That is a loss and a half... my condolences to the keepers and to the herd.
Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo News 2023
- Thread starter WhistlingKite24
- Start date
- Status
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
Truly horrible news, my thoughts are with Melbourne and the Elephant community. Things were almost going too well with elephants in this country, only for this to bring us back to reality. Especially for a Zoo with no previous cases. Making this Australia's second ever EEHV related death (excluding unknown and possible EEHV deaths in the early 1900's)
Hopefully, Melbourne carefully watch both Luk Chai and Mali over the coming months, to ensure that we don't get a run of EEHV cases. They are both young and still well within the dangerous EEHV years. The calves hopefully will still be protected by their mother's antibodies.
Though I’m unsure what future breeding role Man Jai would have played in the region, the loss of any young elephant is extremely sad. He was a companion to Luk Chai and many enjoyed seeing them bond and wrestle as young bulls do.
With Putra Mas now transferring to Monarto, their potentially could have been scope for Man Jai to breed naturally with Num Oi’s daughter a decade from now at Werribee.
Luk Chai and Mali are 14 and 13.5 years respectively, so I’m optimistic they’re past the most vulnerable period (though precautionary testing would still be advisable). Overseas, deaths in elephants up to 12 years are common, but 3-8 years is the main risk period, which makes Man Jai’s death all the more tragic.
The calves are all under a year old and will be protected by their mother’s antibodies. A couple of years from now, Werribee will have the concern of all three entering the high risk period (associated with weaning) and would be wise to increase testing.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
Vale Man Jai.
So glad that when I last saw him he was sharing a paddock with Luk Chai and in high spirits. A beautiful soul.
So glad that when I last saw him he was sharing a paddock with Luk Chai and in high spirits. A beautiful soul.
Last edited:
Terrible news regarding Man Jai.
He was always a bright and inquisitive young bull and I will surely miss seeing him during my next visits.
He was certainly a favorite of mine at Melbourne so his death hits a lot harder. I recall the excitement surrounding his birth almost a decade ago and it only seems like yesterday he was a playful, little toddler!
I will certainly treasure my visits seeing Man Jai. He's certainly matured a lot in recent years; and it was really special to see the bond he formed with Luk Chai, who he greatly looked up to. Luk Chai will certainly be hit the most with Man Jai's death and my thoughts are with him, the other elephants and of course, the dedicated team that cared for him.
Man Jai was most definitely the life of Melbourne's elephant complex; it'll be tough for him to not be there from now on.
May he rest in peace.
He was always a bright and inquisitive young bull and I will surely miss seeing him during my next visits.
He was certainly a favorite of mine at Melbourne so his death hits a lot harder. I recall the excitement surrounding his birth almost a decade ago and it only seems like yesterday he was a playful, little toddler!
I will certainly treasure my visits seeing Man Jai. He's certainly matured a lot in recent years; and it was really special to see the bond he formed with Luk Chai, who he greatly looked up to. Luk Chai will certainly be hit the most with Man Jai's death and my thoughts are with him, the other elephants and of course, the dedicated team that cared for him.
Man Jai was most definitely the life of Melbourne's elephant complex; it'll be tough for him to not be there from now on.
May he rest in peace.
Extremely sad loss to loose him.
However I wonder what the potential effect for the calves will be. They would of come in contact with the virus by now and while protected from their mothers antibodies, I wonder if this would work as a natural immunisation for them. I remember reading somewhere that elephants born into larger herds fair better with this disease than those that don't, due to higher levels of exposure and im presuming acquired immunity.
However I wonder what the potential effect for the calves will be. They would of come in contact with the virus by now and while protected from their mothers antibodies, I wonder if this would work as a natural immunisation for them. I remember reading somewhere that elephants born into larger herds fair better with this disease than those that don't, due to higher levels of exposure and im presuming acquired immunity.
The best thing Werribee can do to protect the calves from EEHV as they enter the high risk age bracket is early detection (blood tests). Calves that have survived EEHV have in every case I’ve seen been diagnosed BEFORE they present with symptoms. Treating calves after the onset of symptoms is invariably too little, too late.
I’m not expecting the event to immunise the calves based on cases at other zoos. Chester for example has held a similar sized herd to Melbourne and has suffered repeated bouts of EEHV. I’ve only heard speculation that calves who survive EEHV themselves are immune (at least to that strain).
You’re correct that larger herds fair better than smaller herds, but when I say larger herds, I’m referring to elephant orphanages which hold huge numbers (30 elephants plus). Studies have revealed their juvenile elephants (aged 1-5 years) have increased antibody titres compared to their peers in smaller European herds.
