Australasian Asian Elephant Population 2023

[Zoofan15]

Video of Werribee’s Elephant Complex

Zoos Victoria have released this video which gives a brief insight into the construction of the elephant complex - with fences and a paddock shown.

Of particular interest was the previously unseen concept drawings of the matriarchal herd barn (interior) and bull barn (exterior).

The 21 hectare complex will be the largest elephant habitat in a modern zoo and ensure the welfare needs of the herd for at least the next 100 years. It’s thrilling to see this taking shape!

Ten Asian Elephants, one mighty move. | The Elephants are migrating, will you help us pack their trunks? Preparations are officially underway to move our precious Asian Elephant herd to their... | By Zoos Victoria | Facebook

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Video of Werribee’s Elephant Complex

Zoos Victoria have released this video which gives a brief insight into the construction of the elephant complex - with fences and a paddock shown.

Of particular interest was the previously unseen concept drawings of the matriarchal herd barn (interior) and bull barn (exterior).

The 21 hectare complex will be the largest elephant habitat in a modern zoo and ensure the welfare needs of the herd for at least the next 100 years. It’s thrilling to see this taking shape!

Ten Asian Elephants, one mighty move. | The Elephants are migrating, will you help us pack their trunks? Preparations are officially underway to move our precious Asian Elephant herd to their... | By Zoos Victoria | Facebook

Will admit, I did get a little misty eyed...

 

[Zoofan15]

Will admit, I did get a little misty eyed...

Most of our discussions have been around the affects on parenting styles and future breeding plans, but it’s mind blowing to think that 50 year old Mek Kapah (who since her capture has only ever lived in adequate exhibits or less) will soon be transferred to a 21 hectare complex.

Mek Kapah was imported into Australia 45 years ago during an era where it was common for female elephants to live alone or in pairs; and has gone from being housed with Bong Su to heading up a multigenerational matriarchal herd.

With Auckland and Perth phasing out, it’s likely no female elephant will ever live a solitary life again within the region.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo Elephant History

A history of Malini (1953-1971):

Spoiler: Malini

Malini was born in India in 1953 and arrived at Auckland Zoo on August 4, 1961. She was imported as a companion to Jamuna and died 10 years later in February 1971 after suffering from pancreas problems.

Two years prior to Malini’s import, she began work for the Indian Forestry Service. Her trainer was Mr K P Achayya, who came with her to Auckland. He spoke only Hindustani to Malini while in India, so his first task was to teach her English commands upon her arrival.

There had been previous attempts to ship elephants from India to Auckland Zoo in 1959 and 1960. The first elephant died immediately prior to export; the second became aggressive during the loading process. The second elephant was a bull, which would have been problematic for the zoo who had no infrastructure to manage bull elephants in protected contact.

Malini came to Auckland via Singapore, where a needle broke off while she was injected. Attempts to locate/remove it were unsuccessful.

Upon arrival, Malini only ate cooked rice balls and bamboo and the zoo’s bamboo plantation began to diminish rapidly.

The intention was for Malini to replace the ageing Jamuna in giving rides, but Malini had a number of phobias. It was noted in 1966 that Malini was at least two years away from being able to give rides. One of her biggest fears was jet planes, which gave the director concerns she might panic while giving rides to children.

In 1965, Malini consumed a tin of paint that had been left in the adjacent stall. She was the zoo’s only elephant at the time and the opportunity was taken to repaint the elephant house. It was reported at the time Malini had suffered no adverse reactions to the incident; though some later speculated it was the cause of her demise due to pancreas problems.

Sources: A Tiger by the Tail: A History of Auckland Zoo (1922-1992); and the Christchurch Press News.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Elephant Calf Profiles

From the Autumn members news letter

Aiyara
Parents: Luk Chai x Dokkoon
Date of birth: Wednesday 16 November 2022
Time of birth: 1.03 am
Approx weight at birth: 120 kg
Approx height: 92 cm
Approx length: 91 cm

Roi Yim
Parents: Luk Chai x Mali
Date of birth: Friday 25 November 2022
Time of birth: 11.17 pm
Approx weight at birth: 110 kg
Approx height: 90 cm
Approx length: 90 cm

Kati
Parents: Luk Chai x Num Oi
Date of birth: Sunday January 1 2023
Time of birth: 11.25 pm
Approx weight at birth: 130 kg
Approx height: 93 cm
Approx length: 94 cm

 

[Jambo]

Elephant calf weights (At birth)

Interestingly with that information, it was interesting to compare the recent trios birth weights to those calves we've already welcomed.

