Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2022

[Zorro]

I believe the Irish boys from Sydney are actually more likely to end up siring calves in Victoria than in New South Wales, as not only are Sydney and Taronga direct competitors but Taronga was also very unwilling to help Sydney when it was initially trying to acquire elephants. For Sydney handing Taronga an unrelated bull would essentially be giving them hundreds of thousands of dollars in newborn calf related ticket sales.
Unfortunately, I think zoo politics will mostly always come before what is best for the regional population. That's Luk Chai as we know ended up as Melbourne's new breeding bull, rather than Putra Mas (a founder), it's not like Putra Mas is a full-time companion to Tricia like Permai. It's because Perth one - doesn't want an empty enclosure generating no money, and two - he's sentimental as one of the zoo's last ever elephants.
Also, does anyone know which out of Kavi and Ashoka are more likely to be bred from in Australia at this stage? As in if we receive any more European imports far far down the track who is more likely to be related to them through their mothers?

I do find it somewhat surprising that what many see as the the number one zoo in the country if not the region would put politics before the good of a species, I really hope this is not the case.

 

[Zoofan15]

Also, does anyone know which out of Kavi and Ashoka are more likely to be bred from in Australia at this stage? As in if we receive any more European imports far far down the track who is more likely to be related to them through their mothers?

Kavi and Ashoka actually descend from the same maternal line:

Yasmin (1990) is the mother of Anak (2003) and Kavi (2014).

Anak (2003) is the mother of Ashoka (2014).

Both calves were sired by Upali (1994).

 

[Jambo]

I believe the Irish boys from Sydney are actually more likely to end up siring calves in Victoria than in New South Wales, as not only are Sydney and Taronga direct competitors but Taronga was also very unwilling to help Sydney when it was initially trying to acquire elephants. For Sydney handing Taronga an unrelated bull would essentially be giving them hundreds of thousands of dollars in newborn calf related ticket sales.
Unfortunately, I think zoo politics will mostly always come before what is best for the regional population. That's Luk Chai as we know ended up as Melbourne's new breeding bull, rather than Putra Mas (a founder), it's not like Putra Mas is a full-time companion to Tricia like Permai. It's because Perth one - doesn't want an empty enclosure generating no money, and two - he's sentimental as one of the zoo's last ever elephants.
Also, does anyone know which out of Kavi and Ashoka are more likely to be bred from in Australia at this stage? As in if we receive any more European imports far far down the track who is more likely to be related to them through their mothers?

I think it depends on where Putra Mas goes. If he ends up at Werribee, I think it’ll be likely they’ll go to Dubbo and vice versa.

Dubbo could work it out with Sydney by sending two younger bulls in exchange. Nothing will drastically change for Sydney, just the fact that they will have different elephants.

Perth likely decided to keep Putra Mas as he’s one of their last ever elephants, and also to the fact that he’s a very impressive bull with a nice set of tusks. He’d be a nice source of income for them.

 

[Jambo]

Kavi and Ashoka actually descend from the same maternal line:

Yasmin (1990) is the mother of Anak (2003) and Kavi (2014).

Anak (2003) is the mother of Ashoka (2014).

Both calves were sired by Upali (1994).

That’s right Kavi is Ashoka’s uncle. Both males are descended from the Rotterdam herd, and have extensive relatives throughout Europe and even North America.

Ashoka might get higher priority (being third generation) but I don’t think it would matter. The bull that gets along most with the cows will be chosen first, and from then they could breed the other male and function with two different breeding bulls. I doubt this would occur though; it’s more likely the other bull will be kept as a non breeding male and a back up.

 

[Zoofan15]

It’s a little bit of a surprise they chose to bred Mali now, instead of later (she’s only 12, and they could’ve waited until the herd arrived at Werribee in 2024). I was told that it would be better if Mali had a calf at the same time as her mother, Dokkoon to help with the learning experience. With Dokkoon due first, hopefully Mali will be able to learn within the first few months before she has a calf of her own.

Tricia is almost 65 this year and really getting on in her years; and so Putra Mas should be an option by the time Mali’s daughter reaches breeding age (earliest could be around 2032 if her upcoming calf is female).

