Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2025

Zoofan15 said:
The funniest thing of all is Putra Mas’ expression. While Permai looks delighted, he looks like an elephant in a cartoon who’s just seen a mouse.

Perth Zoo are encouraging anyone who wants to see Putra Mas to visit ASAP and are still working towards ‘early November’, all going well.

As per my prediction of transfer dates, I wouldn’t be amazed if he arrived next Wednesday.

Putra Mas - Prediction of Transfer Day

I thought it’d be interesting to compare the transfer days of the previous elephants that were transferred to Monarto Safari Park to see if there were any trends to predict when Perth Zoo might transfer their bull.

Burma:

Departed November 12, 2024 (Tue)
Arrived November 12, 2024 (Tue)

Permai:

Departed January 27, 2025 (Mon)
Arrived January 29, 2025 (Wed)

Pak Boon and Tang Mo:

Departed April 29, 2025 (Tue)
Arrived April 30, 2025 (Wed)

There’s a couple of trends here:

All the elephants transferred in from Australian zoos arrived on Wednesday; but more specifically, all three sending zoos avoided transferring out their elephants on weekend days (for obvious reasons).

With this in mind, my first prediction of transfer dates is that Putra Mas will depart Perth Zoo on November 3 (Monday) and arrive November 5 (Wednesday); with my second prediction being that he will depart November 10 (Monday) and arrive November 12 (Wednesday). I’d be interested to hear others predictions!
A
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He does look like the cartoon classic!:D

I've always enjoyed doing zoo predictions- I am often correct but not always obviously. But not going to join in this one, too far away on the other side of the world. But your reasoning is sound I think. Hope all goes well.
 
The "Putra Mas" count down is on perhaps a week or less to go before the historic move hopefully it will go to plan I will have my fingers crossed it will go smoothly, moving such a large powerful adult bull elephant is not easy task especially one with a history of not liking crates.
I seem to recall a move several years ago in a European zoo of an adult (Asian I think) bull elephant that died in the crate possibly before it left the zoo grounds, If I remember correctly it ended up upside down in the crate
 
Zorro said:
The "Putra Mas" count down is on perhaps a week or less to go before the historic move hopefully it will go to plan I will have my fingers crossed it will go smoothly, moving such a large powerful adult bull elephant is not easy task especially one with a history of not liking crates.
I seem to recall a move several years ago in a European zoo of an adult (Asian I think) bull elephant that died in the crate possibly before it left the zoo grounds, If I remember correctly it ended up upside down in the crate
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Chori the African elephant also died at Taronga Zoo on 18/04/1979 during an attempt to crate her (to send to Taronga Western Plains Zoo). She suffered a fall, with the official cause of death being acute heart failure.

Perth’s team have worked wonders in crate training Putra Mas (and his custom made crate has cooling systems to negate the risk of heat stress etc); but there’s realistically no way for them to simulate the motion of the crane or the movement of the vehicle, which he will experience for the first time in decades upon his departure. A sedative will be given, so hopefully that will help.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Chori the African elephant also died at Taronga Zoo on 18/04/1979 during an attempt to crate her (to send to Taronga Western Plains Zoo). She suffered a fall, with the official cause of death being acute heart failure.

Perth’s team have worked wonders in crate training Putra Mas (and his custom made crate has cooling systems to negate the risk of heat stress etc); but there’s realistically no way for them to simulate the motion of the crane or the movement of the vehicle, which he will experience for the first time in decades upon his departure. A sedative will be given, so hopefully that will help.
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I hope his main keeper can stay with him as long as possible after he arrives!
 
I am fairly confident it was Baba. They pronounced him dead at Sevilla, Spain upon his arrival. He was to be a part of the cohort of young bachelor bulls as he never reproduced. Of course the majority of these young bulls died of the blister beetle infection and only one survives among old circus cows.
 
Zorro said:
I hope his main keeper can stay with him as long as possible after he arrives!
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Yes, I believe Steve (Putra Mas’ senior keeper) will be staying on for an extended period while he settles.

Some of the keepers of Monarto’s cows agreed to stay on for an extended period and ended up accepting permanent positions, so it wouldn’t even surprise me if that happened.
 