Here's a list made by @Zoofan15 of the regions previous calves:

Gung’s Calves:

1.0 Luk Chai born 2009 (Thong Dee): 96kg
0.1 Tukta born 2010 (Pak Boon): 120kg
1.0 Sabai born 2016 (Thong Dee): 101kg
1.0 Jai Dee born 2017 (Pak Boon): 130kg

Bong Su’s Calves:

0.1 Mali born 2010 (Dokoon): 111kg
1.0 Pathi Harn born 2010 (Porntip): 116kg
1.0 Ongard born 2010 (Kulab): 142 kg
1.0 Man Jai born 2013 (Dokoon): 131kg
1.0 Sanook born 2013 (Num Oi): 131kg

Putra Mas’ Calves:

0.1 Willow born 2016 (Num Oi): 103kg
0.1 Kanlaya born 2018 (Porntip): 120kg

And to add to the list; Luk Chai's calves:

0.1 Aiyara born 2022 (Dokkoon) 120 kg
1.0 Roi Yim born 2022 (Mali) 110 kg
0.1 Kati born 2022 (Num Oi) 130 kg

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Summary:
Kati now has the record of being the heaviest female calf at birth on record for the region; around 10kg heavier than Tukta was at birth.

Roi Yim is also a very small male, something he likely takes after both of his parents; Luk Chai being the lightest on record, at 96kg, and Mali being 111 kg at birth. It seems like Bong Su's genetics didn't get to him.

Aiyara is Dokkoon's biggest girl to date. Considering Luk Chai's small stature, we can assume this came from Dokkoon; who has previously produced two fairly sized calves in Mali (111 kg) and Man Jai (131kg).

Kati, the record breaker, is also pretty much Num Oi's biggest calf at approx 130 kg. Her first son, Sanook, was 131 kg, so very close, and keep in mind he was a boy too, so Kati's a huge girl. Again, taking into consideration her father, it's likely she takes after Num Oi with her size. She's also very tall with long legs, something she gets from both parents (Luk Chai being a tall, skinny boy), but honestly something you'd expect from Bong Su's line.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne Elephant Calf Profiles

From the Autumn members news letter

Aiyara
Parents: Luk Chai x Dokkoon
Date of birth: Wednesday 16 November 2022
Time of birth: 1.03 am
Approx weight at birth: 120 kg
Approx height: 92 cm
Approx length: 91 cm

Roi Yim
Parents: Luk Chai x Mali
Date of birth: Friday 25 November 2022
Time of birth: 11.17 pm
Approx weight at birth: 110 kg
Approx height: 90 cm
Approx length: 90 cm

Kati
Parents: Luk Chai x Num Oi
Date of birth: Sunday January 1 2023
Time of birth: 11.25 pm
Approx weight at birth: 130 kg
Approx height: 93 cm
Approx length: 94 cm

Elephant calf weights (At birth)

Interestingly with that information, it was interesting to compare the recent trios birth weights to those calves we've already welcomed.

Here's a list made by @Zoofan15 of the regions previous calves:

Gung’s Calves:

1.0 Luk Chai born 2009 (Thong Dee): 96kg
0.1 Tukta born 2010 (Pak Boon): 120kg
1.0 Sabai born 2016 (Thong Dee): 101kg
1.0 Jai Dee born 2017 (Pak Boon): 130kg

Bong Su’s Calves:

0.1 Mali born 2010 (Dokoon): 111kg
1.0 Pathi Harn born 2010 (Porntip): 116kg
1.0 Ongard born 2010 (Kulab): 142 kg
1.0 Man Jai born 2013 (Dokoon): 131kg
1.0 Sanook born 2013 (Num Oi): 131kg

Putra Mas’ Calves:

0.1 Willow born 2016 (Num Oi): 103kg
0.1 Kanlaya born 2018 (Porntip): 120kg

And to add to the list; Luk Chai's calves:

0.1 Aiyara born 2022 (Dokkoon) 120 kg
1.0 Roi Yim born 2022 (Mali) 110 kg
0.1 Kati born 2022 (Num Oi) 130 kg

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Summary:
Kati now has the record of being the heaviest female calf at birth on record for the region; around 10kg heavier than Tukta was at birth.