That plan seems perfect! If Dokkoon produces another successful calf this year, I think they’ll end up only allowing her to breed once more following that. It’d be important to breed her again sooner rather than later as any experience Mali can gain from seeing her mother raise a calf now would be extremely beneficial. Melbourne hasn’t had a surviving calf since Man Jai eight years ago when Mali was only four.

Personally I think the zoo are quite excited about the birth of Mali’s first calf considering Mali is:

- Australia’s first female elephant calf
- Melbourne Zoo’s first elephant calf
- Melbourne Zoo’s only female calf to survive to adulthood
- The mother of the first second generation elephant born in Australia

After the move to Werribee, when there’s been a few females calves and the hype has died down, I think we’ll see females breeding for the first time in their mid to late teens.

Thank you. What I liked about my plan also was that it rotated between Dokkoon and Mali, so they were giving birth four years apart each time. They’ll be each other’s strongest source of support and of maximum use to each other when they haven’t got a newborn calf of their own to preoccupy them.

In the short term however, I don’t doubt Mali will benefit from witnessing the birth and rearing of her newborn sibling in the time that precedes her own first birth. It will hopefully compound the experience she’s already gained from watching Dokkoon rear Man Jai.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do find it somewhat surprising that what many see as the the number one zoo in the country if not the region would put politics before the good of a species, I really hope this is not the case.

I still think Taronga shots themselves in the foot by turning down an opportunity to offload two of their adolescent bulls. This surely could have benefited both zoos.

It’ll be interesting to see how Sydney Zoo play it, going into the future. Their bulls won’t be needed in the immediate future - but two decades from now, they’ll be in high demand if no further bulls have been imported and the other founders have been exhausted.

 

[Jambo]

Personally I think the zoo are quite excited about the birth of Mali’s first calf considering Mali is:

- Australia’s first female elephant calf
- Melbourne Zoo’s first elephant calf
- Melbourne Zoo’s only female calf to survive to adulthood
- The mother of the first second generation elephant born in Australia

After the move to Werribee, when there’s been a few females calves and the hype has died down, I think we’ll see females breeding for the first time in their mid to late teens.

Thank you. What I liked about my plan also was that it rotated between Dokkoon and Mali, so they were giving birth four years apart each time. They’ll be each other’s strongest source of support and of maximum use to each other when they haven’t got a newborn calf of their own to preoccupy them.

In the short term however, I don’t doubt Mali will benefit from witnessing the birth and rearing of her newborn sibling in the time that precedes her own first birth. It will hopefully compound the experience she’s already gained from watching Dokkoon rear Man Jai.

It is gonna be an exciting birth all round.

It’s quite ironic the first male elephant born in the region and the first female elephant born in the region would come together and produce the first second generation elephant.

Taronga and Melbourne have done outstanding work with their elephant breeding programs, getting 11 calves (7 surviving) so far from their joined import back in 2006. A great achievement, as they have definitely exceeded expectations.

 

[Jambo]

I still think Taronga shots themselves in the foot by turning down an opportunity to offload two of their adolescent bulls. This surely could have benefited both zoos.

It’ll be interesting to see how Sydney Zoo play it, going into the future. Their bulls won’t be needed in the immediate future - but two decades from now, they’ll be in high demand if no further bulls have been imported and the other founders have been exhausted.

At the time Dubbo didn’t necessarily have bulls to give up. Luk Chai was on his way to Melbourne, and Sabai was still only three years old.

Offloading Pathi Harn and Sabai though would’ve been a massive benefit, especially for Dubbo which frees up space. The only thing is, the move would’ve had to have been made around three to four years into the future, once Sabai becomes fully independent from Thong Dee. Maybe Sydney just weren’t willing to wait.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Does anyone have a quick break down of the current living Asiatic elephant population?

 

[Zoofan15]

Does anyone have a quick break down of the current living Asiatic elephant population?

