Osedax
Well-Known Member
The website said he was born at the uni.
Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2023
- Thread starter Zoofan15
- Start date
Yeah safe to say that that's an error. Unless this elephant has died and the body is at University of Newcastle for research purposes, this seems to be a phantom entry.
That's great, thanks for clarifying. Seems like it's simply an error on the site. Glad to learn more about the Emmen Zoo elephants through this though!
Melbourne Zoo Update
Update from my visit (21/11/2023):
The female elephants have begun cycling again following the births of their calves. The zoo don’t want them to conceive prior to their transfer to Werribee, so are monitoring their cycle to avoid them sharing space with Luk Chai during their fertile period.
Aiyara has met Luk Chai! Confident and curious, Aiyara was the natural choice of the trio for meeting their sire. The meeting went extremely well, with both showing interest in each other and Luk Chai proving gentle.
Crate training is going well. Kulab, Num Oi and Kati were let into the adjacent paddock; while Dokkoon, Mali, Aiyara and Roi Yim were allowed out of the barn, whereupon they ran straight into their crates.
The current plan is for all nine elephants to move within a few days of each other. Luk Chai will go first (due to bulls being solitary). The cows will be moved within family groups (congrats to @Jambo for also guessing this) with Dokkoon, Mali and their calves transferred together; and Kulab, Num Oi and Kati kept together. These pairs of cows were inseparable on my visit, with Kulab taking an active role in supervising Kati.
Roi Yim is the smallest calf. He and Aiyara are 12 months old and she’s noticeably taller; while Kati is 10 months old and similar in height to Roi Yim, but stockier. The keeper said she didn’t believe Roi Yim will overtake the female calves in size until adolescence.
The keeper said Kulab is the most likely to assume the role of matriarch in the future. While Dokkoon acts an enforcer of rules, she doesn’t have the drive to dominate and lead the herd like Kulab does. The passing of the current matriarch, Mek Kepah, is the likely time for Kulab to take over; but the staff are aware the transfer to Werribee could prove a catalyst for change.
Update from my visit (21/11/2023):
The female elephants have begun cycling again following the births of their calves. The zoo don’t want them to conceive prior to their transfer to Werribee, so are monitoring their cycle to avoid them sharing space with Luk Chai during their fertile period.
Aiyara has met Luk Chai! Confident and curious, Aiyara was the natural choice of the trio for meeting their sire. The meeting went extremely well, with both showing interest in each other and Luk Chai proving gentle.
Crate training is going well. Kulab, Num Oi and Kati were let into the adjacent paddock; while Dokkoon, Mali, Aiyara and Roi Yim were allowed out of the barn, whereupon they ran straight into their crates.
The current plan is for all nine elephants to move within a few days of each other. Luk Chai will go first (due to bulls being solitary). The cows will be moved within family groups (congrats to @Jambo for also guessing this) with Dokkoon, Mali and their calves transferred together; and Kulab, Num Oi and Kati kept together. These pairs of cows were inseparable on my visit, with Kulab taking an active role in supervising Kati.
Roi Yim is the smallest calf. He and Aiyara are 12 months old and she’s noticeably taller; while Kati is 10 months old and similar in height to Roi Yim, but stockier. The keeper said she didn’t believe Roi Yim will overtake the female calves in size until adolescence.
The keeper said Kulab is the most likely to assume the role of matriarch in the future. While Dokkoon acts an enforcer of rules, she doesn’t have the drive to dominate and lead the herd like Kulab does. The passing of the current matriarch, Mek Kepah, is the likely time for Kulab to take over; but the staff are aware the transfer to Werribee could prove a catalyst for change.
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Thanks for the update!
Very interesting to hear Aiyara has meet Luk Chai already. She recently turned one, and is by far the most outgoing of the trio of calves. Luk Chai's a very gentle bull and this would be his first experience with a young calf in a while (at least since Sabai afaik). I would've assumed Melbourne would introduce both Roi and Aiyara together (especially as their mothers are a family group) but it does seem like they elected to introduce one calf to Luk Chai first, and Aiyara being the obvious choice was introduced alongside mum, Dokkoon and probably Mek Kapah too.
There's only two crates so moving them days apart does make sense. I assume Man Jai's death may have contributed to the change in plans re. him and Man Jai going a few months earlier.