Roi Yim is also a very small male, something he likely takes after both of his parents; Luk Chai being the lightest on record, at 96kg, and Mali being 111 kg at birth. It seems like Bong Su's genetics didn't get to him.

Aiyara is Dokkoon's biggest girl to date. Considering Luk Chai's small stature, we can assume this came from Dokkoon; who has previously produced two fairly sized calves in Mali (111 kg) and Man Jai (131kg).

Kati, the record breaker, is also pretty much Num Oi's biggest calf at approx 130 kg. Her first son, Sanook, was 131 kg, so very close, and keep in mind he was a boy too, so Kati's a huge girl. Again, taking into consideration her father, it's likely she takes after Num Oi with her size. She's also very tall with long legs, something she gets from both parents (Luk Chai being a tall, skinny boy), but honestly something you'd expect from Bong Su's line.

Thanks for sharing, it was interesting to hear the weights of Melbourne’s latest calves and compare them to previous births within the region. Kulab’s calf remains the record holder at 142kg.

It’s interesting to see the male calf was the lightest of the trio. Male ungulates are typically heavier at birth than females, though clearly genetics may have influenced this; as well as it being important to note gestation varies greatly in elephants and a longer gestation would contribute to a heavier calf. Mali’s calf was born slightly ahead of schedule, so that may have played a part.

In any case, it’ll be interesting to see the calves’ updated weights at 12 months of age. I’d expect Roi-Yim to well and truly overtake the female calves in height and weight by that stage.

 

[Jambo]

It’s interesting to see the male calf was the lightest of the trio. Male ungulates are typically heavier at birth than females, though clearly genetics may have influenced this; as well as it being important to note gestation varies greatly in elephants and a longer gestation would contribute to a heavier calf. Mali’s calf was born slightly ahead of schedule, so that may have played a part.

That concept does make a lot of sense.

The biggest calf on record (Ongard) was born following a prolonged gestation; his mother, Kulab was overdue by a few weeks.

Num Oi was also scheduled to be due in December according to what I was told by a keeper prior to the birth (along with Mali), so if her gestation was extended, that would also explain why Kati was born at such a size as well.

In any case, it’ll be interesting to see the calves’ updated weights at 12 months of age. I’d expect Roi-Yim to well and truly overtake the female calves in height and weight by that stage.

We can definitely expect Kati to be a very tall girl. She has the genetics, with her mother almost being the tallest in Melbourne's herd, and her father also being a very tall, skinny bull.

Roi Yim will definitely blossom (in confidence too), but I don't expect him to be a giant of a male like his grandfather. He seems to be a very lanky young male as well, so I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being very similar to his father in stature.

 

[Zoofan15]

That concept does make a lot of sense.

The biggest calf on record (Ongard) was born following a prolonged gestation; his mother, Kulab was overdue by a few weeks.

Num Oi was also scheduled to be due in December according to what I was told by a keeper prior to the birth (along with Mali), so if her gestation was extended, that would also explain why Kati was born at such a size as well.

We can definitely expect Kati to be a very tall girl. She has the genetics, with her mother almost being the tallest in Melbourne's herd, and her father also being a very tall, skinny bull.

Roi Yim will definitely blossom (in confidence too), but I don't expect him to be a giant of a male like his grandfather. He seems to be a very lanky young male as well, so I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being very similar to his father in stature.

Num Oi going over her due date is interesting as her first calf (Sanook) and her second calf (Willow) were both born the same months they were due - January 2013 and June 2016 respectively.

These calves were all conceived through natural mating, but ovulation would have been detectable via bloods (and lasts four days in this species), so a due day should be able to be pinpointed with the same accuracy as with AI - though allowing for the variance in gestation seen in elephants.

 

[Zoofan15]

Population Forecasting

My fifth and final population forecast will focus on the region’s Asian elephant population.