New Zealand

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Burma (00/00/1982) Wild x Wild; Imported 1990
0.1 Anjalee (23/08/2006) Jayathu x Mayuri; Imported 2015

Australia

Australia Zoo:

0.1 Megawati (19/07/1999) Sidarta x Umri; Imported 2019
0.1 Widya (00/00/2001) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
0.1 Christina (00/00/2010) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
0.1 Raflesia (00/11/2014) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019

Melbourne Zoo:

1.0 Luk Chai (04/07/2009) Gung x Thong Dee
1.0 Man Jai (08/12/2013) Bong Su x Dokkoon

0.1 Mek Kapah (00/00/1973) Wild x Wild; Imported 1978
0.1 Dokkoon (00/00/1993) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
0.1 Kulab (00/00/2000) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
0.1 Num-Oi (00/00/2001) Num Sek x Lampoon; Imported 2006
0.1 Mali (16/01/2010) Bong Su x Dokkoon

Perth Zoo:

1.0 Putra Mas (00/00/1989) Wild x Wild; Imported 1992

0.1 Tricia (00/00/1957) Wild x Wild; Imported 1963
0.1 Permai (00/00/1989) Wild x Wild; Imported 1992

Sydney Zoo:

1.0 Kavi (17/07/2014) Upali x Yasmin; Imported 2020
1.0 Ashoka (19/08/2014) Upali x Anak; Imported 2020

0.1 Saigon (00/00/1958) Wild x Wild; Imported 1962 approx

Taronga Zoo:

0.1 Pak Boon (00/00/1992) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
0.1 Tang Mo (00/00/1999) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

1.0 Gung (00/00/2000) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2006
1.0 Pathi Harn (10/03/2010) Bong Su x Porntip
1.0 Sabai (02/11/2016) Gung x Thong Dee

0.1 Porntip (00/00/1992); Imported 2006
0.1 Thong Dee (00/00/1997); Imported 2006
0.1 Kanlaya (14/06/2018) Putra Mas x Porntip

Total regional population: 8.19 Asian elephant

8.14 Indian elephant
0.1 Sri Lankan elephant
0.4 Sumatran elephant

 

[Zoofan15]

It is gonna be an exciting birth all round.

It’s quite ironic the first male elephant born in the region and the first female elephant born in the region would come together and produce the first second generation elephant.

Taronga and Melbourne have done outstanding work with their elephant breeding programs, getting 11 calves (7 surviving) so far from their joined import back in 2006. A great achievement, as they have definitely exceeded expectations.

At the time Dubbo didn’t necessarily have bulls to give up. Luk Chai was on his way to Melbourne, and Sabai was still only three years old.

Offloading Pathi Harn and Sabai though would’ve been a massive benefit, especially for Dubbo which frees up space. The only thing is, the move would’ve had to have been made around three to four years into the future, once Sabai becomes fully independent from Thong Dee. Maybe Sydney just weren’t willing to wait.

The transfer of Luk Chai to Melbourne really came out of left field as far as I was concerned. Many of us were predicting Putra Mas would be transferred, as he’s a founder and it’s an established procedure to exhaust founder bulls before breeding from first generation bulls (the same doesn’t apply to cows due to age related breeding constraints).

Taronga Zoo were no doubt hoping to breed the first second generation calf from Tukta prior to her death, so it’s nice they can still share in that accomplishment via Luk Chai siring Mali’s calf.

 

[Jambo]

The transfer of Luk Chai to Melbourne really came out of left field as far as I was concerned. Many of us were predicting Putra Mas would be transferred, as he’s a founder and it’s an established procedure to exhaust founder bulls before breeding from first generation bulls (the same doesn’t apply to cows due to age related breeding constraints).

Taronga Zoo were no doubt hoping to breed the first second generation calf from Tukta prior to her death, so it’s nice they can still share in that accomplishment via Luk Chai siring Mali’s calf.

It was definitely a surprise to me too! I genuinely believed the cows wouldn’t be breeding again until they got to Werribee.

Putra Mas was the best choice being a founder with no offspring, but it appears Perth were unwilling to give him up. Melbourne’s last resort would’ve been Luk Chai.

It’s a shame Tukta died. Taronga’s herd was going quite well up until the deaths of her and her brother, Jai Dee. It’s been almost five years since Pak Boon last gave birth, so a decision will have to be made on their future at Taronga very soon.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

8.14 Indian elephant = Asiatic elephant.
0.1 Sri Lankan
0.4 Sumateran
or


MALAYSIA: 2.2

Perth
1.0 Putra Mas (M / b. 1989) - proven breeder by AI?
0.1 Permai (F / b. 1989) - post reproductive / unable to breed?