Not sure when Mek Kapah will go, as I've mentioned they only currently have two crates. If they somehow obtained a third one, it would make sense for her to go alongside Kulab/Num Oi/Kati, but otherwise I think transferring her in between the two main family units makes sense (with Dokkoon, Mali, Aiyara and Roi going first).
Roi being the smallest calf is no surprise. His father was a very small calf himself, and his mother and grandmother are also small females too. Aiyara's height is interesting. Coming from two parents on the short side, you'd assume she wouldn't be that tall, but it seems like she's defying genetics there! And with Num Oi being the mum of Kati we can obviously expect Kati to be a very big girl one day. Being the youngest, she's surprised me thus far with her confidence following big sister Aiyara around a lot. I'm really glad to see Num Oi finally have the opportunity to be a mother.
On that note, it's also wonderful to hear Kulab's stepped up to parenting duties. She was only young when she had Ongard and was certainly learning at that stage, alongside keepers and Dokkoon; but now she's obviously had more experience with calves and has matured herself. She's always been the 'harsh aunty' towards the calves and was the one who drove Man Jai out of the herd (poor guy). So it obviously makes sense to me that she would be matriarch one day. Dokkoon often lets her calves get away with whatever; so it's no wonder Aiyara's developed this strong outgoing personality!
Re. Mek Kapah, she's also excitedly turned 50 this year too which hasn't been mentioned! A great achievement for an elephant like her who's spent many many years in multiple different living situations at Melbourne. I'm excited to see her having the opportunity to experience the new complex at Werribee, another major upgrade she's seen coming back from the old days! Besides Burma, she's really the regions last surviving elephant from that time period.
Melbourne Zoo Update
Update from my visit (28/11/2023):
The current plan is for Luk Chai to sire one more cohort of calves to Dokkoon, Num Oi and Mali following their transfer to Werribee. Then a new bull would take Luk Chai’s place around 10 years after his arrival (circa 2030).
There’s no immediate plans for an additional bull to transfer to Werribee. The keeper I spoke to said one would only be acquired for breeding reasons, which rules out Sabai transferring in from Dubbo as has been speculated.
I sought clarification on where Mek Kepah’s transfer fits into the plans as there’s only two moving crates. The order will be:
1) Dokkoon, Mali, Aiyara and Roi Yim
2) Mek Kepah
3) Kulab, Num Oi and Kati
This means Mek Kepah won’t be on her own when she arrives; nor will she be left alone at Melbourne Zoo. Luk Chai will likely join Mek Kepah (logistically speaking) in the second transfer as opposed to making an additional trip prior to the transfer of the matriarchal herd.
A week on from my last visit and all three calves have now met Luk Chai. As with Aiyara, he was very gentle with them and interestingly all three calves were relaxed in his presence. I recall articles detailing Man Jai’s trepidation at meeting his sire when he was their age and when you consider the size difference, it’s easy to see why.
Update from my visit (28/11/2023):
The current plan is for Luk Chai to sire one more cohort of calves to Dokkoon, Num Oi and Mali following their transfer to Werribee. Then a new bull would take Luk Chai’s place around 10 years after his arrival (circa 2030).
There’s no immediate plans for an additional bull to transfer to Werribee. The keeper I spoke to said one would only be acquired for breeding reasons, which rules out Sabai transferring in from Dubbo as has been speculated.
I sought clarification on where Mek Kepah’s transfer fits into the plans as there’s only two moving crates. The order will be:
1) Dokkoon, Mali, Aiyara and Roi Yim
2) Mek Kepah
3) Kulab, Num Oi and Kati
This means Mek Kepah won’t be on her own when she arrives; nor will she be left alone at Melbourne Zoo. Luk Chai will likely join Mek Kepah (logistically speaking) in the second transfer as opposed to making an additional trip prior to the transfer of the matriarchal herd.
A week on from my last visit and all three calves have now met Luk Chai. As with Aiyara, he was very gentle with them and interestingly all three calves were relaxed in his presence. I recall articles detailing Man Jai’s trepidation at meeting his sire when he was their age and when you consider the size difference, it’s easy to see why.
Using Luk Chai as the breeding bull once more makes the most sense. Being a first generation bull it's probably the best option; we wouldn't want to have a region full of Gung/Thong Dee descendants.
