I agree with all you have said, it must be nice to have that amount of money at ones disposal!
Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2023
- Thread starter Zoofan15
- Start date
With regards to the fame, I feel as if elephant calves are the gorilla infants of decades past. Mzuri was arguably Australia’s most famous zoo animal; and Buzandi and Bambuti that followed (as well as Taronga’s first two infants in 2003) were major crowd pullers. Compare the hype around them to Taronga’s last cohort (2014-2019), where I doubt the average visitor even knows their names. Fikiri’s passing (though tragic) went unnoticed by the general public.
If a trio of elephants calves born across two months (unprecedented regionally) no longer cuts it, then it’s clear elephants have had their day in city zoos. I have no doubt a large herd in a 21ha will renew the enthusiasm of the general public and inspire them however.
Too bad for Adelaide they didn’t jump-start the natural progression of trends towards Giant panda cubs!
But Aust-zoos Quokka's have names so they are up there too!With regards to the fame, I feel as if elephant calves are the gorilla infants of decades past. Mzuri is arguably Australia’s most famous zoo animal; and Buzandi and Bambuti that followed (as well as Taronga’s first two infants in 2003) were major crowd pullers. Compare the hype around them to Taronga’s last cohort (2014-2019), where I doubt the average visitor even knows their names.
If a trio of elephants calves (unprecedented regionally) no longer cuts it, then it’s clear elephants have had their day in city zoos. I have no doubt a large herd in a 21ha will renew the enthusiasm of the general public and inspire them, however.
Too bad for Adelaide they didn’t jump-start the natural progression of trends towards Giant panda cubs!
Interestingly, it doesn’t feel like Australia Zoo overly market their elephants. To date, the quokkas and that damn giraffe have probably had more coverage in their short time at the zoo.
Following the move to PC, there may be more motivation to import a bull elephant. Nothing can compare to the sheer size of a bull (preferably tusked) and I can only imagine how the hype around the first calf born. They did a doco regarding their first litter of tiger cubs that people still mention on socials from time to time.
I could be wrong but there appears to be less tv adds for them than in the past, or it appears that way.
Always_Amity
Well-Known Member
Australia Zoo ran a tv/radio ad saying something along the lines of "come meet our gorgeous Sumatran Elephants" when Christina and Widya first went on display (an ad that didn't specify that they were actually on display, because I'd just assumed they were talking about paid encounters when I visited, and was absolutely blindsided to see them out of display for what was the second day of them being so)
Since then, they've been relegated to just the occasional few second clip in an ad, a single billboard, and some social media posts.
Honestly, for the only Elephants in Queensland (and only Sumatrans in Australia, though I don't expect the general public to really know what that means, let alone care) they're shockingly under-advertised.
Even the freakishly expensive paid encounter was barely advertised, which is incredibly surprisingly, considering you actually went in the enclosure with the elephants. I don't believe I ever saw a single advertisement for that, be it on tv, social media, or even in the zoo itself.
But to be fair, it is Australia Zoo. They prefer to treat the celebrities that inhabit the zoo as the attraction more than the actual animals.
Yes I do agree with all of what you have stated!
Now the elephants are managed in PC, I imagine they’ll be even less promotion of them. A lot of the Irwin’s content centres around them holding something or standing next to it.
It’s interesting how Auckland Zoo initially arranged to send Burma to Australia Zoo on the basis of their free contact programme; and how independent of that decision, free contact has now ceased.
At least with the change of plans seeing Burma exported to Monarto instead, she’ll have a better chance of joining a multigenerational herd, where cows will be breeding. Some will be of the opinion that a retirement home of similar aged cows would be preferable; but a multigenerational herd is the natural social order and from what I heard of the interactions between Burma (other Burma) and the young bulls at Dubbo, it was beneficial to her - engaging her in play behaviour she otherwise wouldn’t have participated in. Monarto’s multigenerational herd will give Burma the opportunity to pick and choose her level of participation.
It’s interesting to note that Burma is now 41 years old and hasn’t seen a calf since she was at least eight years old. It would have been similar for Bong Su and Mek Kepah, upon the birth of Mali in 2010.
