Australian Asian Elephant Population 2025

[Zoofan15]

Its not really the World's first elephant virus vaccine, but hopefully it might be the first one that really works?

My understanding is that the USA vaccine is the first one and it works well? I am not sure why it has not made it to other countries yet. So far it seems there are two vaccines developed and the USA one is more advanced than the other? We are all in a new field.

The US vaccine is targeted towards EEHV1A. All the EEHV related deaths of calves at Chester Zoo have been caused by EEHV1; however an adult cow died of a co-infection of EEHV4 and a bacterial infection, so I’m wondering if their vaccine is also targeted against that strain.

 

[Jambo]

My understanding is that the USA vaccine is the first one and it works well? I am not sure why it has not made it to other countries yet. So far it seems there are two vaccines developed and the USA one is more advanced than the other? We are all in a new field.

The USA one just hasn't had any poor results thus far, whilst Europe has. It's a matter of 'time will tell' I think.

The US vaccine is targeted towards EEHV1A. All the EEHV related deaths of calves at Chester Zoo have been caused by EEHV1; however an adult cow died of a co-infection of EEHV4 and a bacterial infection, so I’m wondering if their vaccine is also targeted against that strain.

It would make sense for a vaccine to be developed targeting more than just a single strain. Although EEHV1 is by far the most prevalent strain, it's not the only one.

I found an interesting research paper which seems to indicate that EEHV4 is the most distantly related out of all the strains, which would make it harder to create a cohesive vaccine for I would think.

A small number of lethal and nonlethal cases of viral DNA–positive hemorrhagic disease cases in young Asian elephants involved 2 additional related but considerably diverged species of Proboscivirus (EEHV4 and EEHV5). EEHV4 is estimated to have last had common ancestors with EEHV1 35 million years ago and EEHV5 is estimated to have last had common ancestors with EEHV1 20 million years ago.

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Hemorrhagic Disease in Asian Elephant Calves in Logging Camps, Myanmar - PMC

 

[Zoofan15]

The USA one just hasn't had any poor results thus far, whilst Europe has. It's a matter of 'time will tell' I think.

It would make sense for a vaccine to be developed targeting more than just a single strain. Although EEHV1 is by far the most prevalent strain, it's not the only one.

I found an interesting research paper which seems to indicate that EEHV4 is the most distantly related out of all the strains, which would make it harder to create a cohesive vaccine for I would think.

A small number of lethal and nonlethal cases of viral DNA–positive hemorrhagic disease cases in young Asian elephants involved 2 additional related but considerably diverged species of Proboscivirus (EEHV4 and EEHV5). EEHV4 is estimated to have last had common ancestors with EEHV1 35 million years ago and EEHV5 is estimated to have last had common ancestors with EEHV1 20 million years ago.

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Hemorrhagic Disease in Asian Elephant Calves in Logging Camps, Myanmar - PMC

Yes, most fatal cases of EEHV-HD in juvenile Asian elephants are associated with EEHV1A and EEHV1B.

Adult Asian elephants are naturally infected with EEHV1A, EEHV1B, EEHV4 and EEHV5. In contrast, African elephants are naturally infected with EEHV2, EEHV3, EEHV6 and EEHV7.

As a region, Australasia’s main concern would be the EEHV1 (A&B) strain with regards to the juveniles and adolescents in the region. It’s reasonable to assume this was the strain linked to the deaths of Tukta and Man Jai. However, a vaccine targeting the EEHV4 and EEHV5 strains is potentially a long term goal.

 

[Jambo]

Yes, most fatal cases of EEHV-HD in juvenile Asian elephants are associated with EEHV1A and EEHV1B.

Adult Asian elephants are naturally infected with EEHV1A, EEHV1B, EEHV4 and EEHV5. In contrast, African elephants are naturally infected with EEHV2, EEHV3, EEHV6 and EEHV7.

As a region, Australasia’s main concern would be the EEHV1 (A&B) strain with regards to the juveniles and adolescents in the region. It’s reasonable to assume this was the strain linked to the deaths of Tukta and Man Jai. However, a vaccine targeting the EEHV4 and EEHV5 strains is potentially a long term goal.

There's also been Asian Elephant deaths to EEHV3 in captivity according to some papers, but I think (just an assumption of mine) that those are linked to those elephants who lived with Africans; there used to common discourse that the virus was only passed from sub species to sub species.

Werribee have a new testing clinic on site, so I'd hope they're also potentially working on developing a vaccine of their own. If not, it'll be interesting to see whether they eventually attempt to acquire doses of those produced overseas; whether that's the USA one, or even the new Chester vaccine.

