Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2022

[Zoofan15]

I think they didn't import a bull because they wanted free contact will all their cows, Australia Zoo is a bit old-fashioned and out of touch in that way.

That makes sense, in addition to lacking the infrastructure to house bulls. In addition to no contact facilities, they’d require stronger reinforced barns etc.

If they were serious about breeding (which may have their doubts), having a bull on site could ultimately be cheaper than repeated cycles of AI, which may result in bull calves anyway.

 

[Jambo]

It’s far from ideal that Burma has been left in the lurch by this change of plan and consequently will be left without companionship for a much longer period than originally anticipated.

Within the region, I’m struggling to see any alternative to sending her to Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo are at standing room only; and like Perth, will only be a stop gap solution ahead of another relocation down the line. Taronga are likely looking ahead to transferring their cows to Dubbo (either as a phase out or in exchange for bulls); while Sydney Zoo have no female elephants for Burma to live with.

Burma is an amiable elephant that would happily relinquish the role of matriarch to Porntip if she was to join the Dubbo herd. I wouldn’t anticipate Burma doing anything to unsettle the herd dynamics; but rather settling in and enjoying life within their multi-aged herd as was the intention for her to do so at Australia Zoo.

It's quite an utter shame Burma has been left like this, only weeks before her proposed move. If there was cost issues involved in the decision, i'm also not sure I see Australia Zoo importing a bull anytime soon. Fingers crossed a new home is found for Burma sooner rather than later.

Don't forget Taronga which currently being down to two elephants could do with Burma if they decide to continue the Elephant breeding program there.

Dubbo has the space for Burma, although it's likely there was a major reason why they didn't chose to import her in the first place; it would've been much easier to import both Anjalee and Burma. I think it was likely due to space issues; Dubbo has two barns (one for bulls and the other for cows), and the cow barn can only hold around six individuals at max; Dubbo currently have four residing, but it will probably grow with future births ect.

Melbourne do have limited space at the present, and with three calves on the way in the future, it will soon be becoming quite crowded. Maybe they could find a way to integrate Burma too...Man Jai would have to move into the bull barn with Luk Chai for starters.

 

[Swanson02]

As of two years ago, Taronga Western Plains Zoo were planning to build a cow/calf facility which in addition to their existing infrastructure would allow them to manage a larger herd.

If they did import Burma in addition to Anjalee, I’d anticipate the transfer of Pak Boon and Tang Mo to be delayed until at least the new facility is up and running; and with multiple cows now at Dubbo, they may wish to breed from Pathi Harn given Gung is well represented through Luk Chai at Zoos Victoria.

I didn't know about this, I could see TWPZ refitting the neighboring exhibit which usually holds either Onager (currently being phased out by TWPZ) or Zebra, hence creating a second major display yard.

How many holders of Elephants are we heading to with all these phase-outs, is it just going to be Australia Zoo, Sydney Zoo, Taronga Zoo, Taronga Western Plains, and Werribee Open Range? (5 holders)

 

[Zoofan15]

How many holders of Elephants are we heading to with all these phase-outs, is it just going to be Australia Zoo, Sydney Zoo, Taronga Zoo, Taronga Western Plains, and Werribee Open Range? (5 holders)

Ultimately we’ll have four holders guaranteed:

- Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Sydney Zoo
- Australia Zoo

A fifth highly likely (may phase out):

- Taronga Zoo (will probably hold bulls)

And hopefully a sixth:

- Monarto Zoo

Monarto Zoo could be valuable as a bachelor facility. An absence of cows would increase the chances of holding a cohesive herd.

 

[Jambo]

I didn't know about this, I could see TWPZ refitting the neighboring exhibit which usually holds either Onager (currently being phased out by TWPZ) or Zebra, hence creating a second major display yard.

How many holders of Elephants are we heading to with all these phase-outs, is it just going to be Australia Zoo, Sydney Zoo, Taronga Zoo, Taronga Western Plains, and Werribee Open Range? (5 holders)

The current cow barn is rather smallish, going back to the early 2000's when Burma and Heman were first imported from Taronga. It can only hold six to eight individuals at most.

