Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2023

[Zoofan15]

I don't know any specifics about the nature of Porntip and Gung's relationship, but my understanding is that it's been more a matter of circumstances that they've never bred with each other and both of Porntip's calves have been conceived via AI.

When Pathi Harn was conceived in approx. May 2008, it was considered a priority for the matriarch to breed and there was a concern that Gung would not be able to reach the older female yet. Bong Su had been trained for AI (in the first instance to test his fertility, and then for AI with Melbourne's females when he did not breed naturally with them) and therefore was chosen as the sire.

The question mark is over why Porntip didn't conceive at Taronga before being transferred to Dubbo, like Thong Dee did. Obviously by the time Kanlaya was conceived, there were no adult bulls on site, so it made sense that she conceived via AI. I would only be speculating, but perhaps at the time, Taronga wanted to stagger breeding.

There only would have been two cows in the herd, plus their adolescent bull offspring, and maybe the zoo thought that it would be too much to have two young calves in close proximity. Even at Melbourne, there have been other non-breeding cows in the herd, in Kulab and Mek Kapah.

A calf from Anjalee sired by Pathi Harn would be valuable either way as the calf would be unrelated to the Gung/Thong Dee line, and therefore offspring of Dokkoon and Numoi sired by Luk Chai at Melbourne/Werribee. However, given Gung is a very proven bull, I would see the value in pairing him with Anjalee in the first instance.

Yes that’s correct. Porntip was prioritised for breeding in 2008 following the news Thong Dee had conceived. The 1.4 elephants were all housed together for the first two years, so it’s not surprise Gung and Thong Dee conceived; but considering the lack of precedent in the region for breeding elephants, I doubt it was something they were banking on/planning for (versus the two adult cows being a priority to breed).

It’s deeply regrettable that Heman died in December 2006 without contributing to the AI programme, but there simply wasn’t time. Aside from Bong Su being conditioned for AI, a female calf would have been ideal as a breeding partner for Gung. I recall the zoo commenting in an article the plan was to produce calves from different bloodlines for the sake of genetic diversity/future breeding.

There was a delay in Porntip conceiving the second time around. There was at least one unsuccessful attempt at AI that I’m aware of and there may well have been others. This appears to explain the gap between her birth and Thong Dee’s. The age gap wasn’t ideal, with Sabai being a hindrance in Kanlaya’s early months. I doubt they’d replicate this again through choice.

Gung is a founder, so I’d anticipate him breeding with Anjalee unless they prove incompatible.

 

[Jambo]

I don't know any specifics about the nature of Porntip and Gung's relationship, but my understanding is that it's been more a matter of circumstances that they've never bred with each other and both of Porntip's calves have been conceived via AI.

When Pathi Harn was conceived in approx. May 2008, it was considered a priority for the matriarch to breed and there was a concern that Gung would not be able to reach the older female yet. Bong Su had been trained for AI (in the first instance to test his fertility, and then for AI with Melbourne's females when he did not breed naturally with them) and therefore was chosen as the sire.

The question mark is over why Porntip didn't conceive at Taronga before being transferred to Dubbo, like Thong Dee did. Obviously by the time Kanlaya was conceived, there were no adult bulls on site, so it made sense that she conceived via AI. I would only be speculating, but perhaps at the time, Taronga wanted to stagger breeding.

There only would have been two cows in the herd, plus their adolescent bull offspring, and maybe the zoo thought that it would be too much to have two young calves in close proximity. Even at Melbourne, there have been other non-breeding cows in the herd, in Kulab and Mek Kapah.

A calf from Anjalee sired by Pathi Harn would be valuable either way as the calf would be unrelated to the Gung/Thong Dee line, and therefore offspring of Dokkoon and Numoi sired by Luk Chai at Melbourne/Werribee. However, given Gung is a very proven bull, I would see the value in pairing him with Anjalee in the first instance.