 

[Zoofan15]

Werribee have a new testing clinic on site, so I'd hope they're also potentially working on developing a vaccine of their own. If not, it'll be interesting to see whether they eventually attempt to acquire doses of those produced overseas; whether that's the USA one, or even the new Chester vaccine.

None of the Australian zoos are working on developing a vaccine to my knowledge; but I share your hopes that they’ll acquire one of the overseas vaccines in the near future, especially now a number of young elephants have received it as part of a trial and there’s been an opportunity to track its effectiveness.

The laboratory at Werribee provides invaluable assistance with early detection, with results returned within six hours (it previously took 48 hours). As we’ve seen both overseas and in Australia, once an elephant is presenting with symptoms of EEHV-HD, it’s invariably too late. Plasma is also collected at Werribee (Mek Kepah is a donor) and stored on site for future use in transfusions if required - not just at Werribee; but any Australian zoos that requires it (Dubbo being the obvious candidate).

Werribee’s three calves are approaching their third birthdays and no longer have maternal antibodies. They’re very much at the critical risk age, so a vaccine can’t come soon enough. It’d be devastating to lose another young elephant to this horrific virus.

 

[Tiger91]

Neither vaccine is more advanced than the others. Both have been deployed within the last year or so and shown efficacy in protecting young elephants. The American vaccine uses mRNA tech while the UK vaccine uses T cell activation.

There isn't really a need for Aus to develop a vaccine. When doses can be brought in from either country. I wouldn't be surprised to see us included in a trial of the vaccine, especially given how old the 3 at Werribee are. Both vaccines will be looking to start larger phase trialing of there vaccines.

 

[Zoofan15]

Neither vaccine is more advanced than the others. Both have been deployed within the last year or so and shown efficacy in protecting young elephants. The American vaccine uses mRNA tech while the UK vaccine uses T cell activation.

There isn't really a need for Aus to develop a vaccine. When doses can be brought in from either country. I wouldn't be surprised to see us included in a trial of the vaccine, especially given how old the 3 at Werribee are. Both vaccines will be looking to start larger phase trialing of there vaccines.

From Chester’s media release:

Unlike other EEHV vaccines currently in development, the ‘ingredients’ in this new vaccine focus on T-cell activation – the body’s immune system ‘generals’ that identify and destroy infected cells.

We and our partners at Surrey University and APHA chose this T-cell-based approach using proven vaccine delivery methods. The vaccine is given via injection with booster doses, making it suitable for use in zoos and sanctuaries, with plans already underway to develop delivery methods for wild populations.

I believe it’s only a matter of time before the young elephants in Australia receive the vaccine. Werribee’s cohort of calves are at the high risk demographically; but Sabai and Kanlaya are also very much at risk as we saw with the tragic losses of Tukta and Man Jai.

 

[Zoofan15]

The two bulls at Dubbo are realistically the obvious candidates to replace Luk Chai after he sires Werribee's next cohort. Besides Putra Mas of course, but it would surprise me to see him transfer out of Monarto so soon after his transfer there.

Sending Luk Chai and Roi Yim there in return makes the most sense assuming this transfer takes place circa 2032 in time for the next cohort to be sired. The other Sydney bull could also go to Werribee, or even Monarto, which might have the space. It'll be interesting to see whether they build their barn with holding multiple bulls in mind.

When Sydney Zoo imported two bulls from a well represented European line, I struggled to see their value to the Australasian population. Not only were bulls like Putra Mas underrepresented; but it was clear any bull calves sired by them would be undesirable as imports from other regions. Considering the apparent lack of interest importing our first generation bulls, that almost seems moot now and it’s clear we’ll be accomodating our own surplus for the foreseeable.

Had Monarto Safari Park acquired two viable cows (e.g. Pak Boon and Thong Dee) and bred both twice at natural birth intervals, it’s possible Putra Mas could have sired four calves (hopefully 2-3 daughters) by 2032, enabling a bull swap with Werribee at that point. Since it relies solely on Pak Boon, the output will be lower and the best we could hope for is three calves over the longer time period of a decade. By that time, Putra Mas will be pushing 50 years old and from a welfare standpoint, he’d likely be better off remaining in his familiar surrounds.

