Australian Asian Elephant Population 2025

[Jambo]

Auckland Zoo walked their elephants through the zoo during visiting hours up until the 2000’s (I recall seeing Kashin and Burma walk through the zoo as a kid; and remember reading how the then 18 year old Ma Schwe tragically dropped dead while being walked around the zoo in 1982).

Going back further and Jamuna and Rajah were walked from the elephant house each afternoon for a swim in the adjacent elephant pool (the plaza separating the two being renamed Jamuna Plaza in her honour).

Burma was walked through the zoo outside of visiting hours up until her export, with the keepers often taking her to bush up the back of the zoo.

I believe Kashin and Burma were still walked around Auckland up until Kashin's passing in 2009.

I also have memories of the pair being walked around the zoo during visitor hours and I actually have a family photo of the pair being walked up the service path (beside Jamuna plaza) to access the bush behind the zoo.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

Auckland Zoo walked their elephants through the zoo during visiting hours up until the 2000’s (I recall seeing Kashin and Burma walk through the zoo as a kid; and remember reading how the then 18 year old Ma Schwe tragically dropped dead while being walked around the zoo in 1982).

Going back further and Jamuna and Rajah were walked from the elephant house each afternoon for a swim in the adjacent elephant pool (the plaza separating the two being renamed Jamuna Plaza in her honour).

Burma was walked through the zoo outside of visiting hours up until her export, with the keepers often taking her to bush up the back of the zoo.

One idea I've had for speculative zoo design is a Southeast Asia exhibit which combines elephant paddocks connected by walkways and bridges with aerial pathways for orangutans and gibbons. The latter would cross over the former, so it would be a way for the species to interact without actually sharing the same enclosure. The basic idea would be to try and mimic the feel and dynamics of a mixed-species African savannah exhibit with species from Southeast Asian forests.

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe Kashin and Burma were still walked around Auckland up until Kashin's passing in 2009.

I also have memories of the pair being walked around the zoo during visitor hours and I actually have a family photo of the pair being walked up the service path (beside Jamuna plaza) to access the bush behind the zoo.

Yes they were. The walks around the zoo during visitor hours ceased sometime between Kashin’s passing and the arrival of Anjalee as when she arrived, I was hopeful I’d get to see them both walked around the zoo - but didn’t!

One keeper I spoke to said he’d never be an elephant keeper due to the health and safety implications (namely a child running out in front of the elephants). Thankfully no incidents ever occurred, but I can understand the rationale between switching to undertaking the walks outside of visitor hours.

Taronga adapted the same approach when the Thai cows arrived. Taronga is a significantly busier zoo and walking the elephants through the crowds would have been an accident waiting to happen - especially with Thong Dee etc being unnerved by the simplest things.

 

[Jambo]

Additional video of the elephants at Werribee;

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A6-_ajEVQZ8

Interesting to see Werribee maintaining their overall 'African' theming, even throughout the Elephant trail, as can be seen with the sign at the beginning of the video.

As always, elephant ID's for the video;

0.00 - Num Oi
0.04 - Luk Chai
0.11 - Mek Kapah
0.13 - Kati
0.17 - Num Oi and Kati
0.20 - Kulab
0.22 - Mek Kapah
0.28 - Num Oi and Kati
0.32 - Num Oi and Kati

 

[Zoofan15]

Additional video of the elephants at Werribee;

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A6-_ajEVQZ8

Interesting to see Werribee maintaining their overall 'African' theming, even throughout the Elephant trail, as can be seen with the sign at the beginning of the video.

As always, elephant ID's for the video;

0.00 - Num Oi
0.04 - Luk Chai
0.11 - Mek Kapah
0.13 - Kati
0.17 - Num Oi and Kati
0.20 - Kulab
0.22 - Mek Kapah
0.28 - Num Oi and Kati
0.32 - Num Oi and Kati

I’m not a fan of the whole Asian elephants being ambassadors for African elephants concept. At the end of the day, they are what they are and it detracts from the value Asian elephants hold as conservation ambassadors for their own natural range. I always thought Melbourne Zoo illustrated this well in the design of the Trail of the Elephants complex.

Australian zoos don’t have the range of species available to North America and Europe so limiting the theme to ‘African Savannah’ only further restricts what a zoo can hold.

Themes are important within reason. A single Nepalese red panda exhibit would look out of place at Werribee Open Range Zoo; but we’re talking of a 21ha complex here (the size of Melbourne Zoo). It’s a standalone precinct in its own right and the theme should be Asian elephants.