Hearing this makes me even more speculative of Dubbo's future with breeding Thong Dee. Thong Dee has now gone seven years since her last calf. There's no indication she is pregnant, and I would hope she is right now if they wish to breed her once more. Of course a daughter from her would be preferable but I think Dubbo may be very wary of getting yet another male calf from Thong Dee. Sabai is already in a tough position where he's essentially a surplus to the regional population. An export overseas is probably unlikely in the meantime so he's just holding space at Dubbo. Werribee would've been the best option. But other than that, there's no alternative for him besides Sydney.
Re. a replacement bull, Sydney's males would obviously be the best bet. In this situation, I see both going to Werribee where they can both be used for breeding. In replacement, Sabai is an obvious candidate and another son from Porntip/Thong Dee* could go with him.
*if bred again
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The keeper I spoke to mentioned Bong Su’s line being well represented, which may work against Pathi Harn becoming a future breeding bull at Werribee. In any case, he’s unable to breed with Mali. Bong Su’s line is certainly secure with Mali breeding in the herd and I anticipate that long term, Pathi Harn will become the second breeding bull at Dubbo.
Werribee aren’t wanting to undertake AI, preferring natural breeding. It’s desirable for many reasons, including cost.
It’s difficult to say what the future holds for Sabai. Had Jai Dee survived, the two of them going to Sydney to replace their bulls (sent on to Werribee) would have been ideal. Sabai nonetheless remains our best candidate for export, which would be a win-win for us and the receiving region imo.
Thong Dee could arguably be retired from breeding. All going well, Kanlaya will ensure the succession of Porntip’s line and if Anjalee produces a daughter, they’ll have two females lines. A third female line would be a struggle to accomodate. They could breed her once more to avoid closing the door on the option. This makes sense if there’s any reason to believe Anjalee can’t conceive (currently unknown to us).
The alternative as I see it would be for Thong Dee to join Pak Boon at Monarto; with Tang Mo either joining them or taking her place at Dubbo.
It's interesting he mentions Bong Su's line as being 'represented'. I wouldn't call it that with two surviving offspring and a grandson. In saying that, Bong Su will almost certainly be in the future with Mali breeding at Werribee and Pathi Harn probably going to be used at Dubbo long term as well. If keepers are already calling Bong Su 'represented' I can't imagine what they're calling Gung at this point!
North America are in need of new genetics at the moment, and Sabai would be perfect for them! Especially when you consider he's unrelated to Ongard too. Melbourne were able to send Ongard through their and Taronga's connection with San Diego, so hopefully Taronga can organise the same to find Sabai a suitable destination. I know a lot of facilities right now that could do with a new, unrelated bull.
Sending Thong Dee to Monarto would probably be preferable. I imagine the two current bulls at Dubbo are also preventing her from receiving a recommendation to breed again. Both being bulls that would want to be minimally breed from at the moment; and Anjalee having priority. A new pairing at Monarto with Putra Mas would be much better than Pathi Harn or Gung. It would be important for the transfer to happen asap though as she and Pak Boon are seriously getting closer to that reproductive gap boundary.
It's interesting he mentions Bong Su's line as being 'represented'. I wouldn't call it that with two surviving offspring and a grandson. In saying that, Bong Su will almost certainly be in the future with Mali breeding at Werribee and Pathi Harn probably going to be used at Dubbo long term as well. If keepers are already calling Bong Su 'represented' I can't imagine what they're calling Gung at this point!
North America are in need of new genetics at the moment, and Sabai would be perfect for them! Especially when you consider he's unrelated to Ongard too. Melbourne were able to send Ongard through their and Taronga's connection with San Diego, so hopefully Taronga can organise the same to find Sabai a suitable destination. I know a lot of facilities right now that could do with a new, unrelated bull.
Sending Thong Dee to Monarto would probably be preferable. I imagine the two current bulls at Dubbo are also preventing her from receiving a recommendation to breed again. Both being bulls that would want to be minimally breed from at the moment; and Anjalee having priority. A new pairing at Monarto with Putra Mas would be much better than Pathi Harn or Gung. It would be important for the transfer to happen asap though as she and Pak Boon are seriously getting closer to that reproductive gap boundary.
I’ve long wondered why North America haven’t snapped up Sabai already. A first generation bull would be extremely valuable within their breeding programme and both him and Ongard being from different bloodlines is ideal. The delay in utilising Ongard suggests a second bull isn’t needed in the here and now, but I’m confident within the decade we’ll see Ongard breed and potentially Sabai following suit.