ZCChip said:
I am confident Putra Mas will be fine. Those two incidents are very, very rare fortunately.
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I agree. In Chori’s case she also had underlying health issues and following countless successful transfers of elephants between Australian zoos, it’s reasonable to deem her (albeit tragic) death an isolated incident.

Well over a year of training (and an even longer period of planning) has gone into Putra Mas’ move. I’m in no doubt that the staff involved have left no stone unturned so to speak in mitigating potential risks.
 
Waterbuck update:

The Waterbuck calf born in May 2025 has been sexed as a male and named ‘Nashibe’:

1.0 Nashibe (25/05/2025) Kubwa x Acacia

A female Waterbuck was transferred to Altina Wildlife Park in August 2025:

0.1 Neela (11/05/2024) Kubwa x Acacia

Monarto Safari Park’s Waterbuck population currently stands at 3.2 Waterbuck.

Information confirmed via Monarto Safari Park.
 
Putra Mas Is on His Way

From their newsletter

Putra Mas is on the move!


It’s a truly special day for elephant conservation in Australia.



Early this morning, Asian Elephant Putra Mas calmly walked into his custom-built, air-conditioned transport crate at Perth Zoo and began his journey to his new forever home at Monarto Safari Park.



At 35 years old and weighing around five tonnes, Putra Mas will travel more than 2,700 kilometres across the Nullarbor, one of the largest overland moves of a bull elephant of his size anywhere in the world.



Travelling with him are two rotating teams of Perth Zoo elephant keepers and veterinarians, ensuring his comfort and welfare are monitored around the clock. His specially designed crate is insulated and temperature controlled at a comfortable 21 degrees, with cameras, a water trough, a hay feeder and plenty of space for his favourite snacks including watermelon, bamboo, raisin bread and peanut butter sandwiches.



John Lemon, Perth Zoo’s Director of Life Sciences, described the move as a bittersweet milestone.



“It’s a fantastic welfare outcome for Putra Mas to join the new herd at Monarto Safari Park, but it’s also the end of an era for Perth Zoo. We know it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about his welfare.”



The journey is expected to take around two and a half days, with regular stops for rest, refuelling and welfare checks. The convoy is travelling under what looks to be ideal weather conditions to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip for everyone, especially the biggest traveller on board.


This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of elephant care. The arrival of Putra Mas will complete the founding herd at Monarto Safari Park and mark the start of a new era for elephants in our care.



When he arrives later this week, Putra Mas will be given the time and space he needs to settle into his new surroundings before being gradually introduced to the rest of the herd, including Permai, who he will likely remember from their time at Perth Zoo.



This milestone is only possible thanks to your ongoing support. Every kilometre of this journey reflects the care, expertise and shared commitment of people who believe in giving elephants the life they deserve, a life with space, choice and companionship.



We look forward to sharing updates from the road and celebrating Putra Mas’s safe arrival at Monarto Safari Park.



Thank you for being part of this incredible story.



Warm regards,
Phil Ainsley
Chief Executive, Zoos South Australia
 
Patrick Keegan said:
Putra Mas Is on His Way

From their newsletter

Putra Mas is on the move!


It’s a truly special day for elephant conservation in Australia.



Early this morning, Asian Elephant Putra Mas calmly walked into his custom-built, air-conditioned transport crate at Perth Zoo and began his journey to his new forever home at Monarto Safari Park.



At 35 years old and weighing around five tonnes, Putra Mas will travel more than 2,700 kilometres across the Nullarbor, one of the largest overland moves of a bull elephant of his size anywhere in the world.



Travelling with him are two rotating teams of Perth Zoo elephant keepers and veterinarians, ensuring his comfort and welfare are monitored around the clock. His specially designed crate is insulated and temperature controlled at a comfortable 21 degrees, with cameras, a water trough, a hay feeder and plenty of space for his favourite snacks including watermelon, bamboo, raisin bread and peanut butter sandwiches.



John Lemon, Perth Zoo’s Director of Life Sciences, described the move as a bittersweet milestone.



“It’s a fantastic welfare outcome for Putra Mas to join the new herd at Monarto Safari Park, but it’s also the end of an era for Perth Zoo. We know it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about his welfare.”



The journey is expected to take around two and a half days, with regular stops for rest, refuelling and welfare checks. The convoy is travelling under what looks to be ideal weather conditions to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip for everyone, especially the biggest traveller on board.