Facts:

The maximum life expectancy is around 60-65 years. The record for an elephant living in an Australasian zoo is Tricia, who died aged 65 years at Perth Zoo. Elephants have died at younger ages, but with advances is husbandry, it’s likely we’ll see many more attain similar ages to Tricia.

Females begin cycling as young as five years, but the Australasian region delays breeding until cows are aged 10-12 years. Cows are subjected to reproductive issues associated with periods of non reproduction, so breeding a cow at least by their early 20’s; as well as avoiding lengthy birth intervals (10 years plus) is recommended.

The Australasian region is fortunate to have a youthful demographic, with multiple founders compared to North America and Europe.

Forecast:

The following is a speculatory forecast based on the above facts.

The forecast is done over 15 years (2035).

Spoiler: Elephant Population Forecast

Australasian Population 2038 (Forecast)

Auckland Zoo:

Auckland Zoo phased out this species in 2025, with Burma sent to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Australia Zoo:

0.1 Widya (21/05/2001) Imported 2019
0.1 Christina (01/12/2009) Imported 2019
0.1 Raflesia (00/11/2014) Imported 2019

Australia Zoo never imported a bull elephant and hold a non breeding herd of three cows; the fourth (Megawati) is now deceased.

Melbourne Zoo:

Melbourne Zoo phased out this species in 2024, with their 10 elephants transferred to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Perth Zoo:

Perth Zoo phased out this species in 2025, with Putra Mas and Permai sent to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Sydney Zoo:

1.0 Kavi (17/07/2014) Imported 2020
1.0 Ashoka (19/08/2014) Imported 2020

Sydney Zoo’s bulls are yet to join the breeding programme. They remain the only city zoo in the region to hold elephants.

Taronga Zoo:

Taronga Zoo phased out this species in 2029, with Pak Boon and Tang Mo transferring to Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

1.0 Gung (00/00/2000) Imported 2006
1.0 Pathi Harn (10/03/2010) Bong Su x Porntip
1.0 Adolescent (00/00/2025) Gung x Anjalee
1.0 Juvenile (00/00/2030) Gung x Kanlaya

0.1 Porntip (00/00/1992) Imported 2006
0.1 Pak Boon (00/00/1992) Imported 2006
0.1 Tang Mo (00/00/1999) Imported 2006
0.1 Thong Dee (00/00/1997) Imported 2006
0.1 Anjalee (23/08/2006) Imported 2015
0.1 Kanlaya (14/06/2018) Putra Mas x Porntip
0.1 Adolescent (00/00/2025) Gung x Porntip
0.1 Adolescent (00/00/2025) Pathi Harn x Thong Dee
0.1 Juvenile (00/00/2030) Pathi Harn x Anjalee

Sabai was exported to North America in 2025.

Pak Boon and Tang Mo arrived from Taronga Zoo in 2029 as non breeding cows, following the opening of the new matriarchal herd barn.

Porntip and Thong Dee are now retired from breeding following the birth of their third calves in a cohort born circa 2025 (that included Anjalee’s first calf). A second cohort (two calves) was born circa 2030.

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Putra Mas (00/00/1989) Imported 1992
1.0 Luk Chai (04/07/2009) Gung x Thong Dee
1.0 Roi-Yim (25/11/2022) Luk Chai x Mali
1.0 Juvenile (00/00/2034) Putra Mas x Aiyara
1.0 Juvenile (00/00/2034) Putra Mas x Kati

0.1 Burma (00/00/1982) Imported 1990
0.1 Permai (00/00/1989) Imported 1992
0.1 Dokkoon (00/00/1993) Imported 2006
0.1 Kulab (00/00/2000) Imported 2006
0.1 Num-Oi (00/00/2001) Imported 2006
0.1 Mali (16/01/2010) Bong Su x Dokkoon
0.1 Aiyara (16/11/2022) Luk Chai x Dokkoon
0.1 Kati (01/01/2023) Luk Chai x Num Oi
0.1 Adolescent (00/00/2028) Putra Mas x Mali
0.1 Adolescent (00/00/2028) Putra Mas x Num Oi
0.1 Juvenile (00/00/2034) Luk Chai x Mali

10 elephants arrived from Melbourne Zoo in 2024, one of which (Man Jai) was exported to North America in 2025; and one of which is now deceased (Mek Kepah).