What I would really like to see is a cohort of calves bred at Dubbo. It’s clear the benefit Melbourne’s trio receive from each other (the female calves are especially close) and it eliminates the hassle of restraining older juveniles from interacting boisterously with the new calves (an issue with Sabai and Kanlaya). Whether that’s Porntip and Anjalee breeding; or all three cows, should Thong Dee remain at Dubbo.
Personally, I think Thong Dee transferring to Monarto makes sense. Monarto has more than enough space to accomodate two breeding cows and breeding a single line of Putra Mas and Pak Boon isn’t ideal for succession. It’d also be easy to integrate Pak Boon and Thong Dee now versus bringing in an additional mother/daughter line a decade from now.
I imagine Porntip and Anjalee will probably be the next pair to breed together. If they conceive next year (if Anjalee hasn't already); they'll be able to welcome calves in 2026. Hopefully by this time Monarto is able to acquire Thong Dee, as is the best course imo.
My only concern is the space Dubbo has. I reckon they would only be willing to breed three calves at once if they knew they had the space; which would probably mean getting rid of Sabai. That's potentially even more reason for Thong Dee to not breed again, as the other females have higher priority.
Monarto has said they only have the space to accommodate two additional cows for breeding with Putra Mas so sending Thong Dee would only mean Tang Mo would be sent to Dubbo instead. There's no reason I don't see that being an issue though. Taking into account Putra Mas's genetic value, it's important he's able to breed with more than just one female imo.
If we’re considering the long term needs of the region, Thong Dee really should go to Monarto. She could be on site and breeding by 2025 (accounting for the inevitable construction delays) and deliver a calf in 2027. She could also transfer pregnant to Monarto (ideally to Pathi Harn), though pregnancy hormones could complicate introductions. The keeper I spoke to was unsure of Putra Mas’ capabilities as a natural breeding bull, so there’s also that to consider.
As with Werribee, it’s desirable to have more than one matrilineal cow. How ironic that Dubbo (the smallest open range complex) has three. Redistributing one to Monarto is a win-win for all involved.
The Dubbo herd could then continue with Porntip and Anjalee breeding; and in time, Kanlaya. Tang Mo could easily assimilate into this herd, though she’d be more beneficial to the Monarto herd to compound base female numbers. Long term, they’ll need to house an expanding matriarchal herd, so they might as well cater for the future.
Thong Dee has really no need to remain at Dubbo. I'm fairly sure she won't receive a recommendation to breed with Gung again, and we can assume Pathi Harn's breeding will be limited too - having a calf with Anjalee being the goal at the moment.
If Thong Dee does end up transferring to Monarto, it does make me question the breeding bulls at Dubbo. Gung will only be allowed to breed a couple more times at most, and it seems to me that this will be with Porntip and Anjalee (if desired). After this, he'll probably end up being retired. With Thong Dee gone, Pathi Harn's only unrelated cow will be Anjalee so Dubbo may need a new bull sooner rather than later. Swapping Sabai for a bull from the US would be a nice idea! There's a lot of young bulls there at the moment who probably won't be breeding there long term.
If there is doubt of Putra Mas's breeding capabilities; I guess AI is a last resort. Although costly, it'll be easier with the bull and cows at the same facility.
The only concern I have is that Monarto keepers have stated that they will only be able to accommodate 'two more cows' for breeding with Putra Mas. Monarto will still have Burma and Permai (for potentially another two decades) and so they'll still be taking up a lot of space there too. The maximum space would be required at the Monarto facility to allow for breeding. It would be easier to have Tang Mo, but having three non reproductive cows there may complicate things.
Werribee Update
The complex is now opening late 2024/early 2025 (not mid 2024 as originally planned). No reason was given for the delay, but projects rarely run to schedule across the region. Estimates from 2021 had the complex opening this month. It was exciting to see construction progress on my visit, though there’s clearly still a long way to go.
While the complex may not open until 2025, the elephants MUST be on site by the end of 2024. The staff member I spoke to at Werribee said this was for two reasons: A) The calves need to be small enough to fit in the caboose (annex) of their mother’s moving crates; and B) They want the calves on site and settled while they’re still protected by their mother’s antibodies against EEHV. Calves are most susceptible to EEHV following weaning and therefore they want to avoid additional environmental stressors.
