Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2023

Zoofan15

Zoofan15

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2023

Introduction

Asian elephants are currently held at seven Australasian facilities.

Auckland Zoo has plans to phase out elephants in the near future; as do Perth Zoo. Neither zoo has stated yet where their elephants will be going - though Werribee Open Range Zoo remains the probable destination of Perth’s bull.

Melbourne Zoo have announced plans to phase out their elephants when facilities are constructed for them at Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2024.

Taronga Zoo are planning to transfer their two female elephants to Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Though a date has not been set for this, it’s believed it will be when the latter open their expanded facility to accomodate a larger matriarchal herd.

There is currently one confirmed pregnancy - with Num Oi at Melbourne Zoo due this month. The sire is Luk Chai.

Current Population

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Burma (00/00/1982) Wild x Wild; Imported 1990

Australia Zoo:

0.1 Megawati (19/07/1999) Sidarta x Umri; Imported 2019
0.1 Widya (21/05/2001) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
0.1 Christina (01/12/2009) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
0.1 Raflesia (00/11/2014) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019

Melbourne Zoo:

1.0 Luk Chai (04/07/2009) Gung x Thong Dee
1.0 Man Jai (08/12/2013) Bong Su x Dokkoon
1.0 Roi-Yim (25/11/2022) Luk Chai x Mali

0.1 Mek Kapah (00/00/1973) Wild x Wild; Imported 1978
0.1 Dokkoon (00/00/1993) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
0.1 Kulab (00/00/2000) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
0.1 Num-Oi (00/00/2001) Num Sek x Lampoon; Imported 2006
0.1 Mali (16/01/2010) Bong Su x Dokkoon
0.1 Aiyara (16/11/2022) Luk Chai x Dokkoon

Perth Zoo:

1.0 Putra Mas (00/00/1989) Wild x Wild; Imported 1992

0.1 Permai (00/00/1989) Wild x Wild; Imported 1992

Sydney Zoo:

1.0 Kavi (17/07/2014) Upali x Yasmin; Imported 2020
1.0 Ashoka (19/08/2014) Upali x Anak; Imported 2020

Taronga Zoo:

0.1 Pak Boon (00/00/1992) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
0.1 Tang Mo (00/00/1999) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

1.0 Gung (00/00/2000) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
1.0 Pathi Harn (10/03/2010) Bong Su x Porntip
1.0 Sabai (02/11/2016) Gung x Thong Dee

0.1 Porntip (00/00/1992); Imported 2006
0.1 Thong Dee (00/00/1997); Imported 2006
0.1 Anjalee (23/08/2006) Jayathu x Mayuri; Imported 2015
0.1 Kanlaya (14/06/2018) Putra Mas x Porntip

Total regional population: 9.18 Asian elephant

Note: Year of import is the year imported into the region.
 
@Zoofan15

Happy happy new year amigo.
Am excited to see what 2023 has install for our region's Eles' and all the other animal friends.of ours.

So it seems when considering what is being planned by Zoos NSW, Zoos Victoria, Auckland Zoo's plans and Perth Zoo's plans that in the near future the only city zoo in our region that currently has Asian Elephants and has not (tmk) made close-by plans to send their Elephants to bigger zoos is Sydney Zoo.
 
steveroberts said:
@Zoofan15

Happy happy new year amigo.
Am excited to see what 2023 has install for our region's Eles' and all the other animal friends.of ours.

So it seems when considering what is being planned by Zoos NSW, Zoos Victoria, Auckland Zoo's plans and Perth Zoo's plans that in the near future the only city zoo in our region that currently has Asian Elephants and has not (tmk) made close-by plans to send their Elephants to bigger zoos is Sydney Zoo.
Click to expand...

Happy New Year! It’ll be an exciting start to 2023 with Num Oi’s calf due this month.

Yes, it seems likely that five years from now, Sydney Zoo will be the only zoo in Australasia holding elephants. Whether this will be a detriment to their public image re. the ethics of elephants in city zoos; or a drawcard by virtue of holding Sydney’s only elephants remains to be seen.
 