It will be five holders yes. Taronga may be looking to join other city zoos to with phasing their elephants out, although a decision hasn't been made on this yet. Considering no action or announcements have been made yet, i'm inclined to believe they do indeed have plans to keep elephants at Taronga into the future.

 

[joe99]

Australia Zoo have cancelled their import of Burma:

From social media:

We are immensely disappointed to let you know that after many months of planning and hard work by our team here at Auckland Zoo, Australia Zoo has made the decision that they can no longer receive Asian elephant Burma.

The transfer, which was scheduled for next week, has therefore been cancelled and it will take significant time to explore alternatives to rehome Burma.

We will be working on these in the coming days and weeks ahead, and our skilled and dedicated elephant team will continue to provide the same expert care for Burma they always have while she remains with us.

Honesty I have to say that would be an absolute pain for the staff involved, and even worse for Burma. its horrendous that Australia zoo put them in that position but with her older age tbh the writing was on the wall

One zoo I think could potentially be a good home would be San Diego, since they have the facilitates for older elephants, and managed to take Mila at such a short notice after Helens death. I'm not sure how the other Australian zoos would feel about taking her when the are more focused on maintaining a breeding stock

 

[Nisha]

The official reason Australia Zoo gave for cancelling the move, was that Megawati is currently suffering from health problems (a bacterial infection). Despite having previously told Auckland that this issue wouldn't impact Burma's import and integration into the herd. I suspect this is just an excuse to cover up there financial problems...

Australia Zoo has made a last-minute decision to pull the pin on plans to take Burma the elephant from Auckland Zoo

The 38-year-old was meant to head across the ditch next week to live out her twilight years amongst a herd at Australia Zoo but the zoo now says it cannot take her.

"After discussions with The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, we have made the incredibly tough decision to cancel the transfer of Burma to Australia Zoo," the zoo said in a statement.

"While our oldest elephant, Megawati, is currently undergoing treatment for a bacterial infection our priority is the health and wellbeing of our herd. We have been working with Auckland Zoo on this project for over 12 months, and are saddened it hasn't resulted as planned. We wish them all the best in finding a new home for Burma."

Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley said the zoo was "extremely disappointed".

"We were already aware of Megawati's health issues but all previous indications from Australia Zoo were that this would not be a barrier to importing Burma to Australia nor would it pose a risk to Burma once she arrived."

Auckland Zoo had put out calls for people to say their last goodbyes to Burma, who was due to fly on a jumbo-jet next week in a custom crate.

Read more: 'The last time you'll see elephants in NZ' - Auckland Zoo
The elephant has been at Auckland Zoo for 32 years.

After the zoo's other elephant Anjalee arrived at Taronga Western Plains zoo a few weeks ago to be part of their breeding programme, Burma was set to join a herd for her retirement years at the end of the month.

"It will take significant time to explore alternatives to rehome Burma," Auckland Zoo said.

Currently the zoo has no immediate concerns for her, and the zoo's team will continue to provide expert care while it reviews the options for Burma.

 

[Zoofan15]

Honesty I have to say that would be an absolute pain for the staff involved, and even worse for Burma. its horrendous that Australia zoo put them in that position but with her older age tbh the writing was on the wall

One zoo I think could potentially be a good home would be San Diego, since they have the facilitates for older elephants, and managed to take Mila at such a short notice after Helens death. I'm not sure how the other Australian zoos would feel about taking her when the are more focused on maintaining a breeding stock

San Diego could indeed be an option. They have three cows aged 42-58, who would likely accept Burma into their herd. The zoo may need to look outside the region and accept they’d need to fund her transit costs themselves. Usually the receiving zoo pays, but in this case, they’d be doing the zoo a favour by taking Burma in and the costs would likely reflect that.

The official reason Australia Zoo gave for cancelling the move, was that Megawati is currently suffering from health problems (a bacterial infection). Despite having previously told Auckland that this issue wouldn't impact Burma's import and integration into the herd. I suspect this is just an excuse to cover up there financial problems...