This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of elephant care. The arrival of Putra Mas will complete the founding herd at Monarto Safari Park and mark the start of a new era for elephants in our care.



When he arrives later this week, Putra Mas will be given the time and space he needs to settle into his new surroundings before being gradually introduced to the rest of the herd, including Permai, who he will likely remember from their time at Perth Zoo.



This milestone is only possible thanks to your ongoing support. Every kilometre of this journey reflects the care, expertise and shared commitment of people who believe in giving elephants the life they deserve, a life with space, choice and companionship.



We look forward to sharing updates from the road and celebrating Putra Mas’s safe arrival at Monarto Safari Park.



Thank you for being part of this incredible story.



Warm regards,
Phil Ainsley
Chief Executive, Zoos South Australia
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Amazing to hear he's successfully on his way to Monarto - especially after there being a little bit of concern regarding him entering the crate (an issue he's had in the past).

So whilst I'm glad they've gotten over arguably the biggest hurdle, the move is still not complete yet, with a long way to go. Fingers crossed everything else goes to plan and the rest of the move will be as seamless as possible!
 
Patrick Keegan said:
Putra Mas Is on His Way

From their newsletter

Putra Mas is on the move!


It’s a truly special day for elephant conservation in Australia.



Early this morning, Asian Elephant Putra Mas calmly walked into his custom-built, air-conditioned transport crate at Perth Zoo and began his journey to his new forever home at Monarto Safari Park.



At 35 years old and weighing around five tonnes, Putra Mas will travel more than 2,700 kilometres across the Nullarbor, one of the largest overland moves of a bull elephant of his size anywhere in the world.



Travelling with him are two rotating teams of Perth Zoo elephant keepers and veterinarians, ensuring his comfort and welfare are monitored around the clock. His specially designed crate is insulated and temperature controlled at a comfortable 21 degrees, with cameras, a water trough, a hay feeder and plenty of space for his favourite snacks including watermelon, bamboo, raisin bread and peanut butter sandwiches.



John Lemon, Perth Zoo’s Director of Life Sciences, described the move as a bittersweet milestone.



“It’s a fantastic welfare outcome for Putra Mas to join the new herd at Monarto Safari Park, but it’s also the end of an era for Perth Zoo. We know it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about his welfare.”



The journey is expected to take around two and a half days, with regular stops for rest, refuelling and welfare checks. The convoy is travelling under what looks to be ideal weather conditions to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip for everyone, especially the biggest traveller on board.


This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of elephant care. The arrival of Putra Mas will complete the founding herd at Monarto Safari Park and mark the start of a new era for elephants in our care.



When he arrives later this week, Putra Mas will be given the time and space he needs to settle into his new surroundings before being gradually introduced to the rest of the herd, including Permai, who he will likely remember from their time at Perth Zoo.



This milestone is only possible thanks to your ongoing support. Every kilometre of this journey reflects the care, expertise and shared commitment of people who believe in giving elephants the life they deserve, a life with space, choice and companionship.



We look forward to sharing updates from the road and celebrating Putra Mas’s safe arrival at Monarto Safari Park.



Thank you for being part of this incredible story.



Warm regards,
Phil Ainsley
Chief Executive, Zoos South Australia
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Jambo said:
Amazing to hear he's successfully on his way to Monarto - especially after there being a little bit of concern regarding him entering the crate (an issue he's had in the past).

So whilst I'm glad they've gotten over arguably the biggest hurdle, the move is still not complete yet, with a long way to go. Fingers crossed everything else goes to plan and the rest of the move will be as seamless as possible!
Click to expand...

Fantastic news! A long time in the planning!

It’s worth noting that this will be Zoos SA’s first ever bull elephant. Six elephants are listed historically for Adelaide Zoo, but all were cows.

Wishing Putra Mas a safe trip and arrival later this week (currently on track for Wednesday).
 
Patrick Keegan said:
Putra Mas Is on His Way

From their newsletter

Putra Mas is on the move!


It’s a truly special day for elephant conservation in Australia.



Early this morning, Asian Elephant Putra Mas calmly walked into his custom-built, air-conditioned transport crate at Perth Zoo and began his journey to his new forever home at Monarto Safari Park.