Porntip was artificially inseminated in 2014 of which was unsuccessful. The plan was to have both her (and Thong Dee) pregnant prior to the move to Dubbo with them both giving birth in 2016. Of course that AI was unsuccessful for some reason or another; and I'm not sure whether they tried after but all we know now is that she only finally conceived (with Kanlaya) following her arrival to Dubbo.

The fact that Taronga decided to AI her again in 2014 rather than breed her naturally with Gung was an interesting decision. The height factor as you previously mentioned would've been no longer in play so she could've easily conceived to Gung at that point in time. The only realistic answer here is they wanted Putra Mas to sire offspring (via AI) and Porntip was chosen as a suitable candidate? Num Oi at Melbourne conceived Willow around this time too so its a very real possibility.

Taronga also stopped protective contact in 2014 too so I've also long wondered how Pak Boon and Thong Dee conceived in 2015 as they obviously would've had to be have been 'walked' over to Gung's enclosure. Maybe an exception was made simply for these breeding visits. This would also explain why the decision was made to shift the breeding herd across to Dubbo as breeding at Taronga had become realistically impossible with Gung at the other end of the zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

Porntip was artificially inseminated in 2014 of which was unsuccessful. The plan was to have both her (and Thong Dee) pregnant prior to the move to Dubbo with them both giving birth in 2016. Of course that AI was unsuccessful for some reason or another; and I'm not sure whether they tried after but all we know now is that she only finally conceived (with Kanlaya) following her arrival to Dubbo.

The fact that Taronga decided to AI her again in 2014 rather than breed her naturally with Gung was an interesting decision. The height factor as you previously mentioned would've been no longer in play so she could've easily conceived to Gung at that point in time. The only realistic answer here is they wanted Putra Mas to sire offspring (via AI) and Porntip was chosen as a suitable candidate? Num Oi at Melbourne conceived Willow around this time too so its a very real possibility.

Taronga also stopped protective contact in 2014 too so I've also long wondered how Pak Boon and Thong Dee conceived in 2015 as they obviously would've had to be have been 'walked' over to Gung's enclosure. Maybe an exception was made simply for these breeding visits. This would also explain why the decision was made to shift the breeding herd across to Dubbo as breeding at Taronga had become realistically impossible with Gung at the other end of the zoo.

AI was undertaken with Porntip in early 2014 using semen from both Gung and Putra Mas. It was sadly unsuccessful. At this time, Thong Dee, Tang Mo and Luk Chai were visiting Gung every weekend for socialisation, but if one of the cows was cycling, she was left alone with Gung. He was happy to have Luk Chai around, but not if he was getting in the way of breeding attempts. Needless to say, Tang Mo didn’t conceive; but Thong Dee obviously did - giving birth to Sabai two years later.

Tukta was also visiting Gung in 2014 - accompanied by Pak Boon and Tang Mo. The following year, Pak Boon conceived via natural mating.

The zoo had an elephant trailer that was used to transport the cows to Gung’s exhibit (following the shift to protected contact). Pathi Harn was apparently wary of the trailer, so he didn’t participate in social visits to Gung. I imagine crate training him for the move to Dubbo was a mission.

 

[Swanson02]

AI was undertaken with Porntip in early 2014 using semen from both Gung and Putra Mas. It was sadly unsuccessful. At this time, Thong Dee, Tang Mo and Luk Chai were visiting Gung every weekend for socialisation,

Any reason for this specific grouping?

Pathi Harn was apparently wary of the trailer, so he didn’t participate in social visits to Gung. I imagine crate training him for the move to Dubbo was a mission.

Makes sense why his mother wouldn't be involved in any of the visits too then, thus no natural attempts were made with her and Gung.
It could also be possible that Gung was just not mature enough for Porntip due to the age and size gap, she is the matriarch and quite a dominant elephant, hence wouldn't put up with him. Gung was breeding at quite a young age, most wild bulls hit their breeding peak in their 20s and 30s (where Gung is now), I remember there being evidence from other zoos of older cows not breeding with drastically younger bulls. It also makes sense considering Pak Boon and Thong Dee are squatter cows, hence easier for Gung to 'hold' onto in mount. It could be different now with Porntip since he has grown and matured.