Australia Zoo has made a last-minute decision to pull the pin on plans to take Burma the elephant from Auckland Zoo

The 38-year-old was meant to head across the ditch next week to live out her twilight years amongst a herd at Australia Zoo but the zoo now says it cannot take her.

"After discussions with The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, we have made the incredibly tough decision to cancel the transfer of Burma to Australia Zoo," the zoo said in a statement.

"While our oldest elephant, Megawati, is currently undergoing treatment for a bacterial infection our priority is the health and wellbeing of our herd. We have been working with Auckland Zoo on this project for over 12 months, and are saddened it hasn't resulted as planned. We wish them all the best in finding a new home for Burma."

Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley said the zoo was "extremely disappointed".

"We were already aware of Megawati's health issues but all previous indications from Australia Zoo were that this would not be a barrier to importing Burma to Australia nor would it pose a risk to Burma once she arrived."

Auckland Zoo had put out calls for people to say their last goodbyes to Burma, who was due to fly on a jumbo-jet next week in a custom crate.

Read more: 'The last time you'll see elephants in NZ' - Auckland Zoo
The elephant has been at Auckland Zoo for 32 years.

After the zoo's other elephant Anjalee arrived at Taronga Western Plains zoo a few weeks ago to be part of their breeding programme, Burma was set to join a herd for her retirement years at the end of the month.

"It will take significant time to explore alternatives to rehome Burma," Auckland Zoo said.

Currently the zoo has no immediate concerns for her, and the zoo's team will continue to provide expert care while it reviews the options for Burma.

They don’t elaborate on the bacterial infection, but I’m guessing it’s TB from what I’ve read online. It relatively common and thought to occurs in 2-12% of the North American population. Within the Australasian population, we’ve had at least one confirmed case (Pak Boon).

TB is manageable with antibiotics (as is any bacterial infection) and shouldn’t present as a transmission risk to incoming elephants or herd mates.

On a side note, I’m guessing this is what influenced Australia Zoo’s decision to hold Megawati back from going on exhibit, a move that seemed strange at the time.

 

[Hyak_II]

Assuming it’s TB, it could most certainly be a transmission risk. It is highly contagious between animals, and moreover, it’s one of the more transmissible zoonotic diseases as well, and can also easily become antibiotic resistant. I’ve personally dealt with animals affected by tuberculosis (not elephants, fortunately), and the treatment process is prolonged and difficult. In my case it was ultimately fatal and an extremely stressful experience.

With elephants it’s obviously not a death sentence necessarily, as animals can and do recover from it, but especially in older animals or immunocompromised individuals, it can be lethal even with aggressive treatment.

I actually wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the reason the two older cows at Australia zoo are off exhibit, not because they are having difficulty adjusting or anything, but because they present a contagion risk to the general public and/or their younger cows.

But back to the topic at hand, I would also like to propose another radical notion for Auckland. Anjalee ends up returning to New Zealand pregnant or with a young calf, after watching one of the other cows at Dubbo give birth and rear a calf of their own.

Is this at all likely whatsoever? No. But is it hypothetically within the realm of possibility? Yes. It would solve the issue of Burma needing companionship as she would be reunited yet again with Anjalee (plus calf), and it would effectively give Auckland a 10 year restart on the timer to import a bull and/or more cows to form a breeding herd.

of course I think heading to Dubbo or San Diego are much more likely options, but still, a guy can dream, hah.

 

[Swanson02]

Ultimately we’ll have four holders guaranteed:

- Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Sydney Zoo
- Australia Zoo

A fifth highly likely (may phase-out):

- Taronga Zoo (will probably hold bulls)

And hopefully a sixth:

- Monarto Zoo

Monarto Zoo could be valuable as a bachelor facility. An absence of cows would increase the chances of holding a cohesive herd.