At 35 years old and weighing around five tonnes, Putra Mas will travel more than 2,700 kilometres across the Nullarbor, one of the largest overland moves of a bull elephant of his size anywhere in the world.



Travelling with him are two rotating teams of Perth Zoo elephant keepers and veterinarians, ensuring his comfort and welfare are monitored around the clock. His specially designed crate is insulated and temperature controlled at a comfortable 21 degrees, with cameras, a water trough, a hay feeder and plenty of space for his favourite snacks including watermelon, bamboo, raisin bread and peanut butter sandwiches.



John Lemon, Perth Zoo’s Director of Life Sciences, described the move as a bittersweet milestone.



“It’s a fantastic welfare outcome for Putra Mas to join the new herd at Monarto Safari Park, but it’s also the end of an era for Perth Zoo. We know it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about his welfare.”



The journey is expected to take around two and a half days, with regular stops for rest, refuelling and welfare checks. The convoy is travelling under what looks to be ideal weather conditions to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip for everyone, especially the biggest traveller on board.


This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of elephant care. The arrival of Putra Mas will complete the founding herd at Monarto Safari Park and mark the start of a new era for elephants in our care.



When he arrives later this week, Putra Mas will be given the time and space he needs to settle into his new surroundings before being gradually introduced to the rest of the herd, including Permai, who he will likely remember from their time at Perth Zoo.



This milestone is only possible thanks to your ongoing support. Every kilometre of this journey reflects the care, expertise and shared commitment of people who believe in giving elephants the life they deserve, a life with space, choice and companionship.



We look forward to sharing updates from the road and celebrating Putra Mas’s safe arrival at Monarto Safari Park.



Thank you for being part of this incredible story.



Warm regards,
Phil Ainsley
Chief Executive, Zoos South Australia
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Great news!

I must admit ... there was a time when I (had) thought this would go on the backburner again. I am sure you all know and it is no secret here, especially our Antipodes Zoochatters, that IMO the breeding program for Asiatic elephant needs to accelerate a few gears in order to remain sustainable, as otherwise the population may implode rather than expand exponentionally....
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Great news!

I must admit ... there was a time when I (had) thought this would go on the backburner again. I am sure you all know and it is no secret here, especially our Antipodes Zoochatters, that IMO the breeding program for Asiatic elephant needs to accelerate a few gears in order to remain sustainable, as otherwise the population may implode rather than expand exponentionally....
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I know a number of us share your view that more regular breeding would benefit the regional population as a whole.

Monarto Safari Park is now in a unique position in that it’s the only Australian holder that can afford to breed at natural birth intervals. Breeding is heavily restricted at Dubbo; and Werribee is planning a slight artificial extension of their cow’s birth intervals; but with Pak Boon being Monarto’s sole viable cow, it’s not unreasonable to expect back to back calves.

Time will tell if natural breeding is successful; and if not, I hope they quickly shift to AI. Melbourne Zoo effectively managed the breeding of Dokkoon (via AI) in the early years, with her first calves born 2010 and 2013.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Fantastic news! A long time in the planning!

It’s worth noting that this will be Zoos SA’s first ever bull elephant. Six elephants are listed historically for Adelaide Zoo, but all were cows.

Wishing Putra Mas a safe trip and arrival later this week (currently on track for Wednesday).
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Definitely Zoos SA's first bull but not South Australia's first :)

ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
How a beer-loving elephant helped build Adelaide's northern suburbs
 
Zorro said:
I am looking forward to seeing some pics and any videos of Putra Mas after he is introduced into his now exhibit!
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I’m equally excited to see the reception he gets from the cows - from Permai who he grew up with at Perth Zoo since they arrived as three year olds; to Burma who hasn’t seen a bull at least since she was imported into New Zealand as an eight year old in 1990.

The arrival of African elephant bull Congo apparently caused quite a stir amongst the cows at Dubbo; and in more recent years, Luk Chai was warmly welcomed by the Melbourne cows in 2020.

From the recent interview with Perth’s Director of Live Sciences, I got impression Putra Mas will be very much integrated with the cows (outside of his annual of musth period). I had assumed their cohabitation would be limited to a couple of contact sessions a week, so it’ll be interesting to see. Ultimately it’s reasonable to assume they’ll let the elephants take the lead and increase/decrease the contact he has with the female herd in accordance to their preferences.
 
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