Werribee additionally received Burma, Putra Mas and Permai from the Auckland and Perth zoos in 2025.

Dokkoon and Num Oi are retired from breeding. They each have two daughters in the herd, who are now breeding.

New Holders:

None. Monarto Safari Park plan to construct a bull facility in the next 10 years, but there are no concrete plans to do so or timeframes around this.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo - Plans for Breeding Herd in the 1980’s

Auckland Zoo has made several attempts to breed Asian elephants in recent decades including:

Five attempts at AI with Anjalee in the late 2010’s.

Plans to import a young bull and cow (Gung and Tukta) in 2006.

Plans to undertake AI with Burma in the early 2000’s.

Plans to undertake AI with Kashin in the early 1990’s.

What I didn’t realise until today was that there were plans to establish a breeding herd of elephants at the zoo in the 1980’s.

I will summarise this here:

Spoiler: Plans for Breeding Herd at Auckland Zoo (1980’s)

The plan was first mentioned by zoo director, Derek Wood, in an interview with The Press in July 1984.

Following the death of Ma Schwe in 1982 due to heart failure; and Koru in 1983 due to a stomach infection, the zoo had struggled to find replacements due to a global scarcity of elephants. It was mentioned there was a huge demand for elephants on the world market, particularly “young Asians” (note: this appears to explain the prior import of the African elephant, Koru).

The intention was to secure two young elephants (a male and a female) by 1985, with a new enclosure planned to be built that year. The zoo would hold a trio, with the new pair joining the then 16 year old cow, Kashin; and breed in the “near future.”

In a January 1987 edition of The Press, it was noted that two baby Indian elephants had been gifted to the zoo by the Indian Government and were expected to arrive in April that year. It was noted they would undertake a two month quarantine and be housed separately from Kashin to ensure their safety.

The two elephants were last mentioned in an April 1989 edition of The Press, which noted the elephants had passed some of the pre-export tests required by MAF, with a ministry official due to fly to Darjeeling to carry out further assessments. The pair would be imported on the condition of passing this assessment.

Since this pair never arrived and the zoo instead imported an eight year old cow from Burma (Myanmar) in 1990, it seems likely the elephants failed the required health checks.

The new exhibit was also delayed - eventually opening in 1992 (not 1985). It was designed with a capacity of three elephants.

Personally, I think it’s a great shame this plan never came to fruition. Factoring in the ages of the elephants involved, it could have potentially resulted in the zoo welcoming the first elephant calf in Australasia in the early 1990’s and the establishment of a herd at Auckland.

 

[Zoofan15]

Updated Details on the Werribee Complex

Zoos Victoria have posted the following details on the elephant complex being built at Werribee.

Spoiler: Details

The Asian elephant herd will be able to roam freely across 21 hectares of purpose-built open range habitat:

The communal sleeping area has been designed to enable natural herd births in the future.

Five outer habitats will keep and build upon existing vegetation and significant trees, as well as featuring deep-water pools and sandpits.

Two dedicated overpass bridges will allow the elephants to pass over visitor walking trails.

It’s interesting to note the complex will include five paddocks now; not six as previously stated and shown on the schematic (Post #41, Page 3 of this thread if anyone needs to see it again).

The footprint of the complex remains unchanged (21 hectares), so perhaps the plan is to install a dividing fence across one of the paddocks a decade or more from now when they actually need to accomodate six groupings. This would allow them to cut costs in the here and now.

For the foreseeable, the groupings will be the matriarchal herd, Luk Chai, Man Jai (and potentially Putra Mas) - taking up four paddocks, with the fifth for recovery/stand down.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne Zoo’s Elephants (1996)

First of all, thanks to @Abbey for finding this interesting documentary regarding Zoos Victoria. Due to births and deaths, we’ve narrowed down the date of this documentary to being between April and October of 1996, with occasional historical footage featured.

Bong Su (1974) and Mek Kepah (1973) are therefore aged 22 and 23 years old when this was filmed and I thought if nothing else, people would be interested to see Bong Su’s tusks!