That’s where the Sydney bulls come in! Luk Chai and son/s (I mean we can dream the next cohort will be 0.3) could transfer to Sydney Zoo in exchange for Kavi and Ashoka. Neither bull is proven, so sending them both together to Werribee not only provides them with experience, it gives the receiving zoo a back up option if one fails to sire calves. One of them could then be sent on to Monarto 3-5 years later to sire calves to any daughters Putra Mas and Pak Boon produce over the next decade.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

When Sydney Zoo imported two bulls from a well represented European line, I struggled to see their value to the Australasian population. Not only were bulls like Putra Mas underrepresented; but it was clear any bull calves sired by them would be undesirable as imports from other regions. Considering the apparent lack of interest importing our first generation bulls, that almost seems moot now and it’s clear we’ll be accomodating our own surplus for the foreseeable.

Had Monarto Safari Park acquired two viable cows (e.g. Pak Boon and Thong Dee) and bred both twice at natural birth intervals, it’s possible Putra Mas could have sired four calves (hopefully 2-3 daughters) by 2032, enabling a bull swap with Werribee at that point. Since it relies solely on Pak Boon, the output will be lower and the best we could hope for is three calves over the longer time period of a decade. By that time, Putra Mas will be pushing 50 years old and from a welfare standpoint, he’d likely be better off remaining in his familiar surrounds.

That’s where the Sydney bulls come in! Luk Chai and son/s (I mean we can dream the next cohort will be 0.3) could transfer to Sydney Zoo in exchange for Kavi and Ashoka. Neither bull is proven, so sending them both together to Werribee not only provides them with experience, it gives the receiving zoo a back up option if one fails to sire calves. One of them could then be sent on to Monarto 3-5 years later to sire calves to any daughters Putra Mas and Pak Boon produce over the next decade.

Moving both bulls would certianly have benefit but, all things considered, neither bull should have issues naturally breeding. Both brothers grew up in a suitable herd setting and likely not only witnessed natural breeding but had other calves to play mount with while growing up.
Should Werribee elect to keep Luk Chai onsite as a mentor bull, I'd say they're more likely to swap out a bull calf (likely Roi-Yim) in place for a Sydney bull. I feel it is a more likely scenario for them to utilize the mind-mannered, more mature bull that they already have onsite to serve as an example not only to his sons, but a new breeding bull as well.

Genetic value is another aspect to consider. Kavi (Upali x SheRa) is more valuable and would likely be the top choice for Werribee. I'm sure that regionally it would be preferable to avoid mixing in the Motek/Warda line until absolutely necessary.

 

[Jambo]

That’s where the Sydney bulls come in! Luk Chai and son/s (I mean we can dream the next cohort will be 0.3) could transfer to Sydney Zoo in exchange for Kavi and Ashoka. Neither bull is proven, so sending them both together to Werribee not only provides them with experience, it gives the receiving zoo a back up option if one fails to sire calves. One of them could then be sent on to Monarto 3-5 years later to sire calves to any daughters Putra Mas and Pak Boon produce over the next decade.

It'll be interesting to see how long they wait following this next cohort to breed again. All going well, the plan would hopefully be for Luk Chai to begin siring the next cohort either next year or the year after allowing the females to calf again in 2028/2029. That would then ideally place the next cohort for 2035/2036, when Aiyara and Kati both reach their early teens and have their first calves of their own, likely alongside Mali and Num Oi for a final time.

If we go by the assumption that Werribee's aiming for six year intervals, we can predict that a likely bull swap would occur around 2031/2032 which would be when the younger calves from this next cohort would only be about three or four years old. With that in mind, a transfer out seems unlikely. The same would go for if Werribee elected for seven year intervals too.

With that in mind a Roi/Luk Chai transfer to Sydney stands likely imo. Another fella who could join them there is Sabai (if he's not exported anytime soon). He was close with Luk Chai and the three bulls would likely make great use of Sydney's complex.

Monarto's an interesting one where, if Pak Boon doesn't breed, I can see them shifting to a bachelor facility sooner rather than later. Assuming Werribee's next cohort has male/s, they likely won't transfer out until the mid to late 2030's. By that time, they could easily be sent across to Monarto, who has the space, and hopefully the barn space too.

In the event Pak Boon does breed though, I can see a son of her's and Putra Mas transferring to Werribee in a swap for Kabir, or they could even have Pathi Harn come down from Dubbo. @Frankie_number_1_fan brings up an interesting point re. viewing the brothers from a genetics standpoint. Yasmin descends from Ramon x Irma line which at one point was quite underrepresented, but that's certainly changed within the last decade. Ashoka comes from the same line but with his father, Alexander, being an offspring of Motek and Warda it's a line that is likely wanting to be avoided. But whether Werribee (operating as a region) will view that as the case, remains to be seen.