Thanks for laying that out I think in a perfect world in 20 - 30 years' time, the Australasian region will have three major breeding facilities each with a multigenerational matriarchal herd:
- Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Australia Zoo
There would additionally be three smaller facilities hosting smaller bachelor groups or retired bulls
- Sydney Zoo
- Taronga Zoo
- Monarto Safari Park

But back to the topic at hand, I would also like to propose another radical notion for Auckland. Anjalee ends up returning to New Zealand pregnant or with a young calf, after watching one of the other cows at Dubbo give birth and rear a calf of their own.
Is this at all likely whatsoever? No. But is it hypothetically within the realm of possibility?

I like this, it's unlikely but it's actually what the Auckland keepers initially wished for, a breeding holiday for Anjalee to TWPZ where she would fall pregnant and return to Auckland with calf. Obviously, it was a very expensive option with two trips and no guarantee of pregnancy let alone a healthy calf.

Realistically on the slim chance elephants ever do return to NZ I think a cashed-up Hamilton Zoo would be the most likely option. They would probably would return in the form of 2-3 well genetically represented excess bulls from one of the Australian programmes.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for laying that out I think in a perfect world in 20 - 30 years' time, the Australasian region will have three major breeding facilities each with a multigenerational matriarchal herd:
- Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Australia Zoo
There would additionally be three smaller facilities hosting smaller bachelor groups or retired bulls
- Sydney Zoo
- Taronga Zoo
- Monarto Safari Park



I like this, it's unlikely but it's actually what the Auckland keepers initially wished for, a breeding holiday for Anjalee to TWPZ where she would fall pregnant and return to Auckland with calf. Obviously, it was a very expensive option with two trips and no guarantee of pregnancy let alone a healthy calf.

Realistically on the slim chance elephants ever do return to NZ I think a cashed-up Hamilton Zoo would be the most likely option. They would probably would return in the form of 2-3 well genetically represented excess bulls from one of the Australian programmes.

No problem. I too believe Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo will have large multigenerational herds. Werribee are very committed to the idea with plans for breeding over the next 50 years, which will be reviewed by staff every 5-10 years. Ultimately, the Werribee herd will descend from just two females and that’s assuming Num Oi succeeds in producing a female calf, who in turn goes on to breed.

Unfortunately, I don’t see Hamilton or Orana (who also have the space) ever being in a position financially to have elephants. They’d be a huge drawcard for both those zoos however.

Even if it’s not likely to happen, I like the idea of Anjalee returning pregnant to Auckland Zoo. The idea could even be combined with the one @IndianRhino had of importing Permai to join them upon Tricia’s passing. Again, unlikely, but a nice hypothetical concept.

 

[Yassa]

I agree that TB in elephants is a very serious problem not just for all elephants around the infected animal, but also the keepers and potentionally the public. It would be very irresponsible to introduce Burma to a herd that has an ongoing TB problem.

The idea to return a pregnant Anjalee to Auckland is horrible, imho… for a number of reasons. Even if she gets pregnant (not guaranteed!), a return to Auckland solves none of the current problems. If she has a stillbirth, do you want to repeat the move!? If she has a healthy bull calf, then what?! Bull calves can become unmanageable for keepers at age 2 and Auckland has no facilities for protected contact. If she has a healthy female calf, nothing is solved. This would be Anjalees only calf which is not good. And in 10 years the same problems would be there, most likely unsolved. Auckland has neither the money nor the space for a multigenerational elephant herd, and nothing can change that. Expose Anjalee to another transfer while letting Burma wait alone for an unknown time is very unfair for both of them.

I think Burma should go to Dunbo ASAP to reunite her with Anjalee. Female elephants are notoriously difficult to introduce with unrelated females, and Anjalee and Burma get along well. I feel most members here are too optimistic about the introduction of Burma and Anjalee to the females in Dubbo and Australia Zoo. Especially once female elephants have their own calves, they usually become hostile against unrelated females (even those they have known all their Life…).