 

[Jambo]

Hopefully she has a long life which has to be a huge improvement from her past small enclosure and lack of a proper life for her, It would of been interesting to have seen Bong Su reaction to the Werribee exhibit. I remember seeing Heman at Taronga in 1977 he was an impressive bull living in less than ideal conditions but I guess he did get to see the new open areas at the Western Plains zoo even at a more advanced age

He would've enjoyed all of that space (four or five acres I believe), especially when you consider the tiny slab of concrete he had at Taronga.

It's a shame he was effectively 'bullied' by Burma following their arrival at Dubbo. It's nice he was given the chance to have companionship but it didn't work out too well for him.

He was apparently trained for semen collection too - and samples were taken but it's likely these have long been dismissed as un-usable.

 

[Zoofan15]

He was apparently trained for semen collection too - and samples were taken but it's likely these have long been dismissed as un-usable.

Unfortunately elephant semen doesn’t handle the freeze/thaw process well. Semen was stored from Bong Su (renowned for this high fertility) and used in AI attempts on Anjalee without success.

If any semen had been stored from Heman, I expect it would have been used by now considering the numerous AI attempts from the late 2000’s to mid 2010’s.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am just wondering if any of the management staff from Western Plains zoo might have visited yet perhaps with an eye to make some improvements to their own complex/habitat at Dubbo?, Since there are only two zoos within the region (so far) with breeding herds I believe its important that both carry a good sized herd into the future, If Monatro does make up the third breeding centre in the future so much the better, Having 3 centres dedicated (within our region) to holding and producing calfs would assure the success of the species within our region for a long time.

Since the Sydney zoo has two young imported bulls from the Dublin herd it will be interesting to see in the future how and where they fit into the current breeding plans?, Perhaps potential mates for the young female calfs currently at Werribee could be a possibility?.
Its a bit of a shame in the overall scheme of things that Australia Zoo could not have got involved with the same sub species as the rest of the country rather than go it alone with the Sumatran sub species but lacking any bull and properly will never will obtain one. They certainly have the size to holding a large herd on site.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo already have future plans in place for the expansion of their facilities via a new barn capable of housing the entire matriarchal herd inside for an extended period over the winters months.

It’s reasonable to expect given the current demographics of Dubbo’s herd that following the birth of Anajee’s calf later this year that a gap of around seven years will follow, with her second calf than coinciding with Kanlaya’s first (with current plans for her to produce her first calf at 14 years of age). I’d like to see something more ambitious (and think it’s short sighted to retire Thong Dee and Porntip from breeding, but it appears clear this is the plan).

I agree it seems likely a Dublin bull will be Luk Chai’s successor at Werribee. There’s otherwise limited options with Pathi Harn at Dubbo being a half-brother of Mali; Sabai being a full brother to Luk Chai etc. Putra Mas will hopefully prove a capable natural breeder at Monarto and sire calves to Pak Boon over the next decade (potentially resorting to AI if natural breeding is unsuccessful).

 

[Zorro]

Taronga Western Plains Zoo already have future plans in place for the expansion of their facilities via a new barn capable of housing the entire matriarchal herd inside for an extended period over the winters months.

It’s reasonable to expect given the current demographics of Dubbo’s herd that following the birth of Anajee’s calf later this year that a gap of around seven years will follow, with her second calf than coinciding with Kanlaya’s first (with current plans for her to produce her first calf at 14 years of age). I’d like to see something more ambitious (and think it’s short sighted to retire Thong Dee and Porntip from breeding, but it appears clear this is the plan).

I agree it seems likely a Dublin bull will be Luk Chai’s successor at Werribee. There’s otherwise limited options with Pathi Harn at Dubbo being a half-brother of Mali; Sabai being a full brother to Luk Chai etc. Putra Mas will hopefully prove a capable natural breeder at Monarto and sire calves to Pak Boon over the next decade (potentially resorting to AI if natural breeding is unsuccessful).

I am fully aware that TWPZ has future plans to expand but that's not to say staff from Dubbo can't go and see if they can pick up a few ideas in real life from the Werribee complex and add them to its own plans!

 

[Zoofan15]

I am fully aware that TWPZ has future plans to expand but that's not to say staff from Dubbo can't go and see if they can pick up a few ideas in real life from the Werribee complex and add them to its own plans!

The Werribee complex hasn’t sprung up overnight. While it’s exciting to see it come to life, it’s been close to a decade in the planning and the Dubbo team would have been more than aware of the design features of the complex and the benefits of managing elephants across a larger space. I’m not expecting any drastic changes to Dubbo’s plans in response to the opening of Werribee’s complex.