 

[Zoofan15]

It'll be interesting to see how long they wait following this next cohort to breed again. All going well, the plan would hopefully be for Luk Chai to begin siring the next cohort either next year or the year after allowing the females to calf again in 2028/2029. That would then ideally place the next cohort for 2035/2036, when Aiyara and Kati both reach their early teens and have their first calves of their own, likely alongside Mali and Num Oi for a final time.

If we go by the assumption that Werribee's aiming for six year intervals, we can predict that a likely bull swap would occur around 2031/2032 which would be when the younger calves from this next cohort would only be about three or four years old. With that in mind, a transfer out seems unlikely. The same would go for if Werribee elected for seven year intervals too.

With that in mind a Roi/Luk Chai transfer to Sydney stands likely imo. Another fella who could join them there is Sabai (if he's not exported anytime soon). He was close with Luk Chai and the three bulls would likely make great use of Sydney's complex.

Monarto's an interesting one where, if Pak Boon doesn't breed, I can see them shifting to a bachelor facility sooner rather than later. Assuming Werribee's next cohort has male/s, they likely won't transfer out until the mid to late 2030's. By that time, they could easily be sent across to Monarto, who has the space, and hopefully the barn space too.

In the event Pak Boon does breed though, I can see a son of her's and Putra Mas transferring to Werribee in a swap for Kabir, or they could even have Pathi Harn come down from Dubbo. @Frankie_number_1_fan brings up an interesting point re. viewing the brothers from a genetics standpoint. Yasmin descends from Ramon x Irma line which at one point was quite underrepresented, but that's certainly changed within the last decade. Ashoka comes from the same line but with his father, Alexander, being an offspring of Motek and Warda it's a line that is likely wanting to be avoided. But whether Werribee (operating as a region) will view that as the case, remains to be seen.

I consider it likely we’ll see a shorter interval (e.g. five years) between the first and second cohort of Werribee calves; and then a longer interval of seven years between the second cohort and any future calves.

Werribee’s keepers advised me they would look at breeding once the herd is settled at Werribee, with 12 months appearing to be a reasonable timeframe for this. If breeding is undertaken next year, then calves would be born in 2028 when the existing cohort are five years old. Any bull calves would be robust enough to interaction with Roi-Yim as a peer sooner (and could cohabit in a bachelor herd context); while any cows born in the next cohort will then effectively be waiting to mature for when the next bull comes. Might as well have them on the ground sooner rather than later, so the tenure of the next breeding bull can be maximised.

Beyond that, a seven year interval until the next calves seems probable. My expectation at this point is that Dokkoon and Num-Oi will retire from breeding after what will be their fourth calves circa 2028 and then Mali will join the two juvenile females (Aiyara and Kati) in producing calves circa 2035, when the latter two are 12-13 years old.

Luk Chai absolutely has value as a mentor bull and Melbourne’s staff mentioned this. Sydney’s bulls are already 11 years old, so his may be perceived as rivals if they don’t arrive onsite for another decade; but in the meantime, Luk Chai will be valuable as a mentor to Roi-Yim and any future sons.

 

[ZCChip]

It is wild to think that only one pair of elephants in Israel populated the world in every corner! .

 

[Jambo]

It is wild to think that only one pair of elephants in Israel populated the world in every corner! .

Most of their representation comes from just three individuals, their three eldest surviving offspring. They've just been lucky that their son especially, has eleven surviving offspring to this day, seven of which have bred countless times.

Regarding Kavi and Ashoka, they're also the first ever captive born Asian imports into Australia, which is huge in itself. Fingers crossed that the door will remain open for when the day comes where we require additional bulls to continue the regional breeding program here.

 

[Zorro]

When Sydney Zoo imported two bulls from a well represented European line, I struggled to see their value to the Australasian population. Not only were bulls like Putra Mas underrepresented; but it was clear any bull calves sired by them would be undesirable as imports from other regions. Considering the apparent lack of interest importing our first generation bulls, that almost seems moot now and it’s clear we’ll be accomodating our own surplus for the foreseeable.

Had Monarto Safari Park acquired two viable cows (e.g. Pak Boon and Thong Dee) and bred both twice at natural birth intervals, it’s possible Putra Mas could have sired four calves (hopefully 2-3 daughters) by 2032, enabling a bull swap with Werribee at that point. Since it relies solely on Pak Boon, the output will be lower and the best we could hope for is three calves over the longer time period of a decade. By that time, Putra Mas will be pushing 50 years old and from a welfare standpoint, he’d likely be better off remaining in his familiar surrounds.