 

[Zoofan15]

Any reason for this specific grouping?

They were trying to breed from Thong Dee and Tang Mo and felt Luk Chai would benefit from the interaction with the bull.

It was good practice for Thong Dee and Luk Chai using the trailer ahead of their transfer to Dubbo and Thong Dee was often accompanied by Tang Mo as she was a nervous elephant.

Makes sense why his mother wouldn't be involved in any of the visits too then, thus no natural attempts were made with her and Gung.
It could also be possible that Gung was just not mature enough for Porntip due to the age and size gap, she is the matriarch and quite a dominant elephant, hence wouldn't put up with him. Gung was breeding at quite a young age, most wild bulls hit their breeding peak in their 20s and 30s (where Gung is now), I remember there being evidence from other zoos of older cows not breeding with drastically younger bulls. It also makes sense considering Pak Boon and Thong Dee are squatter cows, hence easier for Gung to 'hold' onto in mount. It could be different now with Porntip since he has grown and matured.

I do recall reading an article about Gung moving to his bachelor pad in 2008 and how he was essentially evicted from the herd. He’d been sparring energetically with Porntip and Pak Boon and as a result they’d been refusing to let him enter the upper paddock. As in the wild, it was time for him to move on.

Gung’s had interactions with the herd at Dubbo, so I don’t believe any conflict exists between them now; but perhaps in 2014, Porntip still held that resentment towards Gung. If she was rebuffing his mating attempts (along with Tang Mo, who wasn’t cooperative), perhaps the zoo was concerned it could affect Gung’s mating skills during his formative years (which were otherwise on track).

 

[Tiger91]

Taronga Western plains zoo FB page is doing introductions for the elephants as part of world elephant day. In anjalees it has
"We also want you to meet Anjalee, or ‘Gracious gift’ in Sinhalese. Born in 2006, Anjalee moved from Auckland Zoo to Taronga Western Plains Zoo on 8 March 2022, in the hopes of naturally breeding her with one of the bulls at Dubbo. She seems to have fit into the herd extremely well and has also spent time with the three bulls on different occasions."

Fingers crossed their may be another pregnancy announcement in the not to distant future.

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Western plains zoo FB page is doing introductions for the elephants as part of world elephant day. In anjalees it has
"We also want you to meet Anjalee, or ‘Gracious gift’ in Sinhalese. Born in 2006, Anjalee moved from Auckland Zoo to Taronga Western Plains Zoo on 8 March 2022, in the hopes of naturally breeding her with one of the bulls at Dubbo. She seems to have fit into the herd extremely well and has also spent time with the three bulls on different occasions."

Fingers crossed their may be another pregnancy announcement in the not to distant future.

I’m hoping for an announcement in the near future that all three cows are in calf, which would be the ideal with regards to herd dynamics and reproductive health. Even one or two calves in the next couple of years would be great considering there hasn’t been a birth since 2018.

The intention was for Anjalee to conceive as soon as she’d settled into the herd and I think we can say with confidence that’s been achieved. It appears to have been a seamless introduction, with all four cows getting on well.

All three bulls have social time with the matriarchal herd, but either Gung or Pathi Harn will be her intended mate. Gung appears the more likely choice, with him and Anjalee both being founders.

 

[Tiger91]

I’m hoping for an announcement in the near future that all three cows are in calf, which would be the ideal with regards to herd dynamics and reproductive health. Even one or two calves in the next couple of years would be great considering there hasn’t been a birth since 2018.

The intention was for Anjalee to conceive as soon as she’d settled into the herd and I think we can say with confidence that’s been achieved. It appears to have been a seamless introduction, with all four cows getting on well.

All three bulls have social time with the matriarchal herd, but either Gung or Pathi Harn will be her intended mate. Gung appears the more likely choice, with him and Anjalee both being founders.

The way Taronga seems to do things. I wouldn't be surprised if they just rotate her between both bulls and see who she falls pregnant to. Pathi Harn would be a better match genetically. Creating a more valuable calf either for dubbos herd going forward if it were female. Or for one of the other zoos as a breeding bull.