The documentary includes footage of the exhibit they occupied until the opening of the current exhibit (Trail of the Elephants) in 2003 and discusses the challenges of keeping elephants in city zoos. These include public perceptions of exhibit size (the exhibit never looks big enough), the wear and tear on the exhibit by such a large animal and how breeding is unlikely from their 1.1 elephants.

In 1996, the idea of transferring the elephants to Werribee was not on the table. There were two main reasons:

1. Werribee was African Safari centric and while African elephants would have fitted into this theming; their Asian counterparts would not.

2. Melbourne Zoo’s elephants were describe as “box office” attractions and it was believed the public would have been against their phase out due to their expectations to see elephants at their local city zoo.

The latter is an interesting reminder of how public perceptions have changed in the decades that followed. As a result, Sydney Zoo will soon be the only zoo in the region to hold elephants.

Peter Stroud (former director of Werribee), who spoke publicly about Bong Su, following his death in 2017; mentions in 1996 that they “no longer want to pander to what the people expect to see” and how going forward, there will be increasing emphasis on conservation and welfare - the latter being the main reason for the transfer of the herd to Werribee.

 

[Zoofan15]

Fundraising begins for elephants at Monarto:

Though not confirmed, this is an exciting possibility! The 14ha habitat would accomodate 1.2 elephants - Putra Mas (1989) and Permai (1989) from Perth and Burma (1982) from Auckland Zoo.

It’s great to see commonsense prevail in retaining Putra Mas within the region. Many of us predicted Werribee as his destination; but if fundraising efforts by Monarto are successful, at least they’ll still be the opportunity for breeding loans over the coming years.

—————————

From Auckland Zoo’s socials:

Today, our colleagues at Zoos South Australia begin a fundraising campaign to build a habitat at Monarto Safari Park for Asian elephants within the Australasian region.

If their fundraising efforts are successful, the open range zoo would initially provide a forever home for three Asian elephants, one of which could be Auckland Zoo’s elephant Burma.

“We are very excited about the possibility of Monarto Safari Park developing this new 14ha (35 acre) habitat for the Australasian regional elephant programme - and really hope that this fundraising effort can become a reality,” says our director, Kevin Buley.

 

[Abbey]

Fundraising begins for elephants at Monarto:

Though not confirmed, this is an exciting possibility! The 14ha habitat would accomodate 1.2 elephants - Putra Mas (1989) and Permai (1989) from Perth and Burma (1982) from Auckland Zoo.

It’s great to see commonsense prevail in retaining Putra Mas within the region. Many of us predicted Werribee as his destination; but if fundraising efforts by Monarto are successful, at least they’ll still be the opportunity for breeding loans over the coming years.

—————————

From Auckland Zoo’s socials:

Today, our colleagues at Zoos South Australia begin a fundraising campaign to build a habitat at Monarto Safari Park for Asian elephants within the Australasian region.

If their fundraising efforts are successful, the open range zoo would initially provide a forever home for three Asian elephants, one of which could be Auckland Zoo’s elephant Burma.

“We are very excited about the possibility of Monarto Safari Park developing this new 14ha (35 acre) habitat for the Australasian regional elephant programme - and really hope that this fundraising effort can become a reality,” says our director, Kevin Buley.

At first I was surprised by this, although, upon reflection, it's great that all three open-range zoos in Australia will hopefully be holding elephants in the future.

Given that there are currently no females related to both Bong Su and Gung, I understand why Werribee might not have been desperate for Putra Mas, although it would be good to ensure that he can breed again, given he is older than Gung by 11 years and Luk Chai by 2 decades (and, of course, is unrelated to all the cows except his adolescent daughter, Kanlaya).

The word 'initially' is intriguing me - I'm hopeful that means Monarto would be interested in acquiring cows to create a herd breeding with Putra Mas. Sons of Putra Mas would be a better match, age-wise, for future daughters of Luk Chai x Mali.

 

[Zoofan15]

At first I was surprised by this, although, upon reflection, it's great that all three open-range zoos in Australia will hopefully be holding elephants in the future.