It’s also important to consider that while Werribee’s complex is fantastic for managing a larger matriarchal herd, breeding can and will be restricted by the number of placements for bulls. Werribee’s current set up is equipped to manage two adult bulls separately; with the remaining paddocks dedicated to the cows. Breeding therefore will not be exponential.

 

[Jambo]

Taronga Western Plains Zoo already have future plans in place for the expansion of their facilities via a new barn capable of housing the entire matriarchal herd inside for an extended period over the winters months.

It’s reasonable to expect given the current demographics of Dubbo’s herd that following the birth of Anajee’s calf later this year that a gap of around seven years will follow, with her second calf than coinciding with Kanlaya’s first (with current plans for her to produce her first calf at 14 years of age). I’d like to see something more ambitious (and think it’s short sighted to retire Thong Dee and Porntip from breeding, but it appears clear this is the plan).

I agree it seems likely a Dublin bull will be Luk Chai’s successor at Werribee. There’s otherwise limited options with Pathi Harn at Dubbo being a half-brother of Mali; Sabai being a full brother to Luk Chai etc. Putra Mas will hopefully prove a capable natural breeder at Monarto and sire calves to Pak Boon over the next decade (potentially resorting to AI if natural breeding is unsuccessful).

I hope Porntip at least is given the opportunity to conceive again. But it would obviously mean producing another calf from Gung which I imagine may be the issue here. Both Porntip and Thong Dee currently have two calves each, and this may be deemed sufficient for future representation. Space is also likely an issue - bull calves are becoming more difficult to place.

Still, it's a shame when we can expect Werribee to at the very least, have three plus calves from their founding females (Num Oi and Dokkoon). One of the Dublin bulls will almost certainly be acquired in the next five years or so. Realistically, they're the only option unless Werribee import a bull from overseas (another possibility).

 

[Zoofan15]

I hope Porntip at least is given the opportunity to conceive again. But it would obviously mean producing another calf from Gung which I imagine may be the issue here. Both Porntip and Thong Dee currently have two calves each, and this may be deemed sufficient for future representation. Space is also likely an issue - bull calves are becoming more difficult to place.

Still, it's a shame when we can expect Werribee to at the very least, have three plus calves from their founding females (Num Oi and Dokkoon). One of the Dublin bulls will almost certainly be acquired in the next five years or so. Realistically, they're the only option unless Werribee import a bull from overseas (another possibility).

I was really hopeful that Porntip would have had a calf prior to Anjalee having her first calf. It would have been ideal for Anjalee to have witnessed the rearing of a neonate to compound any prior experience she’s had in her formative years. Nonetheless I’m hopeful with the support of the herd, she’ll make an excellent mother. She dotes on Kanlaya, who is herself now the ideal age to learn from the experience and even contribute to care of the calf.

I agree Werribee acquiring one of the Dublin bulls is the most likely option as their staff have also publicly stated a willingness to cooperate with the needs of the breeding programme. One option could be a short term loan of one of their bulls for around 18 months to get all three of Werribee’s cows in calf; with said bull then returning to Sydney once the cows are half way through their pregnancy. Sydney are presumably wanting to retain two bulls long term and it would free up space at Werribee as Roi-Yim matures and requires his own space (with Luk Chai remaining on site to mentor him).

 

[Zorro]

I hope Porntip at least is given the opportunity to conceive again. But it would obviously mean producing another calf from Gung which I imagine may be the issue here. Both Porntip and Thong Dee currently have two calves each, and this may be deemed sufficient for future representation. Space is also likely an issue - bull calves are becoming more difficult to place.

Still, it's a shame when we can expect Werribee to at the very least, have three plus calves from their founding females (Num Oi and Dokkoon). One of the Dublin bulls will almost certainly be acquired in the next five years or so. Realistically, they're the only option unless Werribee import a bull from overseas (another possibility).

If they do have to import I would hope that a bull from the late Radza formerly from Emmen zoo a magnificent bull with outstanding tusks who has sired many calfs.

 

[Zorro]

The Werribee complex hasn’t sprung up overnight. While it’s exciting to see it come to life, it’s been close to a decade in the planning and the Dubbo team would have been more than aware of the design features of the complex and the benefits of managing elephants across a larger space. I’m not expecting any drastic changes to Dubbo’s plans in response to the opening of Werribee’s complex.