 

[Zoofan15]

The way Taronga seems to do things. I wouldn't be surprised if they just rotate her between both bulls and see who she falls pregnant to. Pathi Harn would be a better match genetically. Creating a more valuable calf either for dubbos herd going forward if it were female. Or for one of the other zoos as a breeding bull.

Taronga have only used two bulls for a breeding attempt once to my knowledge and that was for AI - which comes at a substantial cost. I’d expect Anjalee’s initial attempts at breeding to be focussed on one pre-selected bull, with another only subbed in if incompatibility issues arise.

Pathi Harn has mounted the cows before and with his father’s genes for fertility, I have no doubt he’ll be equally as successful; though he remains unproven up until this point.

The only two (attempted) pairings we can guarantee are Gung and Porntip; and Pathi Harn and Thong Dee. A third son from Gung and Thong Dee would be a surplus I doubt we’d even shift to North America when we have Sabai ready to go.

 

[Tiger91]

Taronga have only used two bulls for a breeding attempt once to my knowledge and that was for AI - which comes at a substantial cost. I’d expect Anjalee’s initial attempts at breeding to be focussed on one pre-selected bull, with another only subbed in if incompatibility issues arise.

Pathi Harn has mounted the cows before and with his father’s genes for fertility, I have no doubt he’ll be equally as successful; though he remains unproven up until this point.

The only two (attempted) pairings we can guarantee are Gung and Porntip; and Pathi Harn and Thong Dee. A third son from Gung and Thong Dee would be a surplus I doubt we’d even shift to North America when we have Sabai ready to go.

It would be a missed opportunity if Taronga doesn't swap out the cows and become a bachelor facility. At lest then any surplus male offspring from the next round would have somewhere to go. And Taronga gets to keep a key crowd pulling species. Their exhibit would be big enough to house one or two bulls. Im also surprised Europe hasn't been key to import one.

 

[Yassa]

Europe has its own surplus bull problem - just on a much bigger scale! We dont have 2 or 3 young bulls to place, but rather 20 or 30. And the European Asian elephant program is not in dire need of new genes; we have plenty of founders and many animals that have hardly any relatives in the program. Importing unrelated bulls from other regions is not a priority. Australia will have to deal with its surplus bull problem on its own. I would definately recommend that Taronga and Melbourne Zoo become bull facilities instead of ending their elephant programs.

 

[steveroberts]

Its possible (albeit an expensive undertaking for private zoos) that Mogo and Darling Downs for example could have the space needed for housing bulls. I think Taronga (Sydney) and Melbourne (and Perth) are pretty determined on their course of no longer keeping Elephants soon. Perhaps Taronga may be the most likely to reconsider although just a vague hunch (Taronga seems less set in stone their directive at times).

 

[Zoofan15]

Its possible (albeit an expensive undertaking for private zoos) that Mogo and Darling Downs for example could have the space needed for housing bulls. I think Taronga (Sydney) and Melbourne (and Perth) are pretty determined on their course of no longer keeping Elephants soon. Perhaps Taronga may be the most likely to reconsider although just a vague hunch (Taronga seems less set in stone their directive at times).

I agree. There’s no way in hell Melbourne or Perth are gonna hold bull elephants in the future. That’s where Perth are now (holding a bull) and they’re phasing them out; while Zoos Victoria have all the space they need for the next few decades at Werribee.

Taronga may consider based on the lack of space at Dubbo, but I can’t really see it happening. Public perceptions have changed and Taronga not having elephants while Sydney does could even be a boost to their image (depending on what they replace them with).

Exporting Sabai is the logical move for Dubbo. Somebody in the North American population thread seemed adamant space isn’t the issue it is over here and they can hold as many calves as they can breed. If this is true, then I see no reason they wouldn’t want Sabai. This would mean Dubbo could reduce their elephants to three groupings: Gung, Pathi and the female herd; with the fourth paddock accommodating a bull or bulls from the next cohort; and the fifth as stand down/recovery.

