She is a sweetheart, adore her very much now (have seen her before in the past but after getting to see her today she really captured my heart, Tang Mo now I know other is her, was rummaging through ground strands of hay with her backside to the public most of the time). There was the other public viewing spot closer to Pak Boon that went to afterwards, but in that moment with Pak Boon staring right back at me, somehow just wanted to smile and say hello to her and just admire and appreciate her quietly without her seeing me a few metres away just going click, click, click on phone (not intended as a criticism about taking pictures, just in that moment made eye contact with her and just wanted to say hello without having phone in front of my face).
@steveroberts Elephants are such a charismatic species. They really seem to enjoy the presence of crowds in a way few other species do; but it’s easy to see why, being such perceptive and intelligent animals.
@steveroberts It’s humbling to have met elephants like Kashin (1968-2009) and Burma (1982) who were around for many years before I was even born. They used to walk them around the zoo when I was a kid during visitor hours (now only outside open hours), but either way they’ve literally been witness to history and the evolution of the zoo over the decades versus other species which remain in their exhibits.
@steveroberts It’ll be interesting to see whether they AI Pak Boon, but I’d guess not the fact they’ve left it this late now. Concerns around her TB may influence this.
poor Pak Boon with TB suffering, I mean of course its sad any Ele', just having gotten really fond of her it brings the diagnosis up a level from not just information I suppose. Part of me thinks it would be grand for her to have another calf as like a last 'hurrah' during her and Tang Mo's time at Taronga as they can have a miniature maternal duo-herd for the calves first year or two of life before literally moving on to greener pastures. Watching the crowds adore on them both today got me thinking that while its indisputable that most people will welcome their move to open range living on welfare grounds...people in Sydney are going to miss them, I do stand with the moving them for their best quality of life decision...but I did think today too it's a pity Taronga doesnt have a spare 10 hectares up its sleeve lol.
@steveroberts The birth caused TB to flare up, which was believed to have lain dormant. Combined with the loss of Tukta to EEHV and the small herd size, I think the odds are against her breeding. It’s sad her and Tang Mo are unrepresented, with no hope for Tang Mo ever producing a calf due to her own reproductive issues.