Given that there are currently no females related to both Bong Su and Gung, I understand why Werribee might not have been desperate for Putra Mas, although it would be good to ensure that he can breed again, given he is older than Gung by 11 years and Luk Chai by 2 decades (and, of course, is unrelated to all the cows except his adolescent daughter, Kanlaya).

The word 'initially' is intriguing me - I'm hopeful that means Monarto would be interested in acquiring cows to create a herd breeding with Putra Mas. Sons of Putra Mas would be a better match, age-wise, for future daughters of Luk Chai x Mali.

I’m delighted to see a new holder come on board! I had long hoped Monarto would acquire elephants - but I believed this to be at least a decade or two away.

It’s difficult to tell what the future holds, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Pak Boon and Tang Mo join the female herd at Monarto in a few years. Monarto could either hold a non breeding herd of four cows or explore options of breeding from Pak Boon.

Monarto’s planned complex will be large (2/3 the size of Werribee), so if they went the breeding route, they could transfer over Thong Dee from Dubbo. Dubbo don’t have the room to breed four cows and having two breeding cows at Monarto would be beneficial to the calves’ social development.

Alternatively, Monarto could go the non breeding route. Werribee will surely produce at least another bull calf in their next cohort, which could transfer to Monarto with Roi Yim. They could be exchanged for Putra Mas a decade from now. Aiyara is related to all three bulls currently at Dubbo and will likely be breeding circa 2032.

——————————————

Decision to be finalised October 2023; elephants to arrive late 2024:

The link to the article now works.

It states Monarto will know by the end of October whether their fundraising efforts have been successful. If so, the elephants will arrive in late 2024:

News of potential long-term option for elephant Burma | Auckland Zoo News

 

[Jambo]

Fundraising begins for elephants at Monarto:

Though not confirmed, this is an exciting possibility! The 14ha habitat would accomodate 1.2 elephants - Putra Mas (1989) and Permai (1989) from Perth and Burma (1982) from Auckland Zoo.

It’s great to see commonsense prevail in retaining Putra Mas within the region. Many of us predicted Werribee as his destination; but if fundraising efforts by Monarto are successful, at least they’ll still be the opportunity for breeding loans over the coming years.

—————————

From Auckland Zoo’s socials:

Today, our colleagues at Zoos South Australia begin a fundraising campaign to build a habitat at Monarto Safari Park for Asian elephants within the Australasian region.

If their fundraising efforts are successful, the open range zoo would initially provide a forever home for three Asian elephants, one of which could be Auckland Zoo’s elephant Burma.

“We are very excited about the possibility of Monarto Safari Park developing this new 14ha (35 acre) habitat for the Australasian regional elephant programme - and really hope that this fundraising effort can become a reality,” says our director, Kevin Buley.

At first I was surprised by this, although, upon reflection, it's great that all three open-range zoos in Australia will hopefully be holding elephants in the future.

Given that there are currently no females related to both Bong Su and Gung, I understand why Werribee might not have been desperate for Putra Mas, although it would be good to ensure that he can breed again, given he is older than Gung by 11 years and Luk Chai by 2 decades (and, of course, is unrelated to all the cows except his adolescent daughter, Kanlaya).

The word 'initially' is intriguing me - I'm hopeful that means Monarto would be interested in acquiring cows to create a herd breeding with Putra Mas. Sons of Putra Mas would be a better match, age-wise, for future daughters of Luk Chai x Mali.

I’m delighted to see a new holder come on board! I had long hoped Monarto would acquire elephants - but I believed this to be at least a decade or two away.

It’s difficult to tell what the future holds, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Pak Boon and Tang Mo join the female herd at Monarto in a few years. Monarto could either hold a non breeding herd of four cows or explore options of breeding from Pak Boon.

Monarto’s planned complex will be large (2/3 the size of Werribee), so if they went the breeding route, they could transfer over Thong Dee from Dubbo. Dubbo don’t have the room to breed four cows and having two breeding cows at Monarto would be beneficial to the calves’ social development.

Alternatively, Monarto could go the non breeding route. Werribee will surely produce at least another bull calf in their next cohort, which could transfer to Monarto with Roi Yim. They could be exchanged for Putra Mas a decade from now. Aiyara is related to all three bulls currently at Dubbo and will likely be breeding circa 2032.