I have always found it a bit odd that a zoo would want to be known for the people that own/work there rather than the animals collection itself. Yes Steve was famous and made a successful wildlife tv show which I watched, and he did become a international celebrity, That aside with his unfortunate passing I wonder how long does the celebrity status goes on for?,Is it a inter-generational thing?. Since he's not there any more a lot of his dreams never came to fruition, Stage one was completed but never stage 2 or 3. As far as I am aware the new cheetah exhibit is the first new exhibit in a long time even though they have had the Cheetahs for many years off show. The zoo does has lots of potential but there are chunks missing as a zoological animal collection, I just wonder if they will ever fill in the gaps?.
I am not sure if there is a long term inter zoo co-ordinated team/s effort regardless the long term planning for the regions Asian elephants, I believe since there is a limited amount of breeding cows and bulls to work with in the country every effort should be made to maximise the best options and maximum number of calfs that can be produced over the next few years.
Having now the very best opportunely to have three breeding herds under open range conditions for the very first time, After the non breeding animals are taken out of the known overall numbers of the adult options of both bulls and cows it leaves a few critical individuals to take the bloodlines into the future.
Other regional zoos holding elephants may or may not play a part in the future like Australia zoos Sumatran sub-species or the Sydney zoos two young bulls.
Just my own view on this is that Werribee will become the main hub for its bloodlines and overall numbers also because of the sheer size of 54 acres the possibility to carry even larger numbers if wanted or needed something never been available before.
As for the TWPZ its going to depend on the numbers they can carry on site and the age gaps between breedings so I put them in second place.
On Monarto zoo, since they are pulling together a new herd from 2 or 3 locations? some with post reproductive animals is going to depend on what breed-able cows they cab obtain in the near future.
This is the most optimistic view I have had for the long term future as a whole.
Having now the very best opportunely to have three breeding herds under open range conditions for the very first time, After the non breeding animals are taken out of the known overall numbers of the adult options of both bulls and cows it leaves a few critical individuals to take the bloodlines into the future.
Other regional zoos holding elephants may or may not play a part in the future like Australia zoos Sumatran sub-species or the Sydney zoos two young bulls.
Just my own view on this is that Werribee will become the main hub for its bloodlines and overall numbers also because of the sheer size of 54 acres the possibility to carry even larger numbers if wanted or needed something never been available before.
As for the TWPZ its going to depend on the numbers they can carry on site and the age gaps between breedings so I put them in second place.
On Monarto zoo, since they are pulling together a new herd from 2 or 3 locations? some with post reproductive animals is going to depend on what breed-able cows they cab obtain in the near future.
This is the most optimistic view I have had for the long term future as a whole.
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There’s definitely a regional plan in place, with each individual facility also having a plan they’re working towards. At Werribee Open Range Zoo, this will take the form of a succession plan that will operate over the next century and be reviewed every 5-10 years, with revisions made as required. The plan is to grow the main herd into the 20’s, though the facility can potentially accomodate up to 40 elephants, held in multiple groupings.
Monarto Safari Park will be sourcing elephants from three facilities: Auckland Zoo (Burma), Perth Zoo (Putra Mas and Permai) and at least one other facility, which will provide them with two cows. This is widely believed to be Taronga Zoo (Pak Boon and Tang Mo). The decision to retain Putra Mas in the region (via Monarto) will benefit all holders. It’s a great relief to know he’ll remain in the region, since he’s an invaluable founder bull.
The best summary of the regional plan is Auckland, Perth and Taronga are phasing out; with the cooperation of Dubbo, Werribee and Monarto. Sydney Zoo have stated they’re open to participating in the regional breeding programme with their bulls in the future.
The only one not working with anyone else is Australia Zoo. They’re 100% playing their own game, as evidenced by importing a subspecies that’s not hybridised with the Indian and Sri Lankan subspecies; and by cancelling the agreement to assist Auckland Zoo with rehoming Burma.