I could potentially see Mogo acquiring elephants in the next 10 years. Probably two bachelor bulls - which could well come from Dubbo’s next cohort.

 

[Jambo]

I agree. There’s no way in hell Melbourne or Perth are gonna hold bull elephants in the future. That’s where Perth are now (holding a bull) and they’re phasing them out; while Zoos Victoria have all the space they need for the next few decades at Werribee.

Taronga may consider based on the lack of space at Dubbo, but I can’t really see it happening. Public perceptions have changed and Taronga not having elephants while Sydney does could even be a boost to their image (depending on what they replace them with).

Exporting Sabai is the logical move for Dubbo. Somebody in the North American population thread seemed adamant space isn’t the issue it is over here and they can hold as many calves as they can breed. If this is true, then I see no reason they wouldn’t want Sabai. This would mean Dubbo could reduce their elephants to three groupings: Gung, Pathi and the female herd; with the fourth paddock accommodating a bull or bulls from the next cohort; and the fifth as stand down/recovery.

I could potentially see Mogo acquiring elephants in the next 10 years. Probably two bachelor bulls - which could well come from Dubbo’s next cohort.

The plan is for Werribee to be able to accommodate the current bulls they have and any born in the future there long term. From what I've read they'll group these bulls together in one or two single groupings which will be interesting as they're banking on the size of the paddocks to keep the bulls away from each other most of the time. It'll be intriguing to see how this pans out.

Taronga on the other hand could go into holding bachelor bulls. Especially with the lack of space at Dubbo, Taronga will need all the space they can get for surplus bulls in the future. In saying that, it does seem like they'll be going in the direction of not holding any elephants whatsoever going forward, which is inevitable imo.

Dubbo does not have the size to accommodate bachelor males unless they can have a cohesive grouping; of which they don't at the moment.

North America does apparently have the space for more bulls but it's logistically a nightmare to get them over there; and the cost factor is enormous too. Most (if not all) zoos in the US already have breeding bulls and this is part of the reason why Ongard has yet to be placed in a breeding situation yet. With a lot of the bulls now approaching their 40's and 50's though; there will be a period where the US will be able to accommodate some new genetics.

Another option is if Australia Zoo look into holding some of our surplus males alongside their girls. They do have a ton of space and this presents as another option if it comes down to the point where the region is in dire need of a bachelor facility.

 

[StoppableSan]

The plan is for Werribee to be able to accommodate the current bulls they have and any born in the future there long term. From what I've read they'll group these bulls together in one or two single groupings which will be interesting as they're banking on the size of the paddocks to keep the bulls away from each other most of the time. It'll be intriguing to see how this pans out.

Taronga on the other hand could go into holding bachelor bulls. Especially with the lack of space at Dubbo, Taronga will need all the space they can get for surplus bulls in the future. In saying that, it does seem like they'll be going in the direction of not holding any elephants whatsoever going forward, which is inevitable imo.

Dubbo does not have the size to accommodate bachelor males unless they can have a cohesive grouping; of which they don't at the moment.

North America does apparently have the space for more bulls but it's logistically a nightmare to get them over there; and the cost factor is enormous too. Most (if not all) zoos in the US already have breeding bulls and this is part of the reason why Ongard has yet to be placed in a breeding situation yet. With a lot of the bulls now approaching their 40's and 50's though; there will be a period where the US will be able to accommodate some new genetics.

Another option is if Australia Zoo look into holding some of our surplus males alongside their girls. They do have a ton of space and this presents as another option if it comes down to the point where the region is in dire need of a bachelor facility.

Seems as if Taronga's the only immediate option available for a bachelor group? Like an Antwerp/Planckendael situation, except with a significantly better barn and the opportunity to expand in the Aldabra tortoise area/build the proposed trail system. I drew out a way of doing the expansion somewhere, but I can't remember if this was the thread I put it in or if it was elsewhere.