That’s where the Sydney bulls come in! Luk Chai and son/s (I mean we can dream the next cohort will be 0.3) could transfer to Sydney Zoo in exchange for Kavi and Ashoka. Neither bull is proven, so sending them both together to Werribee not only provides them with experience, it gives the receiving zoo a back up option if one fails to sire calves. One of them could then be sent on to Monarto 3-5 years later to sire calves to any daughters Putra Mas and Pak Boon produce over the next decade.

I believe Sydney zoo wanted to have elephants on display as a draw card so acquiring two young bulls that would have been excess to requirements would have been the easier option with little to no chance of obtaining females. I also believe that its highly possible that with regards to Taronga's cows Pat Boon and Thong Dee not going to Monarto may have been because the zoo world being caught a little off guard by the what appears to be very sudden interest and speed of which the zoo moving to become a regional holder, the donations were I believe all collected within a few days and to date they are still under construction. They acted extremely quickly when Werribee was 10 years in the planning!

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe Sydney zoo wanted to have elephants on display as a draw card so acquiring two young bulls that would have been excess to requirements would have been the easier option with little to no chance of obtain females. I also believe that its highly possible that with regards to Taronga's cows Pat Boon and Thong Dee not going to Monarto may have been because the zoo world being caught a little off guard by the what appears to be very sudden interest and speed of which the zoo moving to become a regional holder, the donations were I believe all collected within a few days and to date they are still under construction. They acted extremely quickly when Werribee was 10 years in the planning!

You’re correct. There was very much a lack of availability within the region when Sydney Zoo were first looking to source elephants. Luk Chai and Pathi Harn were the obvious candidates, but Luk Chai of course became Melbourne’s new breeding bull; and Dubbo are no doubt keen to retain a bull unrelated to Gung. Had Thong Dee not been retired, he would be even more valuable.

And yes, Monarto’s fundraising was off the charts ($2.4 million raised in 28 days). There had previously been indication elephants were 10+ years away for Monarto; but the cancellation of Burma’s import from Australia Zoo and the dilemma of where to place Perth’s elephants no doubt sparked discussions over Monarto opening a facility. The Taronga transfer was essentially tagged on the end, as their cows were initially scheduled to go to Dubbo. The only downside in this is has that happened, we may have got the herd barn at Dubbo sooner.

 

[Jambo]

You’re correct. There was very much a lack of availability within the region when Sydney Zoo were first looking to source elephants. Luk Chai and Pathi Harn were the obvious candidates, but Luk Chai of course became Melbourne’s new breeding bull; and Dubbo are no doubt keen to retain a bull unrelated to Gung. Had Thong Dee not been retired, he would be even more valuable.

I believe the plans to transfer Luk Chai across to Melbourne extended back to early 2019. Sydney opened later that year so were likely advised that acquiring the bulls from Dubbo wasn't going to be a possibility, unless they elected to just take on Pathi Harn.

With Saigon at the time and only two outdoor exhibits, it would've been difficult to accommodate two bulls separately in the event they didn't get along. This was the case with Luk Chai and Pathi Harn, and would've also been a possibility had they attempted to acquire a young Man Jai from Melbourne to pair with Pathi there.

I've always been of the opinion that it would've been much better to have Sydney accommodate the regions 'retirement' cows who are used to the city zoo setting. That could've allowed the two Sydney bulls to transfer across to Monarto where they could've been held alongside Putra Mas, and the Taronga girls (potentially including Thong Dee).

 

[Zoofan15]

Regarding Kavi and Ashoka, they're also the first ever captive born Asian imports into Australia, which is huge in itself. Fingers crossed that the door will remain open for when the day comes where we require additional bulls to continue the regional breeding program here.

Australia is unique in that before the birth of the first calf in 2009, the entire regional population was comprised of founders to the global captive population. Compare this to North America and Europe, which had been breeding successfully for decades at that point.

Today we have 23 elephants in the region (excluding the four Sumatrans at Australia Zoo). Of these 23 elephants, 12 are founders to the global captive population; 9 are Australian born; and 2 are imports descended from well represented lines.

This is the reason I was so keen for Australia to retain Putra Mas. I don’t doubt well bulls surplus to the European population will be offered to us down the line; but none will ever come close to the value of a wild born founder like Putra Mas.