As previously mentioned, there’s no plans for additional elephants to join the nine from Melbourne at this point in time; with Luk Chai planned to sire the next cohort of calves (to Dokkoon, Num Oi and Mali) again. Keepers at Melbourne advised this will be an artificial birth interval (around five years) as the cows are already cycling again and they have no plans to breed them ahead of the transfer; and because it’s prudent to ensure a lifelong placement exists for any calves bred.
The Werribee complex will allow for fission-fusion relationships between the bull and the cows; with time spent together and apart. Long term, Roi Yim is anticipated to choose to spend more time with Luk Chai as he enters adolescence and begins his transition out of the matriarchal herd.
The complex is now opening late 2024/early 2025 (not mid 2024 as originally planned). No reason was given for the delay, but projects rarely run to schedule across the region. Estimates from 2021 had the complex opening this month. It was exciting to see construction progress on my visit, though there’s clearly still a long way to go.
While the complex may not open until 2025, the elephants MUST be on site by the end of 2024. The staff member I spoke to at Werribee said this was for two reasons: A) The calves need to be small enough to fit in the caboose (annex) of their mother’s moving crates; and B) They want the calves on site and settled while they’re still protected by their mother’s antibodies against EEHV. Calves are most susceptible to EEHV following weaning and therefore they want to avoid additional environmental stressors.
As previously mentioned, there’s no plans for additional elephants to join the nine from Melbourne at this point in time; with Luk Chai planned to sire the next cohort of calves (to Dokkoon, Num Oi and Mali) again. Keepers at Melbourne advised this will be an artificial birth interval (around five years) as the cows are already cycling again and they have no plans to breed them ahead of the transfer; and because it’s prudent to ensure a lifelong placement exists for any calves bred.
The Werribee complex will allow for fission-fusion relationships between the bull and the cows; with time spent together and apart. Long term, Roi Yim is anticipated to choose to spend more time with Luk Chai as he enters adolescence and begins his transition out of the matriarchal herd.
Dubbo - Breeding Update
Thanks again to @WhistlingKite24 for discovering this exciting update on Dubbo’s breeding plans in Taronga’s 2022/2023 annual report.
As detailed below, the plan was for Anjalee to have conceived by the end of this year. All going to plan, this could see Dubbo welcome an elephant calf in the second half of 2025. Though Gung is described as the ‘breeding bull’, I feel like the introduction to Pathi Harn had a purpose and we could ultimately be looking at a Pathi Harn/Anjalee pairing.
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/tp/files/187138/1 - Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Zoological Parks Board) Annual Report 2022-23 (1).PDF
Female Asian Elephant 'Anjalee' was successfully integrated to the herd of females as well as breeding bull 'Gung' following her arrival from Auckland Zoo. Recently, the team have worked diligently on introductions with the younger bulls 'Pathi Harn' and 'Sabai'. It is hoped that following these successful interactions, 'Anjalee' will be able to breed by the end of the year – key to her physical and social health.
Thanks again to @WhistlingKite24 for discovering this exciting update on Dubbo’s breeding plans in Taronga’s 2022/2023 annual report.
As detailed below, the plan was for Anjalee to have conceived by the end of this year. All going to plan, this could see Dubbo welcome an elephant calf in the second half of 2025. Though Gung is described as the ‘breeding bull’, I feel like the introduction to Pathi Harn had a purpose and we could ultimately be looking at a Pathi Harn/Anjalee pairing.
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/tp/files/187138/1 - Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Zoological Parks Board) Annual Report 2022-23 (1).PDF
Female Asian Elephant 'Anjalee' was successfully integrated to the herd of females as well as breeding bull 'Gung' following her arrival from Auckland Zoo. Recently, the team have worked diligently on introductions with the younger bulls 'Pathi Harn' and 'Sabai'. It is hoped that following these successful interactions, 'Anjalee' will be able to breed by the end of the year – key to her physical and social health.
Asian Elephant Population Wrap Up (2023)
2023:
2023 got off to an exciting start with the birth of a calf at Melbourne Zoo on January 1. The female calf was named Kati and concluded an exciting cohort of births that begun with Dokkoon and Mali giving birth to Aiyara and Roi-Yim respectively in November 2022. The trio of calves have thrived and have met all their milestones to date. Along with the adults, the calves are excelling at crate training for the move to Werribee and have recently met their sire, Luk Chai.