It’s also important to consider that while Werribee’s complex is fantastic for managing a larger matriarchal herd, breeding can and will be restricted by the number of placements for bulls. Werribee’s current set up is equipped to manage two adult bulls separately; with the remaining paddocks dedicated to the cows. Breeding therefore will not be exponential.

All of which is common knowledge

 

[Jambo]

If they do have to import I would hope that a bull from the late Radza formerly from Emmen zoo a magnificent bull with outstanding tusks who has sired many calfs.

It's possible although taking into account our regions connection with the San Diego Zoo especially, it's perhaps more likely a bull from the USA will come across. Their breeding program's really taking off as of late and they could afford to send across a bull (or two!).

 

[Jambo]

I was really hopeful that Porntip would have had a calf prior to Anjalee having her first calf. It would have been ideal for Anjalee to have witnessed the rearing of a neonate to compound any prior experience she’s had in her formative years. Nonetheless I’m hopeful with the support of the herd, she’ll make an excellent mother. She dotes on Kanlaya, who is herself now the ideal age to learn from the experience and even contribute to care of the calf.

I agree Werribee acquiring one of the Dublin bulls is the most likely option as their staff have also publicly stated a willingness to cooperate with the needs of the breeding programme. One option could be a short term loan of one of their bulls for around 18 months to get all three of Werribee’s cows in calf; with said bull then returning to Sydney once the cows are half way through their pregnancy. Sydney are presumably wanting to retain two bulls long term and it would free up space at Werribee as Roi-Yim matures and requires his own space (with Luk Chai remaining on site to mentor him).

Although unconfirmed, I believe Dubbo don't have the BTS facilities to accommodate more than one calf at a time. If true, this would obviously be a huge drive to get the new barn complete but even still, like a lot of projects regionally, this is getting pushed further and further back as time goes on and this is having repercussions on the breeding program as a whole if Dubbo can't breed their cows as they may wish. There's no reason to stop breeding two founder cows after just two calves!!

If so, I'm hopeful Porntip will be given the opportunity to conceive once more. It may very well be too late for Thong Dee - but at least she has her two sons who could both be moved into breeding situations. Technically, she could conceive this year and still have a chance. Fingers crossed.

In the event a Sydney bull comes across, I don't foresee it occurring for at least another six or seven years at least. By which time the next cohort will be maturing. and the older cohort will be transitioning into adulthood. By that time, Dokkoon will have had three calves (hopefully all still alive and well), and if that is the case, it would make sense to retire her following her next calf. Breeding could then continue with Num Oi, Mali, Aiyara and Kati all conceiving circa 2032.

Receiving a Sydney bull on temporary loan is also a good idea considering they come from well represented lines - ie. any calves from them wouldn't have much breeding application overseas (if at all). Four calves would provide sufficient representation for them regionally imo and Werribee could then work towards importing a bull for the cohort after that by which time it would likely be just the youngest elephants breeding (assuming all goes well).

 

[Zoofan15]

Although unconfirmed, I believe Dubbo don't have the BTS facilities to accommodate more than one calf at a time. If true, this would obviously be a huge drive to get the new barn complete but even still, like a lot of projects regionally, this is getting pushed further and further back as time goes on and this is having repercussions on the breeding program as a whole if Dubbo can't breed their cows as they may wish. There's no reason to stop breeding two founder cows after just two calves!!

If so, I'm hopeful Porntip will be given the opportunity to conceive once more. It may very well be too late for Thong Dee - but at least she has her two sons who could both be moved into breeding situations. Technically, she could conceive this year and still have a chance. Fingers crossed.

In the event a Sydney bull comes across, I don't foresee it occurring for at least another six or seven years at least. By which time the next cohort will be maturing. and the older cohort will be transitioning into adulthood. By that time, Dokkoon will have had three calves (hopefully all still alive and well), and if that is the case, it would make sense to retire her following her next calf. Breeding could then continue with Num Oi, Mali, Aiyara and Kati all conceiving circa 2032.

Receiving a Sydney bull on temporary loan is also a good idea considering they come from well represented lines - ie. any calves from them wouldn't have much breeding application overseas (if at all). Four calves would provide sufficient representation for them regionally imo and Werribee could then work towards importing a bull for the cohort after that by which time it would likely be just the youngest elephants breeding (assuming all goes well).