@Zoofan15

It kinda feels like Sydney Zoo right off the bat made no indication that it was in the zoo existence business for conservation or the educating the public about our animal world through a number representatives. I believe it was very much a wealthy father and son (the father made excellent money setting up Sydney Aquarium in '88) who quite literally as stated by an article over-drinks had the 'brainstorm' idea that the very same formula that led to financial success could be repeated on a larger scale by giving greater Sydney an alternative zoo to Taronga. It's definitely profit desiring enterprise that will likely stick to the safe formula of the A-Z drawcard popular species. I might very well have to eat these words but would be very surprised if they willingly sought to phase out Elephants anytime in the near future. Think they knew that importing two males meant 'less spatial requirements' ie males being solitary etc. I almost want Sydney Zoo to have some conservation message, but then again don't want to see a disingenuous one. Its the Steve Robinsons and MRJ's who own their zoos and wildlife parks for the most worthwhile and genuine reasons. I do wish Sydney Zoo well though and thank goodness their keepers would be really cool and caring people.
 
Always_Amity said:
Well that was quick!
Zoos Victoria just announced on their socials that Num Oi has given birth to a female calf!
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Fantastic news! The best way to start off the new year! My prediction of 2.1 calves was correct too!

A female calf was so important for Num Oi and it is great to see that it was as successful as the other births, I was almost certain that one of the births would have some issues as statistics suggested it, but I'm very happy to be proven wrong :)
 
Always_Amity said:
Well that was quick!
Zoos Victoria just announced on their socials that Num Oi has given birth to a female calf!
Click to expand...

What a great start to 2023! This calf is just what Num Oi needs to build up her matriarchal line. :)

My observation is this calf looks very tall - especially compared to Aiyara. No doubt a combination of her parent’s genes.

Here’s the announcement from Zoos Victoria:

2023 is off to a trumpeting start with the safe and healthy arrival of Melbourne Zoo’s third Asian Elephant calf to gorgeous mum, Num Oi, and father, Luk Chai.

The trifecta of calves who have recently been born at Melbourne Zoo represent a HUGE success for the Cooperative Conservation Breeding Program for the Endangered species, especially as wild populations continue to decline.

While the little one is getting to know her surroundings and meeting her two siblings, Aiyara and Roi-Yim, the herd will be taking some time in private to bond and rest.

We’ll keep you updated on when Trail of the Elephants will open again, but for now, enjoy the first glimpses of Num Oi’s newest arrival.
 
steveroberts said:
@Zoofan15

It kinda feels like Sydney Zoo right off the bat made no indication that it was in the zoo existence business for conservation or the educating the public about our animal world through a number representatives. I believe it was very much a wealthy father and son (the father made excellent money setting up Sydney Aquarium in '88) who quite literally as stated by an article over-drinks had the 'brainstorm' idea that the very same formula that led to financial success could be repeated on a larger scale by giving greater Sydney an alternative zoo to Taronga. It's definitely profit desiring enterprise that will likely stick to the safe formula of the A-Z drawcard popular species. I might very well have to eat these words but would be very surprised if they willingly sought to phase out Elephants anytime in the near future. Think they knew that importing two males meant 'less spatial requirements' ie males being solitary etc. I almost want Sydney Zoo to have some conservation message, but then again don't want to see a disingenuous one. Its the Steve Robinsons and MRJ's who own their zoos and wildlife parks for the most worthwhile and genuine reasons. I do wish Sydney Zoo well though and thank goodness their keepers would be really cool and caring people.
Click to expand...

I agree Sydney Zoo will likely persist with elephants long term. By virtue of holding two bulls instead of a growing matriarchal herd, the exhibit will attract less negative PR than Taronga and Melbourne’s herds did. They’d also be reluctant to concede what will soon be a notable point of different (the only elephants in Sydney).

To my knowledge, the bulls from Dublin were imported because Taronga were unwilling to transfer two of their bulls to Sydney Zoo. Luk Chai and Pathi Harn seemed like the obvious candidates, but Luk Chai has since gone into a breeding herd; and Pathi Harn will likely be used as a sire for Thong Dee’s next calf (and possibly Anjalee’s).

With a lack of elephants available in the region at that point in time, Sydney Zoo looked further afield and the Dublin bulls were what was offered.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I agree Sydney Zoo will likely persist with elephants long term. By virtue of holding two bulls instead of a growing matriarchal herd, the exhibit will attract less negative PR than Taronga and Melbourne’s herds did. They’d also be reluctant to concede what will soon be a notable point of different (the only elephants in Sydney).