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe the plans to transfer Luk Chai across to Melbourne extended back to early 2019. Sydney opened later that year so were likely advised that acquiring the bulls from Dubbo wasn't going to be a possibility, unless they elected to just take on Pathi Harn.

With Saigon at the time and only two outdoor exhibits, it would've been difficult to accommodate two bulls separately in the event they didn't get along. This was the case with Luk Chai and Pathi Harn, and would've also been a possibility had they attempted to acquire a young Man Jai from Melbourne to pair with Pathi there.

I've always been of the opinion that it would've been much better to have Sydney accommodate the regions 'retirement' cows who are used to the city zoo setting. That could've allowed the two Sydney bulls to transfer across to Monarto where they could've been held alongside Putra Mas, and the Taronga girls (potentially including Thong Dee).

Melbourne Zoo intended to undertake AI in early 2020 using Gung as the donor bull; but it’s possible they still had transferring Luk Chai over as the long term plan as it would have been costly to undertake AI.

The Werribee complex was delayed, so I’m wondering if the original plan was to transfer Luk Chai in conjunction with that opening up 2022/2023. When the 2020 AI attempts was postponed due to Gung entering musth and then Covid hit, it was surely deemed impractical to continue with AI; and Dokkoon’s birth interval was becoming a concern. Num-Oi could have comfortably waited until 2022/2023 (as could Mali).

I agree re. Sydney acting as facility for retirement cows. They would have been the ideal home for Burma and Permai. Saigon died February 2022, which is the month before Anjalee transferred out (with Burma originally planned to follow in April 2022). Tricia then died in July 2022, necessitating Permai’s departure. It would have timed perfectly.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Zoo intended to undertake AI in early 2020 using Gung as the donor bull; but it’s possible they still had transferring Luk Chai over as the long term plan as it would have been costly to undertake AI.

The Werribee complex was delayed, so I’m wondering if the original plan was to transfer Luk Chai in conjunction with that opening up 2022/2023. When the 2020 AI attempts was postponed due to Gung entering musth and then Covid hit, it was surely deemed impractical to continue with AI; and Dokkoon’s birth interval was becoming a concern. Num-Oi could have comfortably waited until 2022/2023 (as could Mali).

I agree re. Sydney acting as facility for retirement cows. They would have been the ideal home for Burma and Permai. Saigon died February 2022, which is the month before Anjalee transferred out (with Burma originally planned to follow in April 2022). Tricia then died in July 2022, necessitating Permai’s departure. It would have timed perfectly.

I could be wrong but I thought the Gung AI plans were from back in 2018.

I remember talking to a keeper after Luk Chai's arrival. They had planned to transfer him across to Melbourne in early 2020 but Covid had struck right before his planned move (likely in April/May). When the restrictions eased in November, the keepers took the first chance to transfer Luk Chai down as it was anticipated that they could tighten back up again at any time.

There was urgency to get Dokkoon especially, pregnant again due to her age. Luk Chai's move also happened to tie in with her cycling just weeks after his arrival. I remember there being a conscious effort to 'introduce' Luk Chai to the cows as soon as he arrived.

 

[Zoofan15]

I could be wrong but I thought the Gung AI plans were from back in 2018.

I remember talking to a keeper after Luk Chai's arrival. They had planned to transfer him across to Melbourne in early 2020 but Covid had struck right before his planned move (likely in April/May). When the restrictions eased in November, the keepers took the first chance to transfer Luk Chai down as it was anticipated that they could tighten back up again at any time.

There was urgency to get Dokkoon especially, pregnant again due to her age. Luk Chai's move also happened to tie in with her cycling just weeks after his arrival. I remember there being a conscious effort to 'introduce' Luk Chai to the cows as soon as he arrived.

My apologies. I looked back on my notes and the AI attempt was scheduled for the summer of 2019 (not the summer of 2020). The AI was scheduled for December 2018, with conditioning for a semen collection procedure resuming in January 2019, once Gung’s musth cycle had ceased.

Gung unexpectedly entered musth for the third time in 2018; having previously reliably cycled in January each year for a few years. Both Luk Chai and Pathi Harn had very short musth cycles that month, which was theorised to have induced Gung’s unexpected musth cycle (along with Thong Dee cycling in December).

Like you say, Dokkoon conceiving was a priority. They were similarly keen for Num-Oi to have a calf sooner rather than later for social reasons, but biologically speaking, it was a lesser priority. It certainly couldn’t have worked out better, with all three cows conceiving on their first cycles following Luk Chai’s arrival!