Melbourne
(1.0) Bong Su (b. ? / deceased 2017) - proven breeder by AI / natural? / no longer
0.1 Mek Kapah (b. 1978) - post reproductive / unable to breed?


VIETNAM: 0.1
Perth
0.1 Tricia (b. 1957) - post reproductive
(ex Saigon Zoo via Singapore)


THAILAND: 1.7

Melbourne
1.0 Luk Chai (cb. 4/7/2009 Taronga Gung x Thong Dee) - arrived on B/L 2/12/2020 to Melbourne / currently at Miami Zoo?
0.1 Dokkoon (b. 1993) - proven breeder, 1.1 (1.1) surviving calves,
now pregnant by Luk Chai and expecting 2022
0.1 Kulab (b. 2000) - proven breeder, 1.0 (1.0) surviving calf - exported from region
0.1 Num-Oi (b. 2001) - proven breeder, (1.1 d.n.s.) no surviving calves till date
now pregnant by Luk Chai and expecting 2022
0.1 Mali (F) (cb 16/1/2010 Melbourne / Bong Su x Dokkoon)
now pregnant by Luk Chai and expecting 2022
1.0 Ongard (cb. x/x/2010 Melbourne Bong Su x Kulab) - exported 2018 to Miami Zoo
(B/L to San Diego Zoo - to breed with female cows to be brought in to Miami MZ)
1.0 Man Jai (cb 8/12/2013 Melbourne / Bong Su x Dokkoon)
(1.0) Sanook (cb. 17/1/2013 Melbourne / Bong Su x Num Oi - deceased 2/12/2013)
(0.1) Willow (cb. 15/6/2016 Melbourne / Putra Mas x Num Oi - deceased 1/8/2016)
0.3 imported 2006 from Thailand


Dubbo
1.0 Gung (b. 2000) - proven breeder
0.1 Porntip (b. 1992) - proven breeder, 1.1 (1.1) surviving calves
0.1 Thong Dee (b. 1997) - proven breeder 1.0 (1.0) surviving calves
1.0 Pathi Harn (cb. 10/3/2010 Bong Su x Porntip)
1.0 Sabai (cb. 2/11/2016 Gung x Thong Dee)
0.1 Kanlaya (cb. 14/6/2018 Putra Mas x Porntip)
1.2 imported 2006 from Thailand


Taronga
0.1 Pak Boon (b. 1992) - proven breeder 1.1 (1.1) no surviving calves
0.1 Tang Mo (b. 1999) - unproven / non-cycling?
(1.0 Jai Dee) (cb 28/5/2017 Taronga Gung x Pak Boon - deceased 13/10/2010 torsion of the intestine)
0.2 imported 2006 from Thailand


MYANMAR: 0.1
Auckland
0.1 Burma (b. 1982) - post reproductive / cycling / able to conceive?
imported from Myanmar in 1990
* both to be transferred to mainland Australia - destination:

SRI LANKA: 0.1
Auckland
0.1 Anjalee (b.2006) - unproven
0.1 imported ? from Sri Lanka in x?
* both to be transferred to mainland Australia - destination:


Sydney Zoo
INDIA/SRI LANKA: 2.0
1.0 Kavi (cb. 17/7/2014 Upali x Yasmin)
1.0 Ashoka (19/8/2014 Upali x Anak)
imported 2020 from Dublin Zoo, Ireland


INDONESIA
0.1 Megawati (cb. 19/07/1999 Sidarta x Umri)
0.1 Widya (b. 2001 UNK x UNK)
0.1 Christina (b. 2010 UNK x UNK)
0.1 Raflesia (b. 11/2014 UNK x UNK)
imported 2019 ex Taman Safari Indonesia II Prigen



It has taken me a good 2 hours to do this.
Now wait for the evaluation .....!


NOTA BENE: please feel free to correct any errors that might have slepped in.