 

[Zoofan15]

The idea to return a pregnant Anjalee to Auckland is horrible, imho… for a number of reasons. Even if she gets pregnant (not guaranteed!), a return to Auckland solves none of the current problems. If she has a stillbirth, do you want to repeat the move!? If she has a healthy bull calf, then what?! Bull calves can become unmanageable for keepers at age 2 and Auckland has no facilities for protected contact. If she has a healthy female calf, nothing is solved. This would be Anjalees only calf which is not good. And in 10 years the same problems would be there, most likely unsolved. Auckland has neither the money nor the space for a multigenerational elephant herd, and nothing can change that. Expose Anjalee to another transfer while letting Burma wait alone for an unknown time is very unfair for both of them.

I think Burma should go to Dunbo ASAP to reunite her with Anjalee. Female elephants are notoriously difficult to introduce with unrelated females, and Anjalee and Burma get along well. I feel most members here are too optimistic about the introduction of Burma and Anjalee to the females in Dubbo and Australia Zoo. Especially once female elephants have their own calves, they usually become hostile against unrelated females (even those they have known all their Life…).

People have only posted the idea of Anjalee returning pregnant as a hypothetical. Everyone knows it’s extremely unlikely given Auckland Zoo have made the decision to phase this species out for a number of reasons invaliding financial and PR reasons (elephants in city zoos).

With breeding taking off in Australia, it may be possible to receive surplus elephants down the line (especially bulls), but Auckland Zoo won’t be going back on their decision to phase out elephants and will have long allocated the space to other exhibits (Southern white rhinoceros is the current plan).

From here, the first step will be for Auckland Zoo to approach Taronga Western Plains Zoo to see if she can be sent there. Their staff and management will be well aware of the challenges importing Burma could present and the implications it’ll have on their long term herd planning.

With other Australian zoos all but discounted for reasons previously discussed, a decision from Dubbo not to accept Burma would present Auckland with the challenge of looking outside the region.

 

[Zoofan15]

The official reason Australia Zoo gave for cancelling the move, was that Megawati is currently suffering from health problems (a bacterial infection). Despite having previously told Auckland that this issue wouldn't impact Burma's import and integration into the herd. I suspect this is just an excuse to cover up there financial problems...

Australia Zoo has made a last-minute decision to pull the pin on plans to take Burma the elephant from Auckland Zoo

The 38-year-old was meant to head across the ditch next week to live out her twilight years amongst a herd at Australia Zoo but the zoo now says it cannot take her.

"After discussions with The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, we have made the incredibly tough decision to cancel the transfer of Burma to Australia Zoo," the zoo said in a statement.

"While our oldest elephant, Megawati, is currently undergoing treatment for a bacterial infection our priority is the health and wellbeing of our herd. We have been working with Auckland Zoo on this project for over 12 months, and are saddened it hasn't resulted as planned. We wish them all the best in finding a new home for Burma."

Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley said the zoo was "extremely disappointed".

"We were already aware of Megawati's health issues but all previous indications from Australia Zoo were that this would not be a barrier to importing Burma to Australia nor would it pose a risk to Burma once she arrived."

Auckland Zoo had put out calls for people to say their last goodbyes to Burma, who was due to fly on a jumbo-jet next week in a custom crate.

Read more: 'The last time you'll see elephants in NZ' - Auckland Zoo
The elephant has been at Auckland Zoo for 32 years.

After the zoo's other elephant Anjalee arrived at Taronga Western Plains zoo a few weeks ago to be part of their breeding programme, Burma was set to join a herd for her retirement years at the end of the month.

"It will take significant time to explore alternatives to rehome Burma," Auckland Zoo said.

Currently the zoo has no immediate concerns for her, and the zoo's team will continue to provide expert care while it reviews the options for Burma.

If Megawati’s condition is as serious and contagious as others have been suggesting, it’s strange Auckland Zoo were so condemning in their statement about Australia Zoo cancelling the move.

Auckland’s director has stated they were aware of Megawati’s condition, so either they disagree it’d present a risk to Burma; or are merely frustrated that Australia Zoo are only now raising it as a reason not to take Burma (after previously agreeing with them it wasn’t an issue).