To my knowledge, the bulls from Dublin were imported because Taronga were unwilling to transfer two of their bulls to Sydney Zoo. Luk Chai and Pathi Harn seemed like the obvious candidates, but Luk Chai has since gone into a breeding herd; and Pathi Harn will likely be used as a sire for Thong Dee’s next calf (and possibly Anjalee’s).

With a lack of elephants available in the region at that point in time, Sydney Zoo looked further afield and the Dublin bulls were what was offered.
Click to expand...
This could be a blessing in disguise that Sydney zoo obtaining these 2 bulls they might be able to play some part in the future in the regions breeding program. I believe the zoo expanded the current elephant area from the original size that was given. I am not sure if if could be possible for them to expand the exhibit in the future!
 
Zorro said:
This could be a blessing in disguise that Sydney zoo obtaining these 2 bulls they might be able to play some part in the future in the regions breeding program. I believe the zoo expanded the current elephant area from the original size that was given. I am not sure if if could be possible for them to expand the exhibit in the future!
Click to expand...

I agree it’ll surely pay off for the regional breeding programme. Right now, we have numerous valuable founders; but after a few generations we’ll have exhausted all options and then will require the input of these bulls. It may not be until they’re into middle age, but I have no doubt they’ll be utilised.

For now, the region would be wise to breed from the founders and first generation bulls that are both genetically valuable from an international perspective. Zoos Victoria got lucky with a cohort of 1.2 calves, but they’re not gonna be lucky forever and if they want to maintain regular breeding, they need to consider placements for surplus bulls.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I agree it’ll surely pay off for the regional breeding programme. Right now, we have numerous valuable founders; but after a few generations we’ll have exhausted all options and then will require the input of these bulls. It may not be until they’re into middle age, but I have no doubt they’ll be utilised.

For now, the region would be wise to breed from the founders and first generation bulls that are both genetically valuable from an international perspective. Zoos Victoria got lucky with a cohort of 1.2 calves, but they’re not gonna be lucky forever and if they want to maintain regular breeding, they need to consider placements for surplus bulls.
Click to expand...
I agree, Its not like we have a large population as they do in Europe and the USA with a lot more options, So we need to utilise what we do have on the table in the here and now.

I believe they do need to maintain regular breeding until there is a larger breeding base than we currently have, Another plus would be if Monarto were to take any surplus bulls in the future or perhaps even some of the larger regional zoos if they were interested.
My concern currently is where the Dubbo herd is at in this point of time, It appears they are lagging behind producing any calfs for a while, I believe having to bigger gaps between calf could be counter productive in the long term. Its not like they can just import more to boost the herd at anytime they feel its needed.
 
Zorro said:
I agree, Its not like we have a large population as they do in Europe and the USA with a lot more options, So we need to utilise what we do have on the table in the here and now.

I believe they do need to maintain regular breeding until there is a larger breeding base than we currently have, Another plus would be if Monarto were to take any surplus bulls in the future or perhaps even some of the larger regional zoos if they were interested.
My concern currently is where the Dubbo herd is at in this point of time, It appears they are lagging behind producing any calfs for a while, I believe having to bigger gaps between calf could be counter productive in the long term. Its not like they can just import more to boost the herd at anytime they feel its needed.
Click to expand...

Regular breeding will make succession less vulnerable to losses through EEHV and other such catastrophic events. Taronga began with four young imported cows, but from that cohort, only have one surviving juvenile cow to date. Their succession will come via this juvenile and a further imported cow, along with any others bred in the years to come.

Melbourne have been more fortunate. A surviving first generation cow (the only female within a cohort of four calves), who has now bred; along with a further two female calves in the latest cohort.

While it’s difficult to imagine demand for our bulls overseas allowing breeding at a natural rate, a combination of exports outside the region and what can be accommodated at Werribee and any new holders should at least allow semi-regular breeding of five year intervals - an improvement on what we’ve seen in the past; and how things are going at Dubbo.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Regular breeding will make succession less vulnerable to losses through EEHV and other such catastrophic events. Taronga began with four young imported cows, but from that cohort, only have one surviving juvenile cow to date. Their succession will come via this juvenile and a further imported cow, along with any others bred in the years to come.