Melbourne Zoo Update
An update that the three calves now have access to the bull paddock, which contains a fully submersible pool. In this video, Mali is seen submerging in the water, while the three calves (aged 8-10 months) play around the edge.
It marks an important milestone in the calves’ development, as this exhibit was previously off limit to them until staff were confident they could negotiate the hazard of the pool.
A refreshing dip for Mama Mali the Elephant | Family time by the pool for our Asian Elephants. First-time mum, Mali, took the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the water while the other adults... | By Zoos Victoria | Facebook
An update that the three calves now have access to the bull paddock, which contains a fully submersible pool. In this video, Mali is seen submerging in the water, while the three calves (aged 8-10 months) play around the edge.
It marks an important milestone in the calves’ development, as this exhibit was previously off limit to them until staff were confident they could negotiate the hazard of the pool.
A refreshing dip for Mama Mali the Elephant | Family time by the pool for our Asian Elephants. First-time mum, Mali, took the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the water while the other adults... | By Zoos Victoria | Facebook
The calfs have grown so much since the last video I saw of them. I guess the breeding bull has filled out even more at this stage.
Yes, Luk Chai is now 14 years old and is growing into an impressive bull (despite his lack of tusks). He was noted to be a tall, lean calf compared to the shorter, stockier Pathi Harn when they were born at Taronga Zoo; and as you can see below, not a lot has changed. Luk Chai is already a tall bull and still has growing to do.
This photo was taken of Luk Chai (on the right) this year; stood next to the now deceased Man Jai.
Photo by Zoos Victoria
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Yes Luk Chai is quite a big boy, and still has a lot of growing to do. I remember when he first arrived, he wasn’t much larger than the cows, but he’s certainly sprouted up in the last few years.
In saying that, he’s almost nothing compared to what Bong Su’s was! Quite amazing to think we once had the tallest bull in the Southern Hemisphere.
I will follow his progress into the future for sure. I must say I believe its such a shame that Taronga's He-man never sired any calfs he was a magnificent bull in his prime!
It’s such a shame his death occurred the same year the Thai elephants arrived. I’m not sure if had he lived longer there would have been the foresight to train/use him for AI. There were another three founder bulls in the region, all unrepresented; though in hindsight (considering the success of the breeding programme), his genes were of immeasurable value.
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
Pathi Harn would be taller these days I reckon, probably not heavier though. Bong Su and Porntip are quite a tall and lean pairing compared to the stockier and squatter Thong Dee and Gung. Shame about Luk Chai's tusks, although Gungs don't appear to be that large so they may not have developed into the lengthy tusks of Bong Su and Putra Mas. Roi Yim will hopefully be Werribee's first tusked bull
Pathi Harn would be taller these days I reckon, probably not heavier though. Bong Su and Porntip are quite a tall and lean pairing compared to the stockier and squatter Thong Dee and Gung. Shame about Luk Chai's tusks, although Gungs don't appear to be that large so they may not have developed into the lengthy tusks of Bong Su and Putra Mas. Roi Yim will hopefully be Werribee's first tusked bull
It’ll be interesting to see what height Luk Chai and Pathi end up at. Bong Su was just over 3 metres tall and weighed over 5000kg. I’m similarly curious as to the outcome of a Pathi Harn/Anjalee mating considering she’s a large female (Sri Lankan subspecies).
I really hope Roi-Yim can retain his tusks. There’s nothing more majestic than a fully tusked bull. I’m glad Pathi Harn and Sabai have retained their’s to date considering three Australian bred bulls have lost one or both of their tusks.
Luk Chai (2009) 0 tusks intact
Pathi Harn (2010) 2 tusks intact
Ongard (2010) 1 tusk intact
Sanook (2013) NA (died at 10 months old)
Man Jai (2013) 0 tusks intact
Sabai (2016) 2 tusks intact
Jai Dee (2017) NA (died at 3 years old)
Roi Yim (2022) NA (10 months old)
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The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
Man Jai lost both his - broken and surgically removed. Shown on 'Mega Zoo' (?)
(Just realised you had listed him. *Facepalm* )