 

[Zoofan15]

8.14 Indian elephant = Asiatic elephant.
0.1 Sri Lankan
0.4 Sumateran
or


MALAYSIA: 2.2

Perth
1.0 Putra Mas (M / b. 1989) - proven breeder by AI?
0.1 Permai (F / b. 1989) - post reproductive / unable to breed?


Melbourne
(1.0) Bong Su (b. ? / deceased 2017) - proven breeder by AI / natural? / no longer
0.1 Mek Kapah (b. 1978) - post reproductive / unable to breed?


VIETNAM: 0.1
Perth
0.1 Tricia (b. 1957) - post reproductive
(ex Saigon Zoo via Singapore)


THAILAND: 1.7

Melbourne
1.0 Luk Chai (cb. 4/7/2009 Taronga Gung x Thong Dee) - arrived on B/L 2/12/2020 to Melbourne / currently at Miami Zoo?
0.1 Dokkoon (b. 1993) - proven breeder, 1.1 (1.1) surviving calves,
now pregnant by Luk Chai and expecting 2022
0.1 Kulab (b. 2000) - proven breeder, 1.0 (1.0) surviving calf - exported from region
0.1 Num-Oi (b. 2001) - proven breeder, (1.1 d.n.s.) no surviving calves till date
now pregnant by Luk Chai and expecting 2022
0.1 Mali (F) (cb 16/1/2010 Melbourne / Bong Su x Dokkoon)
now pregnant by Luk Chai and expecting 2022
1.0 Ongard (cb. x/x/2010 Melbourne Bong Su x Kulab) - exported 2018 to Miami Zoo
(B/L to San Diego Zoo - to breed with female cows to be brought in to Miami MZ)
1.0 Man Jai (cb 8/12/2013 Melbourne / Bong Su x Dokkoon)
(1.0) Sanook (cb. 17/1/2013 Melbourne / Bong Su x Num Oi - deceased 2/12/2013)
(0.1) Willow (cb. 15/6/2016 Melbourne / Putra Mas x Num Oi - deceased 1/8/2016)
0.3 imported 2006 from Thailand


Dubbo
1.0 Gung (b. 2000) - proven breeder
0.1 Porntip (b. 1992) - proven breeder, 1.1 (1.1) surviving calves
0.1 Thong Dee (b. 1997) - proven breeder 1.0 (1.0) surviving calves
1.0 Pathi Harn (cb. 10/3/2010 Bong Su x Porntip)
1.0 Sabai (cb. 2/11/2016 Gung x Thong Dee)
0.1 Kanlaya (cb. 14/6/2018 Putra Mas x Porntip)
1.2 imported 2006 from Thailand


Taronga
0.1 Pak Boon (b. 1992) - proven breeder 1.1 (1.1) no surviving calves
0.1 Tang Mo (b. 1999) - unproven / non-cycling?
(1.0 Jai Dee) (cb 28/5/2017 Taronga Gung x Pak Boon - deceased 13/10/2010 torsion of the intestine)
0.2 imported 2006 from Thailand


MYANMAR: 0.1
Auckland
0.1 Burma (b. 1982) - post reproductive / cycling / able to conceive?
imported from Myanmar in 1990
* both to be transferred to mainland Australia - destination:

SRI LANKA: 0.1
Auckland
0.1 Anjalee (b.2006) - unproven
0.1 imported ? from Sri Lanka in x?
* both to be transferred to mainland Australia - destination:


Sydney Zoo
INDIA/SRI LANKA: 2.0
1.0 Kavi (cb. 17/7/2014 Upali x Yasmin)
1.0 Ashoka (19/8/2014 Upali x Anak)
imported 2020 from Dublin Zoo, Ireland


INDONESIA
0.1 Megawati (cb. 19/07/1999 Sidarta x Umri)
0.1 Widya (b. 2001 UNK x UNK)
0.1 Christina (b. 2010 UNK x UNK)
0.1 Raflesia (b. 11/2014 UNK x UNK)
imported 2019 ex Taman Safari Indonesia II Prigen



It has taken me a good 2 hours to do this.
Now wait for the evaluation .....!


NOTA BENE: please feel free to correct any errors that might have slepped in.