Rest in Peace, Man Jai
In regards to herd immunity, yes, it tends to help greatly, but isn't a sure fire away to prevent it. Case in point, African Lion Safari in Canada and Pairi Daiza in Europe both have MASSIVE herds, with multiple adult bulls, multiple geriatric cows, and multiple breeding cows, along with oodles of calves, yet both have lost a calf to EEHV-HD within the past ten years (which to be fair, are pretty good calf survival ratios, but still).
While they are both out of the most risky age bracket, I have no doubt Melbourne will be hyper vigilant with Mali and Luk Chai as well over the coming months. Numerous teenage elephants have been clinically affected by herpes in recent years that are similar in age to them, so writing them off as out of the high risk zone is a dangerous assumption to make.
Also elephants that catch EEHV are definitely not immune to it. They're *generally* able to fight off whatever strain they first caught, should they be exposed to it again, but they can absolutely be taken out by a different strain in the future (case in point, Ajabu at Dallas).
In regards to herd immunity, yes, it tends to help greatly, but isn't a sure fire away to prevent it. Case in point, African Lion Safari in Canada and Pairi Daiza in Europe both have MASSIVE herds, with multiple adult bulls, multiple geriatric cows, and multiple breeding cows, along with oodles of calves, yet both have lost a calf to EEHV-HD within the past ten years (which to be fair, are pretty good calf survival ratios, but still).
While they are both out of the most risky age bracket, I have no doubt Melbourne will be hyper vigilant with Mali and Luk Chai as well over the coming months. Numerous teenage elephants have been clinically affected by herpes in recent years that are similar in age to them, so writing them off as out of the high risk zone is a dangerous assumption to make.
Also elephants that catch EEHV are definitely not immune to it. They're *generally* able to fight off whatever strain they first caught, should they be exposed to it again, but they can absolutely be taken out by a different strain in the future (case in point, Ajabu at Dallas).
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
I'm a big believer that increased herd sizes are the greatest method in EEHV prevention. Asian and African elephants both congregate regularly in large groups outside of their natal herd and these interactions both socialise and immunise juvenile calves. Hopefully in the long run Werribee's herd will reflect successful zoos with low EEHV death rates like Carbaceno and African Lion Safari. The only issue in the meantime is growing their numbers to the size (20ish) where EEHV presents less of a threat. Currently, Australia has a calf survival rate of roughly 60%, which suggests that ZoosVic will need to produce a whopping 15-18 calves over the next couple of decades to grow themselves out of the EEHV 'danger-zone'.
This makes me wonder whether sending Pak Boon and Tang Mo to Werribee is a better idea than to Monarto. The more elephants in one place the better imo, increasing the exposure for their three young calves. This would leave Monarto as a retirement/bachelor facility but I'd rather have one large successful breeding facility than two smaller ones scourged with EEHV.
It also makes me wonder whether Man Jai being completely separated from all the cows for 10-11 months now was a bad decision, reducing his exposure and resulting in a drop in his antibodies. I understand he and Luk Chai would have been disruptive to the herd and annoyed the cows, but a bit of adversity would've been good for development. Even then, separate contact with Kulab and Mek Kappah could have been achieved with Man Jai and Luk Chai.
I have always pondered on the idea of sending Pak Boon and Tang Mo to Werribee, and it does make sense if you think about it as Taronga have delayed the move of their cows elsewhere for a while now and it dosen’t make sense for it to be any other reason besides them waiting on something (eg. The new barn at Dubbo, or Werribee’s new complex). It will give Werribee some additional adult females which will help the herd; and Pak Boon will provide sufficient breeding replacement for Kulab who is now of course, non breeding. Werribee building up a herd of 20+ elephants from three breeding females will take quite a while, so adding an unrelated female in the mix will better help achieve this.
I don’t think Man Jai’s separation would’ve prevented this outcome. He’s been seperate for around four years now; so quite a while, and he still has tactile interactions with the cows as he shared the same barn with them at night. I’m wondering if this is perhaps a new strain brought in from Luk Chai that he’s only become susceptible now (it has been quite a cold winter). Man Jai would therefore not have the antibodies - but that’s more of an assumption on my part.
Unfortunately, the unpredictability of EEHV means I can’t see Werribee committing to breeding those numbers. In the event they suffer no EEHV fatalities (what we all hope for), they’d be overwhelmed with young elephants (both male and female). The bull calves would be a surplus they’d struggle to shift and the cohort of young cows would unbalance succession plans.
Research into EEHV continues and while it’s by no means reached the stage of a proven and effective vaccine, I’m optimistic we could see one before the decade is out. In the meantime, vigilance is key as Werribee grow their herd.
Melbourne 100% made the right call to transition Man Jai into a bachelor herd. He’d have been a potential risk to the calves, who typically aren’t introduced to adult bulls until around 12 months of age (in Australasian zoos) and even then, only for a short period of time. He was separated before the cows made moves to oust him - but it would have happened by now, especially in the lead up to the births.