Melbourne have been more fortunate. A surviving first generation cow (the only female within a cohort of four calves), who has now bred; along with a further two female calves in the latest cohort.

While it’s difficult to imagine demand for our bulls overseas allowing breeding at a natural rate, a combination of exports outside the region and what can be accommodated at Werribee and any new holders should at least allow semi-regular breeding of five year intervals - an improvement on what we’ve seen in the past; and how things are going at Dubbo.
Click to expand...
It does concern me that Taronga has only 1 female calf to date but would it be even possible to import 1 or 2 new females?
 
Zorro said:
It does concern me that Taronga has only 1 female calf to date but would it be even possible to import 1 or 2 new females?
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It’d be difficult. Aside from the logistics of importing, it could be problematic to merge imported females with the existing herd. They seem to have struck lucky with Anjalee, but there’s no guarantee things would go as smoothly next time.

At this stage, I’d say Dubbo had enough on their plate trying to breed the cows they have. I’d prefer to see the founders in their herd bred more frequently while they’re still of reproductive age, with importing the contingency if this fails to generate succession.

If Kanlaya survives and another one or two females calves are born within the next cohort (I suspect they may breed all three adult cows), then I’d be more optimistic.
 
Zoofan15 said:
It’d be difficult. Aside from the logistics of importing, it could be problematic to merge imported females with the existing herd. They seem to have struck lucky with Anjalee, but there’s no guarantee things would go as smoothly next time.

At this stage, I’d say Dubbo had enough on their plate trying to breed the cows they have. I’d prefer to see the founders in their herd bred more frequently while they’re still of reproductive age, with importing the contingency if this fails to generate succession.

If Kanlaya survives and another one or two females calves are born within the next cohort (I suspect they may breed all three adult cows), then I’d be more optimistic.
Click to expand...
What reason has there been for not breeding the cows they have currently?
 
Zorro said:
What reason has there been for not breeding the cows they have currently?
Click to expand...

Primarily infrastructure. Until recently, they have four of their five paddocks at Dubbo occupied by the matriarchal herd, Gung, Luk Chai and Pathi Harn; with the fifth paddock as a rotational paddock to avoid over use.

Even with Luk Chai’s transfer, things have improved very little with Sabai transitioning out of the matriarchal herd and a fourth paddock needed to account for separation between him and Pathi Harn as he matures (Pathi Harn seems to tolerate him for now).
 
Zoofan15 said:
My observation is this calf looks very tall - especially compared to Aiyara. No doubt a combination of her parent’s gene
Click to expand...

Definitely looks bigger than both Aiyara and Roi Yim! No doubt Num Oi’s height and size has influenced this; Luk Chai is a very small male and likewise has obviously passed his size onto little Aiyara.

Also, the female calf was born at 11.25 pm last night. :)

0.1 Unnamed (01/01/2023) Luk Chai x Num Oi
 
Auckland Zoo Update

I visited Auckland Zoo yesterday and there are currently no plans (announced) regarding Burma’s export.

Werribee Open Range Zoo remains a possibility, but no decision by Zoos Victoria will be made until late 2024 when their elephants have settled in.

It’s encouraging to know that Zoos Victoria haven’t said a flat no to the idea; and may also be open to accepting Permai from Perth Zoo.

Due to the uncertainty (they haven’t said yes either), I imagine both zoos will continue to explore alternatives (i.e. export to the US in the meantime) - though in terms of timeframes, an export to the US likely wouldn’t be any quicker.

From a personal perspective, I hope Burma and Permai can join the herd at Werribee. It will be one of the best captive facilities in the world and fulfil their socials needs for the remainder of their lives.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Article on Num Oi’s calf:

Baby sister for elephants at Melbourne Zoo

The article notes that like the previous calves, she will be named via a competition in the coming weeks (quite possibly recycling the rejected names of the previous competitions).

Mai Pai and Chaiyo, we look forward to seeing you again soon.
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Well, I hope we get a really good third name, as either of those two names don’t really suit Num Oi’s calf imo.
 
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