Good work. Just a few answers to your questions:

1.0 Luk Chai is still at Melbourne. I’m not aware of any plans to send him to Zoo Miami.

1.0 Putra Mas is a proven breeder. He naturally mated with Permai in 2005 (the first recorded mating of this species in Australia) and has sired two calves via AI - 0.1 Willow (2016-2016) and 0.1 Kanlaya (2018).

0.1 Permai failed to conceive naturally, so the zoo trialled AI three times. The first time there were two follicles but no pregnancy resulted; the second time the semen was of poor quality; and the third time they missed her cycle by two weeks. Given her age (1989), she’s now non breeding.

1.0 Bong Su was a behavioural non breeder (he wouldn’t mount the cows), but sired several offspring through AI.

0.1 Mek Kepah never conceived due to Bong Su being an behavioural non breeder and being kept in a 1.1 herd structure during her prime reproductive years. Given her age (1978), she’s now non breeding.

0.1 Tang Mo is non breeding. She has a narrow reproductive tract which led her refuse letting the bull mount her. AI was trialled several times and although she conceived, she never retained the calf.

0.1 AI was trialled with Burma, though she was uncomfortable with the procedure and it was unsuccessful. Given her age (1982), she’s now non breeding and will shortly be retired to Australia Zoo.

0.1 Anjalee failed to conceive via several AI attempts. She will shortly be sent to Taronga Western Plains Zoo where they’re hoping she’ll breed naturally. She was imported from Sri Lanka in 2015.

 

[Jambo]

Good work. Just a few answers to your questions:

1.0 Luk Chai is still at Melbourne. I’m not aware of any plans to send him to Zoo Miami.

1.0 Putra Mas is a proven breeder. He naturally mated with Permai in 2005 (the first recorded mating of this species in Australia) and has sired two calves via AI - 0.1 Willow (2016-2016) and 0.1 Kanlaya (2018).

0.1 Permai failed to conceive naturally, so the zoo trialled AI three times. The first time there were two follicles but no pregnancy resulted; the second time the semen was of poor quality; and the third time they missed her cycle by two weeks. Given her age (1989), she’s now non breeding.

1.0 Bong Su was a behavioural non breeder (he wouldn’t mount the cows), but sired several offspring through AI.

0.1 Mek Kepah never conceived due to Bong Su being an behavioural non breeder and being kept in a 1.1 herd structure during her prime reproductive years. Given her age (1978), she’s now non breeding.

0.1 Tang Mo is non breeding. She has a narrow reproductive tract which led her refuse letting the bull mount her. AI was trialled several times and although she conceived, she never retained the calf.

0.1 AI was trialled with Burma, though she was uncomfortable with the procedure and it was unsuccessful. Given her age (1982), she’s now non breeding and will shortly be retired to Australia Zoo.

0.1 Anjalee failed to conceive via several AI attempts. She will shortly be sent to Taronga Western Plains Zoo where they’re hoping she’ll breed naturally. She was imported from Sri Lanka in 2015.

• The plan is for Luk Chai to remain at Melbourne and then be further sent on to Werribee with the rest of Melbourne’s elephants. He is their current breeding bull so there are no plans to send him elsewhere at this point.
  
• Also, Bong Su was born in 1974 and Ongard on the 10/09/2010.
  
• There is 0.1 Saigon (1958) a former circus elephant who is now retired at the Sydney Zoo.

 

[Zorro]

Good work. Just a few answers to your questions:

1.0 Luk Chai is still at Melbourne. I’m not aware of any plans to send him to Zoo Miami.

1.0 Putra Mas is a proven breeder. He naturally mated with Permai in 2005 (the first recorded mating of this species in Australia) and has sired two calves via AI - 0.1 Willow (2016-2016) and 0.1 Kanlaya (2018).

0.1 Permai failed to conceive naturally, so the zoo trialled AI three times. The first time there were two follicles but no pregnancy resulted; the second time the semen was of poor quality; and the third time they missed her cycle by two weeks. Given her age (1989), she’s now non breeding.

1.0 Bong Su was a behavioural non breeder (he wouldn’t mount the cows), but sired several offspring through AI.

0.1 Mek Kepah never conceived due to Bong Su being an behavioural non breeder and being kept in a 1.1 herd structure during her prime reproductive years. Given her age (1978), she’s now non breeding.