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Decision to be finalised October 2023; elephants to arrive late 2024:

The link to the article now works.

It states Monarto will know by the end of October whether their fundraising efforts have been successful. If so, the elephants will arrive in late 2024:

News of potential long-term option for elephant Burma | Auckland Zoo News

Very exciting news to hear. Although I think most of us anticipated Monarto to eventually hold elephants, it's suprising to hear they'll potentially acquire them by the end of next year!

2024 should be a very exciting year for elephants with the Werribee and Monarto complexes potentially being completed. The fact that they're planning a complex almost as big as Werribee's does give me hope they may be looking into breeding down the line. A third breeding facility will certainly be useful; especially if Putra Mas is to be the breeding bull.

On the topic of breeding, I would much prefer if females were to be imported from overseas. A completely unrelated line to the rest of the region would be preferential. I like the idea of sending Pak Boon and Tang Mo down, giving Pak Boon the opportunity to breed which is something she otherwise won't be getting remaining at Taronga. Either that, or Werribee would be suitable options as Dubbo don't have the space for an additional two cows imo.

Also re. Putra Mas, I'm confident if he was to be sent to Monarto with non breeding cows he'd still be breeding (albeit through AI). I'm surprised Taronga haven't considered this in the meantime for Pak Boon, with the intention of then sending the trio elsewhere in a few years.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very exciting news to hear. Although I think most of us anticipated Monarto to eventually hold elephants, it's suprising to hear they'll potentially acquire them by the end of next year!

2024 should be a very exciting year for elephants with the Werribee and Monarto complexes potentially being completed. The fact that they're planning a complex almost as big as Werribee's does give me hope they may be looking into breeding down the line. A third breeding facility will certainly be useful; especially if Putra Mas is to be the breeding bull.

On the topic of breeding, I would much prefer if females were to be imported from overseas. A completely unrelated line to the rest of the region would be preferential. I like the idea of sending Pak Boon and Tang Mo down, giving Pak Boon the opportunity to breed which is something she otherwise won't be getting remaining at Taronga. Either that, or Werribee would be suitable options as Dubbo don't have the space for an additional two cows imo.

Also re. Putra Mas, I'm confident if he was to be sent to Monarto with non breeding cows he'd still be breeding (albeit through AI). I'm surprised Taronga haven't considered this in the meantime for Pak Boon, with the intention of then sending the trio elsewhere in a few years.

I was amazed to hear they could potentially have a complex 2/3 the size of Werribee’s open by the end of next year. The fundraising target is ambitious, but will hopefully be reached without the need to scrap the plan or scale it back.

I notice the number of paddocks for Werribee’s complex has decreased to five over the years (despite the footprint remaining the same) - presumably in response to rising costs. Dividing fences can always be put in later to subdivide larger paddocks (when they reach that number of social groupings).

With regards to breeding, I’d rather see the region make better use of the cows we have. We have two viable cows from Asia (Pak Boon and Anjalee) that are completely unrepresented. The obstacle appears to be the lack of space at Dubbo, so transferring Thong Dee (who has no daughters) and Pak Boon to Monarto would not only give them breeding opportunities; it’d allow Dubbo to focus solely on Porntip, Anjalee and Kanlaya.

In this scenario, Putra Mas and Thong Dee would represent a new combined lineage; with Pak Boon and Anjalee being unrelated to all bulls in the region. Porntip would be paired with Gung, after having calves via the other two founder bulls. All combinations could breed naturally on site.

 

[Astrobird]

The timeline if 2024, would that be to do with the fact that monato actually still have the original elephant enclosure still in working order? It probably doesnt need many modifications to be be brought up to current standards.... obviously its going to be majorly enlarged.

 

[Jambo]

The timeline if 2024, would that be to do with the fact that monato actually still have the original elephant enclosure still in working order? It probably doesnt need many modifications to be be brought up to current standards.... obviously its going to be majorly enlarged.

The new complex is apparently going to include the original elephant enclosure and the neighboring blackbuck paddock. I imagine the exhibit itself dosen't need many modifications and the major focus would certainly be on building new back of house facilities (barns ect.). A timeframe of a year to complete the complex is certainly do-able.