Perhaps Megawati’s condition has deteriorated since Australia Zoo originally committed to taking Burma or she’s not responding to treatment. If that’s the case, it’s surprising they’re isolating another elephant with her. Keeping Megawati in isolation isn’t ideal, but the health of the herd has to take priority.

 

[Patrick Keegan]

Source for announcement of Megawati’s bacterial infection:
Australia Zoo suddenly scraps plans to take Auckland's elephant Burma

 

[Astrobird]

I wonder if Sydney zoo would take on another old female now that their original one died?

 

[Zoofan15]

I wonder if Sydney zoo would take on another old female now that their original one died?

It’s a possibility.

The company of a female herd was the original goal, but it that’s not possible within the region, then sending Burma to Sydney Zoo would be preferable to her living in isolation. I’ve been told an export to the USA could take two years to arrange, which isn’t ideal.

If Burma were to move to Sydney Zoo, she could be joined by Permai within the next few years (who will otherwise be in a similar position to Burma when Tricia passes).

 

[Jambo]

It’s a possibility.

The company of a female herd was the original goal, but it that’s not possible within the region, then sending Burma to Sydney Zoo would be preferable to her living in isolation. I’ve been told an export to the USA could take two years to arrange, which isn’t ideal.

If Burma were to move to Sydney Zoo, she could be joined by Permai within the next few years (who will otherwise be in a similar position to Burma when Tricia passes).

There is only three resonable options within the region at the moment, all within New South Whales (Taronga, Taronga Western Plains or the Sydney Zoo).

I doubt Taronga want to continue with breeding there now with many other city zoos around Australia phasing out elephants. They'll most likely send their females to Dubbo in the near future, but are possibly awaiting an extension of the current facilities to allow for more space. Theoretically, Burma could be sent to Taronga first, and then once more space is available at Dubbo, she could be sent there alongside the other females.

If Burma is sent to Sydney, she'll have to live by herself, although be living next to some younger bulls. I'm not sure Auckland would be willing to pursue this option as the goal was to integrate her with a large herd. She'll have to wait until Tricia passes at Perth which for all we know could still be another five plus years from now. Not sure if Auckland would consider this the best option for her.

 

[Zoofan15]

If Burma is sent to Sydney, she'll have to live by herself, although be living next to some younger bulls. I'm not sure Auckland would be willing to pursue this option as the goal was to integrate her with a large herd. She'll have to wait until Tricia passes at Perth which for all we know could still be another five plus years from now. Not sure if Auckland would consider this the best option for her.

I’d previously discounted Sydney Zoo based on this reasoning, but Saigon lived alongside the bulls and by all accounts enjoyed their company. Their contact sessions were short (they weren’t kept permanently together), but were clearly preferable to a life in isolation.

If Taronga aren’t willing to accept her at either of their zoos, this is reality she could otherwise be facing - imposed not by her lack of social compatability as with Saigon; but by circumstance (exports permits to send her to the USA could easily take two years). Living alongside the young bulls would be preferable for her welfare and open up the opportunity for her to be joined by another female down the line - whether that’s in a year or five years.

Taronga remains the goal, but it would mean them taking on a seventh elephant cow across their two zoos. It’s a significant risk and investment on their part for no benefit. They presumably declined her the first time for the reasons we’ve identified, so it’d be expecting a lot from them to accept her merely because Australia Zoo have changed their minds.

 

[Zoofan15]

Further details on Australia Zoo's cancelation:

Auckland Zoo director speaks out over cancelled elephant transfer

Director Kevin Buely said the zoo received an email from Australia Zoo on Easter Monday saying it was cancelling the transfer. (Note: this was nine days before export).

Australia Zoo cited a bacterial infection being carried in its oldest elephant and discussions with Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

Buely said they were made aware of the elephant's illness "several months ago".

“It involved numerous discussions between our vets about the issue and we made the decision with them that it didn’t pose any kind of risk to Burma and so we were happy to proceed with the move.”

Buely and Auckland Zoo's head zookeeper visited Australia Zoo three weeks ago and checked in on its unwell elephant. He says it looked well and was in the company of other elephants.