0.1 Tang Mo is non breeding. She has a narrow reproductive tract which led her refuse letting the bull mount her. AI was trialled several times and although she conceived, she never retained the calf.

0.1 AI was trialled with Burma, though she was uncomfortable with the procedure and it was unsuccessful. Given her age (1982), she’s now non breeding and will shortly be retired to Australia Zoo.

0.1 Anjalee failed to conceive via several AI attempts. She will shortly be sent to Taronga Western Plains Zoo where they’re hoping she’ll breed naturally. She was imported from Sri Lanka in 2015.

If Anjalee can be bred in Australia that would be a big boost to the regional breeding program in the long term.

 

[Zoofan15]

If Anjalee can be bred in Australia that would be a big boost to the regional breeding program in the long term.

Breeding Anjalee will surely be a priority. My prediction is that they’ll integrate her into the herd and then looking at breeding from Porntip. Although Thong Dee hasn’t bred for six years (versus Porntip’s four), Porntip is less represented and the best mother within Taronga’s herds. She’s also the matriarch.

This experience will give Anjalee a chance to witness the birth and rearing process and compound any previous knowledge she’s gained - prior to having her own calf, which will hopefully be within a few months of Porntip giving birth.

It’ll also be great experience for Kanlaya, who at six, would be the ideal age to observe her mother demonstrating maternal behaviour.

If so desired, they may then look at doing a second breeding rotation, with Thong Dee and Anjalee this time.

 

[Jambo]

Breeding Anjalee will surely be a priority. My prediction is that they’ll integrate her into the herd and then looking at breeding from Porntip. Although Thong Dee hasn’t bred for six years (versus Porntip’s four), Porntip is less represented and the best mother within Taronga’s herds. She’s also the matriarch.

This experience will give Anjalee a chance to witness the birth and rearing process and compound any previous knowledge she’s gained - prior to having her own calf, which will hopefully be within a few months of Porntip giving birth.

It’ll also be great experience for Kanlaya, who at six, would be the ideal age to observe her mother demonstrating maternal behaviour.

If so desired, they may then look at doing a second breeding rotation, with Thong Dee and Anjalee this time.

I certainly agree. The main focus at Dubbo will be to first, successfully integrate Anjalee to their herd, and then begin introductions with Gung. Keep in mind, this whole process could take a few months.

Due to space restrictions though, I’m not sure Dubbo will be looking to breed Thong Dee and then Anjalee again. If everything goes smoothly, I see no reason why they shouldn’t breed all three females (Porntip, Thong Dee and Anjalee) all around the same time (late 2022). By then, Thong Dee would’ve had an almost eight year age gap, and I don’t think it would be beneficial holding off any longer than that.

 

[Zorro]

I really hope there’s a lot of cooperation between our few holders to maximise the best outcome for calf’s, Since the long term future is of the utmost importance due to having a limited number of elephants compared to the Europe or North America and the cost and difficulty with importing them. I am very pleased with what the Werribee zoo is doing I believe they hold the key there for the long term survival for Asian elephants in this country.

 

[Zoofan15]

I really hope there’s a lot of cooperation between our few holders to maximise the best outcome for calf’s, Since the long term future is of the utmost importance due to having a limited number of elephants compared to the Europe or North America and the cost and difficulty with importing them. I am very pleased with what the Werribee zoo is doing I believe they hold the key there for the long term survival for Asian elephants in this country.

The Werribee complex will provide the opportunity to really maximise the breeding potential of these elephants - something which hasn’t been fully achieved to date. While we currently have abundant breeding cows (founders at that), it’s so important the breeding programme focuses on succession to ensure we retain a decent cohort of reproductive age animals as the founders age. Werribee plan to do this by creating a succession plan ten years and reviewing it every five.

Heading into the future, a large scale bachelor facility at Monarto would be invaluable. With no cows housed on site, a cohesive bachelor herd could be feasible and provide an essential service to the region. An alternative contingency could be to export them overseas - with zoos in the USA surely eager to import some of our bulls here and there.