Kati (10 months old):
Photo taken from my visit 28/11/2023.
Melbourne Zoo were saddened to announce the loss of Man Jai in August due to EEHV. The nine year old bull was born at Melbourne Zoo in 2013 and was extremely popular with staff and visitors alike. His close friendship with Luk Chai was particularly endearing and one can only imagine what a great time they would have had together at Werribee.
Work continues on the 21ha elephant complex at Werribee Open Range Zoo. An opening date of late 2024/early 2025 is the latest update; though the transfer of the elephants from Melbourne Zoo must be carried out by the end of 2024.
Werribee’s elephant complex:
Photo taken from my visit 30/11/2023.
The biggest news of 2023 was no doubt the announcement Monarto Safari Park will be acquiring Asian elephants with the opening of a 14ha complex in late 2024. They will provide a home for Burma at Auckland Zoo; and Putra Mas and Permai at Permai at Perth Zoo, allowing both these zoos to phase out elephants. An additional two breeding cows will join this trio in the future.
Anjalee at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has been introduced to the zoo’s bulls and according to the annual report, it’s hoped she’ll conceive by the end of 2023.
In March 2023, Melbourne Zoo marked 140 years of keeping elephants; while in June 2023, Auckland Zoo marked 100 years. Both notable milestones, not least ahead of these zoos planning to phase out elephants within the next year.
2024:
Melbourne Zoo don’t intend to breed their elephants until the transfer to Werribee, so any pregnancy announcements are expected to come from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where Anjalee has hopefully conceived. My hopes were to see them plan for a cohort of three calves to Porntip, Thong Dee and Anjalee; but I imagine any breeding plans regarding Thong Dee are on hold until it’s decided whether she’s one of the two cows joining the Monarto herd (unconfirmed/speculation at this stage).
Construction will continue on the Werribee and Monarto complexes throughout 2024 - with projected completion dates of late 2024/early 2025.
I will post an updated population list for Asian elephant in 2024.
2023:
2023 got off to an exciting start with the birth of a calf at Melbourne Zoo on January 1. The female calf was named Kati and concluded an exciting cohort of births that begun with Dokkoon and Mali giving birth to Aiyara and Roi-Yim respectively in November 2022. The trio of calves have thrived and have met all their milestones to date. Along with the adults, the calves are excelling at crate training for the move to Werribee and have recently met their sire, Luk Chai.
Kati (10 months old):
Photo taken from my visit 28/11/2023.
Melbourne Zoo were saddened to announce the loss of Man Jai in August due to EEHV. The nine year old bull was born at Melbourne Zoo in 2013 and was extremely popular with staff and visitors alike. His close friendship with Luk Chai was particularly endearing and one can only imagine what a great time they would have had together at Werribee.
Work continues on the 21ha elephant complex at Werribee Open Range Zoo. An opening date of late 2024/early 2025 is the latest update; though the transfer of the elephants from Melbourne Zoo must be carried out by the end of 2024.
Werribee’s elephant complex:
Photo taken from my visit 30/11/2023.
The biggest news of 2023 was no doubt the announcement Monarto Safari Park will be acquiring Asian elephants with the opening of a 14ha complex in late 2024. They will provide a home for Burma at Auckland Zoo; and Putra Mas and Permai at Permai at Perth Zoo, allowing both these zoos to phase out elephants. An additional two breeding cows will join this trio in the future.
Anjalee at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has been introduced to the zoo’s bulls and according to the annual report, it’s hoped she’ll conceive by the end of 2023.
In March 2023, Melbourne Zoo marked 140 years of keeping elephants; while in June 2023, Auckland Zoo marked 100 years. Both notable milestones, not least ahead of these zoos planning to phase out elephants within the next year.
2024:
Melbourne Zoo don’t intend to breed their elephants until the transfer to Werribee, so any pregnancy announcements are expected to come from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where Anjalee has hopefully conceived. My hopes were to see them plan for a cohort of three calves to Porntip, Thong Dee and Anjalee; but I imagine any breeding plans regarding Thong Dee are on hold until it’s decided whether she’s one of the two cows joining the Monarto herd (unconfirmed/speculation at this stage).
Construction will continue on the Werribee and Monarto complexes throughout 2024 - with projected completion dates of late 2024/early 2025.
I will post an updated population list for Asian elephant in 2024.
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