Australian Asian Elephant Population 2025

[Zoofan15]

Two things that could of made a difference in the overall elephant breeding in this country is if the Perth zoo had went ahead with its plan to open an open range zoo outside of Perth and became another holder, It appears they even had the land chosen for it but then that plan died. The other would have been if Australia zoo had on obtained the same sub species as the rest of the country instead of going with the Sumatrans, even with this they never obtained a bull perhaps never will

The other change that surely would have been beneficial is the investment in facilities at Werribee and Dubbo from the outset, rather than housing the Thai imports at Melbourne and Taronga. Their new exhibits became cramped as soon as breeding started. Had Dubbo invested in a large herd barn from the beginning (or even taken the opportunity to build one in 2014 instead of another three stall barn), things could look very different.

I do however acknowledge hindsight is a wonderful thing and to be fair, I doubt Taronga or Melbourne had confidence the breeding programme would be as successful as it was prior to the birth of Australia’s first elephant calf in 2009. Australia went from failed attempts to breed elephants at Dubbo, Taronga and Perth over previous decades to six of the seven imported cows producing seven calves between 2009-2013.

 

[Jambo]

Note the words 'founding herd' (or group) it's used more than once. Indicates an intention to go further...

Founding herd as in the first herd at Monarto? I think we may be reading too much into it, alas I would love for Monarto to be a breeding facility but there's little to go off at this point to assume they intend to.

 

[Zorro]

The other change that surely would have been beneficial is the investment in facilities at Werribee and Dubbo from the outset, rather than housing the Thai imports at Melbourne and Taronga. Their new exhibits became cramped as soon as breeding started. Had Dubbo invested in a large herd barn from the beginning (or even taken the opportunity to build one in 2014 instead of another three stall barn), things could look very different.

I do however acknowledge hindsight is a wonderful thing and to be fair, I doubt Taronga or Melbourne had confidence the breeding programme would be as successful as it was prior to the birth of Australia’s first elephant calf in 2009. Australia went from failed attempts to breed elephants at Dubbo, Taronga and Perth over previous decades to six of the seven imported cows producing seven calves between 2009-2013.

I had stated on zoo chat years ago before the Thai imports ever arrived that sending them to two city zoos was going to be a mistake the management made a bad choice and its cost many millions since because of it

 

[Jambo]

I am still of very firm belief that Monarto is of highest value as a breeding facility, no matter how much the region would benefit from bachelor holding.
While Dubbo likely won't need to undergo a split anytime soon, Werribee will likely be in a position where their two matrilineal groups will start to separate sooner rather than later. Assuming a second cohort is born 2027-2028, Dokkoon's group will have six members and Num Oi's will have 4 (including Kulab since they are so close). Ideally Monarto would be able to take that strain off of Werribee so that they wouldn't have to limit breeding or worry about managing seperate cow groups.

Truth be told, it would've been much more ideal for some city zoos to transition their elephant exhibits into small bachelor holding. Despite Australia's shift towards open range zoos it would certianly have been a help.

Your quite right I also believe that Monarto should become a breeding facility we unlike America only have the 2 zoos breeding elephants of any species, Werribee has the best state of the art exhibit/complex by far which is looking good for the future, Unfortunately Dubbo has not invested (and does not appear to be doing anything to fix it) enough in its elephant needs in which now they have retired two adult cows from breeding so they have infect are running at half steam and that it, that what the future looks like unless Monarto form a 3rd breeding herd.
The USA and Europe have a large population compared to Australia's very small breeder base and overall tiny numbers in comparison.

Our region has a problem with available space to hold surplus calves. And this can already be seen impacting the breeding program at Dubbo.

If Monarto was to be another breeding facility, it would essentially just leave our region in the same predicament we're currently in, for decades to come. Exporting all bull calves overseas is not a long term solution, and realistically none of the two main holders (Dubbo and Werribee) have the facilities to accommodate them long term, unless they both invest in additional facilities.

Now, if Monarto were to operate as a bachelor facility, that would open up more space at the other two breeding holders to allow them to breed (perhaps more freely, if they knew bull calves had a placement).

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne could easily use their elephant facility for a bull group with 3-4 bulls. With 3 paddocks and 2 barns, they have the space and this would be so important to allow more breeding… Taronga‘s facility is too small, but Melbourne could and should continue with elephants!!!

They should honestly, I do agree. However the bottom line is that Zoos Victoria plainly will not; especially when they have a 50 acre facility just down the highway.

One thing about Werribee's complex that I did notice is that their bull barn looks quite sizeable, so hopefully they have a decent amount of stalls in there to be able to accommodate some bull calves long term. It would have been great forward thinking, as even if Monarto as a bachelor facility is an intention, it will be decades before that's feasible due to the ages of their current cows.

 

[Zoofan15]

Our region has a problem with available space to hold surplus calves. And this can already be seen impacting the breeding program at Dubbo.

If Monarto was to be another breeding facility, it would essentially just leave our region in the same predicament we're currently in, for decades to come. Exporting all bull calves overseas is not a long term solution, and realistically none of the two main holders (Dubbo and Werribee) have the facilities to accommodate them long term, unless they both invest in additional facilities.