 

[Zoofan15]

Seems as if Taronga's the only immediate option available for a bachelor group? Like an Antwerp/Planckendael situation, except with a significantly better barn and the opportunity to expand in the Aldabra tortoise area/build the proposed trail system. I drew out a way of doing the expansion somewhere, but I can't remember if this was the thread I put it in or if it was elsewhere.

Yes, Taronga would have to make modifications to the large cow exhibit (bulls require taller fences), but the exhibit could easily accomodate bulls once Pak Boon and Tang Mo transfer out (probably to Monarto in late 2024).

They also have the existing bull complex, which would be cramped for more than one bull imo (and even then is small for one bull by today’s standards); but could be suitable for a year or two. It’s probably better to wait until the cows move out and then redevelop their exhibit.

I don’t foresee any other holder arising for many years given Melbourne, Auckland and Perth are phasing out and the costs of holding elephants making them prohibitive for smaller zoos.

 

[Zoofan15]

The plan is for Werribee to be able to accommodate the current bulls they have and any born in the future there long term. From what I've read they'll group these bulls together in one or two single groupings which will be interesting as they're banking on the size of the paddocks to keep the bulls away from each other most of the time. It'll be intriguing to see how this pans out.

It’ll be interesting to see how housing multiple bulls together will pan out as I feel like they’d still be motivated to spar with each other no matter the size of the exhibit. Successful bachelor groupings do exist overseas, but the presence of cows could cause friction.

Now we know Putra Mas won’t be going to Werribee, that means they’ll have 2-3 groupings depending on how Luk Chai and Man Jai’s relationship changes over the years. A male calf or calves from the next cohort could join Roi Yim to form another group (Werribee will have five paddocks); though I’m reasonably confident the full integration concept could work with Luk Chai, who’s remarkably placid for a bull elephant.

Another option is if Australia Zoo look into holding some of our surplus males alongside their girls. They do have a ton of space and this presents as another option if it comes down to the point where the region is in dire need of a bachelor facility.

Australia Zoo really need to decide on what route forward they’re going to take. They presumably wanted cows so they could do full contact, but now they’re shifting to PC, they may be more motivated to import a bull and breed. Just importing four cows to not breed would be a huge waste - not just of four viable cows; but of space that could have been used to support the regional breeding programme.

 

[Tiger91]

I agree. There’s no way in hell Melbourne or Perth are gonna hold bull elephants in the future. That’s where Perth are now (holding a bull) and they’re phasing them out; while Zoos Victoria have all the space they need for the next few decades at Werribee.

Taronga may consider based on the lack of space at Dubbo, but I can’t really see it happening. Public perceptions have changed and Taronga not having elephants while Sydney does could even be a boost to their image (depending on what they replace them with).

Exporting Sabai is the logical move for Dubbo. Somebody in the North American population thread seemed adamant space isn’t the issue it is over here and they can hold as many calves as they can breed. If this is true, then I see no reason they wouldn’t want Sabai. This would mean Dubbo could reduce their elephants to three groupings: Gung, Pathi and the female herd; with the fourth paddock accommodating a bull or bulls from the next cohort; and the fifth as stand down/recovery.

I could potentially see Mogo acquiring elephants in the next 10 years. Probably two bachelor bulls - which could well come from Dubbo’s next cohort.

Dubbo needs to redevelop their elephant area. Space isn't an issue the zoo has plenty of space. However the elephants are kept in enclosures that were originally built when the africans arrived and have only had add ons and upgrades attached.
Redeveloping the elephant area at Dubbo would enable them to better utilise the land the elephants are on and that of around them. The exhibits look barren and dated and need upgrading. Since they have spent so much time into the human aspect of the the zoo, accomodation, play areas and food areas. They should be starting to follow Taronga and create themed sections. They could do this by redeveloping the elephants and then building up the areas around as asian themed and move their asian species into the area.

 

[Tiger91]

It’ll be interesting to see how housing multiple bulls together will pan out as I feel like they’d still be motivated to spar with each other no matter the size of the exhibit. Successful bachelor groupings do exist overseas, but the presence of cows could cause friction.