Melbourne Zoo planning tribute to Man Jai:
From socials:
Melbourne Zoo has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our zoo community following the death of our beloved Asian Elephant, Man Jai. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences and messages of support, it means the world to us.
To honour Man Jai, we are inviting our Zoo Members and visitors to bring a bunch of flowers to Melbourne Zoo between Saturday 26 August and Wednesday 30 August.
The flowers will pay tribute to Man Jai and can be left on the viewing platform overlooking the habitat that was his home, opposite the entrance to the Butterfly House at Melbourne Zoo.
On Thursday, Man Jai’s keeper team will use the donated flowers to create a temporary floral tribute spelling out Man Jai – an elephant who will always hold a very special place in all our hearts.
From socials:
Melbourne Zoo has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our zoo community following the death of our beloved Asian Elephant, Man Jai. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences and messages of support, it means the world to us.
To honour Man Jai, we are inviting our Zoo Members and visitors to bring a bunch of flowers to Melbourne Zoo between Saturday 26 August and Wednesday 30 August.
The flowers will pay tribute to Man Jai and can be left on the viewing platform overlooking the habitat that was his home, opposite the entrance to the Butterfly House at Melbourne Zoo.
On Thursday, Man Jai’s keeper team will use the donated flowers to create a temporary floral tribute spelling out Man Jai – an elephant who will always hold a very special place in all our hearts.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Very sad! Even worse, he will not get to see his upcoming “heaven on earth” exhibit at Werribee.
Man Jai would have loved the new complex - as would Bong Su.
Following years of living in a small, cramped exhibit, keepers commented on their joy at seeing Bong Su submerge in the pool in Trail of the Elephants, which was considered the best elephant exhibit in Australasia when it opened in 2003.
20 years on and Zoos Victoria are once again setting the bar high for elephant husbandry - not just regionally, but internationally. With Monarto, renowned for their spacious exhibits, planning an elephant habitat 2/3 the size of Werribee; it’s likely we won’t see Werribee’s complex surpassed in size for decades, even a century.
Rest in peace Man Jai, really sorry and sad to hear )-: EEHV is so ruthless, hope that potential vaccine can happen following the surviving youngster at Chester Zoo few years ago/
austrlain zoo gower
Well-Known Member
Visited Melbourne Zoo today and there are a few changes happening
- Zillie the Casowary has moved into the great flight aviery living the exibit with no animals
- Elephants are off display to have time to deal with the loss of Man Jai
- I belive Melbourne Zoo no longer have coati, keeper were in the exibit doing some small renovations and they said they were renovation for a new species and coati signs taken down, this probaly going to be for the binturongs which have been brought in from singapore and wernt on display today
Overall the Zoo seems quite disjointed, there are so many empty exibits
- The tapir exibit is empty with no sign of any other animals
- No zebras leaves half of the giraffe exibit empty
- 1 pygmy Hippo exibit it empty and looks pritty bad
- Cassowary exibit empty making gorrila rainforest really bland
Hopefully melbourne can find some species to fill these
The good
- Two siamngs in the japenese garden looking great
Overall A good day
- Zillie the Casowary has moved into the great flight aviery living the exibit with no animals
- Elephants are off display to have time to deal with the loss of Man Jai
- I belive Melbourne Zoo no longer have coati, keeper were in the exibit doing some small renovations and they said they were renovation for a new species and coati signs taken down, this probaly going to be for the binturongs which have been brought in from singapore and wernt on display today
Overall the Zoo seems quite disjointed, there are so many empty exibits
- The tapir exibit is empty with no sign of any other animals
- No zebras leaves half of the giraffe exibit empty
- 1 pygmy Hippo exibit it empty and looks pritty bad
- Cassowary exibit empty making gorrila rainforest really bland
Hopefully melbourne can find some species to fill these
The good
- Two siamngs in the japenese garden looking great
Overall A good day
Thanks for the update. It does indeed sound like the Binturong will be replacing the coati in the Carnivores trail and therefore a walk through Binturong exhibit won’t be constructed in the vacant cassowary exhibit.
I’ll be interested to see what they have planned for this area - but an additional Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit could be a consideration with the Hippopotamus IRA surely nearing completion. It’d see Melbourne well placed to take an active role in the breeding programme for this iconic species, which has a decades long association with the zoo.
austrlain zoo gower
Well-Known Member
yeah at least we are getting binturong they will suit the coati exibit well
Can confirm Coatis are still there. It’s possible the works you saw were just regular maintenance in the enclosure.
The empty Cassowary exhibit will probably receive a complete makeover. Whether that’s for an additional Pygmy Hippo exhibit or Black and White Colobus; it’ll be interesting to see what they come up with.
The two Saimangs in the Japanese Island would’ve been the retired pair - Isidor and Sampit.
- Status