The inability to manage separation of two cows and neonates concurrently is indeed an issue if that’s the case given the clear advantages to calves of being raised alongside same-aged peers. While it no doubt occurs in the wild, having calves two years apart creates work for the cows in managing the enthusiasm of a two year old wanting to interact with a new sibling that has little concept of its own strength. According to reports from the zoo, this was the case with Sabai/Kanlaya. The Melbourne/Werribee cohort of course represents the ideal, though I will acknowledge their extremely good fortunate in all three cows conceiving on the first cycle and the subsequent births of three heathy calves.

It’s easy to see Werribee allowing the herd a year to settle in before allowing the cows to conceive circa 2026 (delivering calves 2028). From a financial standpoint, this will allow Zoos Victoria capitalise on the novelty of the new complex for the next 2-3 years, with a new attraction (calves) then bolstering interest once the initial hype is dying down; though I mention this as a by-product of a decision which is made first and foremost based on regional planning, welfare etc.

I really hope that long term there will be interest from North America in importing more Australian bred calves, but given the options they currently have available, this is not something we can rely on.

 

[Luke899]

From Taronga

Rain or shine, Pak Boon and Tang Mo can be found mud bathing and deep diving! e

Last week, a dedicated team of Taronga Keepers, Wildlife Hospital staff, and specialists worked together to treat Pak Boon's eye issue. We're happy to report that her treatment was successful under general anesthesia, and she's recovering well. The healing process will continue be monitored over the next few weeks.

As you can see from morning's activities, she's still swimming in the rain and rolling in the mud with Tang Mo as usual!

While the team continue to monitor the girls and get back on track with crate training, excitingly, that gives us all one more month to make memories with the Eles before their great migration to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia at the end of April!

 

[Zoofan15]

Maybe once Werribees bull Roi Yim has grow a little maybe Werribee will swap Putra mas for Roi Yim for new genetics an maybe an other female from Werribee might join the Monarto heard.

Roi-Yim is certainly a future possibility for Monarto Safari Park if Putra Mas and Pak Boon are successful in producing female calves. Roi-Yim will have little breeding application at Werribee considering the only viable cow he’s unrelated to is Num-Oi, who is two decades older than him and may only have another two calves herself.

So much of Monarto’s future rests on Pak Boon establishing her own matriline as there will otherwise be no succession in the herd. If she is able to produce daughters, who in turn survive to reproductive age, then I’m confident Monarto would continue with this line as opposed to bringing in unrelated females. It’s no certainty the four cows from three herds they’ll be introducing this year can form a cohesive herd and it might eventuate 1-2 of them will need to be kept separately (though we hope this won’t be the case).

If Pak Boon fails to establish a matriline (she doesn’t breed; or only has sons), then long term (2-3 decades from now) Monarto may look at acquiring new cows. Assuming the Werribee herd has remained cohesive to that point, splitting a mother and daughter/s line from either Dokkoon or Num-Oi’s family may be possible. This would enable Werribee to maintain two female lines (as opposed to transferring over one of the families). At this in point in time, Dokkoon’s line is the largest matriline (three females), but there’s no telling what the future holds.

I doubt there would be the confidence to split any matriline smaller than six females (and the aim of the move would be so as not to imbalance the affected matrilineal in terms of numbers) e.g. leaving one matriline with three cows and the other with nine. Splits would also have to be along mother/daughter lines as opposed to aunt/nieces etc.

 

[Zoofan15]

Update on Permai from Perth Zoo:

Spoiler: Permai Update

It’s been a short two months since Asian Elephant Permai made her move to Monarto Safari Park and we know you all love to hear updates.

The move has been a MAMMOTH change for Permai, and we knew acclimatising wouldn’t happen overnight. One of our dedicated keepers Jody moved with Permai to help settle her in, and with the wonderful Monarto team, she’s been seeing small improvements every single day.

Here are some of Permai’s small wins Keeper Jody has shared with us:

- She’s confidently exploring an outdoor paddock overnight, and giant Permai-shaped footprints have been spotted near the waterhole

- She finds the buses a little new and scary but stays calm as they pass

- She’s developing relationships with her Monarto keepers

- She’s enjoying having foot soaks

- Burma joins her for side-by-side interactions as they get to know each other

- She’s being playful again!

It takes tiny steps and plenty of patience to make jumbo progress and we know Permai is on the right track. Thank you all for caring about her as much as we do!

While the assumption Burma and Permai would form a bond quickly was massively over-hyped, it’s clear this move has been a positive for Permai’s welfare and it’s encouraging to hear she’s engaging with her new habitat.

I can’t wait to see Pak Boon and Tang Mo’s reactions to the new complex given they’re have each other for confidence and Tang Mo being the youngest of the five elephants.