Now we know Putra Mas won’t be going to Werribee, that means they’ll have 2-3 groupings depending on how Luk Chai and Man Jai’s relationship changes over the years. A male calf or calves from the next cohort could join Roi Yim to form another group (Werribee will have five paddocks); though I’m reasonably confident the full integration concept could work with Luk Chai, who’s remarkably placid for a bull elephant.
Australia Zoo really need to decide on what route forward they’re going to take. They presumably wanted cows so they could do full contact, but now they’re shifting to PC, they may be more motivated to import a bull and breed. Just importing four cows to not breed would be a huge waste - not just of four viable cows; but of space that could have been used to support the regional breeding programme.

I find it interesting that you see in some zoos overseas, that they keep the breeding bull in with the matriarchal herd. Yet here we don't seem to do the same. That would be a strategy that would enable the zoos to cut down on having an entire paddock for a single elephant.

I do like the idea with Werribees big paddocks housing multiple bulls. In the wild bulls form close coalitions and usually hang closely together. Trying to replicate that would save on space and create a much more close set up to wild dynamics.
Even if they separated the bulls into holding areas/seperate exhibits during musth and then returned them to the group once that has finished. I wonder If the typical keep bulls seperate because they 'may' be aggressive combined with the typically smaller exhibits zoos have had. As a reason that we haven't seen well socialised bulls that are able to cohabitate like they would do in the wild. Small amounts of fighting would be expected. But keeping elephants in more natural setups with more natural social dynamics would be what we should be aiming for going forward. In many places in the wild elephants can gather in the hundreds and disperse as they please. With larger paddock sizes that more natural congregation and ability to seperate and dispose when wanting too should be attainable.

 

[Jambo]

Dubbo needs to redevelop their elephant area. Space isn't an issue the zoo has plenty of space. However the elephants are kept in enclosures that were originally built when the africans arrived and have only had add ons and upgrades attached.
Redeveloping the elephant area at Dubbo would enable them to better utilise the land the elephants are on and that of around them. The exhibits look barren and dated and need upgrading. Since they have spent so much time into the human aspect of the the zoo, accomodation, play areas and food areas. They should be starting to follow Taronga and create themed sections. They could do this by redeveloping the elephants and then building up the areas around as asian themed and move their asian species into the area.

They already have redeveloped that area in recent years with the addition of some other paddocks and some new barns to accommodate the new asian elephants as well. A new large cow barn is planned for the coming years as well.

Expansion of the current precinct is difficult as the enclosures surrounded in most directions, but there is a fair chunk of space above the zebras. I guess Dubbo will ultimately need to consider whether they actually require an expansion; as obviously they don't at the moment. If they elect to have a breeding herd of the size they do now, they wouldn't require additional exhibits imo. It's a real toss of a coin.

I find it interesting that you see in some zoos overseas, that they keep the breeding bull in with the matriarchal herd. Yet here we don't seem to do the same. That would be a strategy that would enable the zoos to cut down on having an entire paddock for a single elephant.

I do like the idea with Werribee big paddocks housing multiple bulls. In the wild bulls form close coalitions and usually hang closely together. Trying to replicate that would save on space and create a much more close set up to wild dynamics.
Even if they separated the bulls into holding areas/seperate exhibits during musth and then returned them to the group once that has finished. If the typical keep bulls seperate because they 'may' be aggressive combined with the typically smaller exhibits zoos have had. As a reason that we haven't seen well socialised bulls that are able to cohabitate like they would do in the wild.

Keeping the bull with the herd is a very unnatural thing that is done; and I'm not sure of many zoos that actually do this. Most (if not all) zoos keep the bulls separate from the cows and calves as they can be disruptive to herd dynamics. For that reason, I doubt any of our regions zoos will look to pursue that going forward.

A keeper I talked to also mentioned the bulls having the opportunity to share space with the matriarchal herd too which I found interesting. Although the whole complex can be divided into smaller sections, the keeper stated there was a hope that these dividers would only need to be used occasionally - interesting idea.