentioned Melbourne’s approach during free contact was to have the other elephants seperate and the keepers present to perform the role the elephants would otherwise play.

The transfer to Werribee:

While the opening of Melbourne Zoo’s current elephant exhibit in 2003 was a vast improvement on the previous exhibit, by 2008 the zoo had made the decision to transfer the herd to Werribee.

Plans to do this were approved in 2017 with $88 million in funding from the Victorian government.

The elephants are scheduled to transfer when the calves are around 18 months old (mid-2024).

Details on the Werribee complex:

The Werribee complex will consist of six large habitats:

Instead of three small, gated spaces at Melbourne Zoo, the elephants will have six huge and interconnected habitats to roam across. A 1.6-kilometre, 30-metre-high gondola will ferry up to 1000 visitors an hour over the zoo’s open plains to a cafe that looks on to the elephants’ swimming pools. Then they can walk within an enclosed path, which the elephants will be free to traverse via overpasses.

With two habitats to manage Luk Chai and Man Jai separately down the line, a third to house the matriarchal herd, a fourth to accomodate a bull calf/calves from the upcoming cohort into adolescence and a fifth for stand down/recovery time - that leaves a sixth habitat to accomodate Putra Mas if the zoo wishes to do so.

In addition to these habitats, schematics show off display yards - some of which are comparable in size to an exhibit in a city zoo, which will further enhance the zoo’s capacity to manage their elephant breeding programme long term.

 

[Zoofan15]

In addition to the information above on Melbourne’s herd, this article provided some interesting information on Taronga’s plans:

Taronga Zoo plan to transfer elephants to Dubbo:

Three baby elephants are soon to be born at Melbourne Zoo. And a move to a new open-plains life at Werribee may be next.

We FINALLY have confirmation Taronga Zoo plan to transfer Pak Boon and Tang Mo to Dubbo:

Some of the world’s urban zoos, including Detroit and San Francisco, have given up their elephants on ethical grounds, while Taronga plans to move its two Sydney-based elephants, who live on just half a hectare, to Dubbo, which has seven elephants on four hectares. The zoo states it will create “a centre of excellence for elephant care, conservation and guest experience” at Dubbo, but can’t say when this will happen or if it will be bigger.

It’s good to have confirmation of what we’ve long suspected was Taronga’s intention to have Pak Boon and Tang Mo rejoin the matriarchal herd at Dubbo.

There’s no mention of a timeline for this transfer, but will likely be once the new facility is up and running - which will include a heated barn capable of holding the matriarchal herd indoors for an extended period.

While we can’t take this as confirmation Taronga Zoo plan to phase out elephants, it’s all but implied in line with references to phasing out elephants from city zoos for ethical reasons.

 

[Zorro]

In addition to the information above on Melbourne’s herd, this article provided some interesting information on Taronga’s plans:

Taronga Zoo plan to transfer elephants to Dubbo:

Three baby elephants are soon to be born at Melbourne Zoo. And a move to a new open-plains life at Werribee may be next.

We FINALLY have confirmation Taronga Zoo plan to transfer Pak Boon and Tang Mo to Dubbo:

Some of the world’s urban zoos, including Detroit and San Francisco, have given up their elephants on ethical grounds, while Taronga plans to move its two Sydney-based elephants, who live on just half a hectare, to Dubbo, which has seven elephants on four hectares. The zoo states it will create “a centre of excellence for elephant care, conservation and guest experience” at Dubbo, but can’t say when this will happen or if it will be bigger.

It’s good to have confirmation of what we’ve long suspected was Taronga’s intention to have Pak Boon and Tang Mo rejoin the matriarchal herd at Dubbo.

There’s no mention of a timeline for this transfer, but will likely be once the new facility is up and running - which will include a heated barn capable of holding the matriarchal herd indoors for an extended period.

While we can’t take this as confirmation Taronga Zoo plan to phase out elephants, it’s all but implied in line with references to phasing out elephants from city zoos for ethical reasons.

Logically transferring the remaining elephants to Dubbo was always going to happen, there is no real gain keeping a couple/few behind at Taronga. Werribee made the best and bold move to build a proper breeding complex so they can focus on all available animals in one location.
This is a win/win situation for everyone.

 

[Zoofan15]

Logically transferring the remaining elephants to Dubbo was always going to happen, there is no real gain keeping a couple/few behind at Taronga. Werribee made the best and bold move to build a proper breeding complex so they can focus on all available animals in one location.
This is a win/win situation for everyone.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s a progressive move that’s in the best interests of the elephant’s welfare and will enable them to live in natural, multigenerational herds. It’s a vast improvement on the common practice within Australasian zoos of keeping cows either alone or with one other elephant in a small exhibit throughout the 20th century.

Tang Mo is non viable as a breeder and I’m unsure if they’ll be breeding with Pak Boon again, but either way they’ll benefit from playing an auntie/supportive role to the calves born at Dubbo.

Having all the elephants on site (and hopefully with Putra Mas transferring to Werribee), natural breeding will become standard practice.