Now, if Monarto were to operate as a bachelor facility, that would open up more space at the other two breeding holders to allow them to breed (perhaps more freely, if they knew bull calves had a placement).

It will surely bring a massive sigh of relief to Taronga Western Plains Zoo if Anjalee’s calf is a female as otherwise they’ll have to accomodate four bulls on site; with plans to breed from Kanlaya circa 2032 (and likely Anjalee again around this time).

As per your last update, we know the oldest barn (three stalls) is being used for the bulls; with confirmation needed as the use of the two stall barn (built 1983). Presumably this is used to manage Gung while in musth away from the other bulls.

Either way, a fourth bull will require permanent use to be made of those two barns year round.

 

[Zoofan15]

I had stated on zoo chat years ago before the Thai imports ever arrived that sending them to two city zoos was going to be a mistake the management made a bad choice and its cost many millions since because of it

I agree it would have made much more sense to have retained the older pair (Heman and Burma) at Taronga and built barn facilities capable of holding a multigenerational herd at the Dubbo site. That said, I also think it’s regrettable Heman never had the opportunity to breed.

Melbourne/Werribee’s situation is more complex as Mek Kepah has undoubtedly benefited immensely from living with other cows in a herd. Perhaps they could have housed the elephants at Werribee and then moved bull calves over (possibly with Bong Su) to Melbourne. All hypothetical as Bong Su died around the time his eldest son left the female herd.

 

[Jambo]

It will surely bring a massive sigh of relief to Taronga Western Plains Zoo if Anjalee’s calf is a female as otherwise they’ll have to accomodate four bulls on site; with plans to breed from Kanlaya circa 2032 (and likely Anjalee again around this time).

As per your last update, we know the oldest barn (three stalls) is being used for the bulls; with confirmation needed as the use of the two stall barn (built 1983). Presumably this is used to manage Gung while in musth away from the other bulls.

Either way, a fourth bull will require permanent use to be made of those two barns year round.

With now just a month or so to go until Anjalee births, I have the sneaky suspicion it will end up being a bull calf. It wouldn't help Gung's record for siring sons (he currently has three sons and a single daughter). Still, I too am hoping that I am wrong myself and Anjalee will welcome a daughter!

I wasn't able to directly confirm re. the old barn still being in use, it was just my assumption as I was told the bulls were in the other barn. Since the oldest barn had three stalls, and we have three bulls that was the reasonable assumption; hence my question about Barn Two. I haven't got a response yet, which is fairly normal, I've found most zoos respond to the first queries but any more than that, they'll simply ignore them.

 

[Jambo]

I agree it would have made much more sense to have retained the older pair (Heman and Burma) at Taronga and built barn facilities capable of holding a multigenerational herd at the Dubbo site. That said, I also think it’s regrettable Heman never had the opportunity to breed.

Melbourne/Werribee’s situation is more complex as Mek Kepah has undoubtedly benefited immensely from living with other cows in a herd. Perhaps they could have housed the elephants at Werribee and then moved bull calves over (possibly with Bong Su) to Melbourne. All hypothetical as Bong Su died around the time his eldest son left the female herd.

In that case though, Taronga would've had to invest in new facilities at both sites. It was perhaps much easier for them to also just offload Burma and Heman to Dubbo where they already had the barn and outdoor space for them.

However in the event they did go that route, Taronga could have had three older cows for a period (assuming they also still acquired Arna and Gigi). Taronga could have even been the chosen facility to hold Saigon (as an intended companion for Burma following Gigi's death in 2019). And then moved to acquiring Burma and Permai following Saigon's passing in 2022. That would have left either Werribee the opportunity to acquire Putra Mas (allowing him the opportunity to breed).

Zoos Victoria finished their elephant complex in 2003. So unlike Taronga who specifically built theirs for the Thai girls, Melbourne's was built for Bong Su and Mek Kapah initially with the goal of getting additional females eventually.

 

[Zoofan15]

Putra Mas had a sleep overnight:

From socials:

After his cross-country journey, Putra Mas rested overnight as he settles into his new surroundings at Monarto Safari Park. Rest is an important part of helping him feel secure and comfortable in his new space.

In the wild, elephants typically only sleep for a few hours each day, usually in shorter intervals, and will only lie down when they feel secure. Seeing Putra Mas resting like this is a positive sign that he is relaxing and gaining confidence in his environment.

As always, everything here moves on elephant time, guided by what is right for each individual elephant, with our keepers supporting them every step of the way.

 

[Zorro]

Putra Mas had a sleep overnight:

From socials:

After his cross-country journey, Putra Mas rested overnight as he settles into his new surroundings at Monarto Safari Park. Rest is an important part of helping him feel secure and comfortable in his new space.

In the wild, elephants typically only sleep for a few hours each day, usually in shorter intervals, and will only lie down when they feel secure. Seeing Putra Mas resting like this is a positive sign that he is relaxing and gaining confidence in his environment.

As always, everything here moves on elephant time, guided by what is right for each individual elephant, with our keepers supporting them every step of the way.

That is good news it likely a keeper stayed with him last night, he's going to be surprised to see 4 girls waiting for him

 

[Zoofan15]

Zoos Victoria finished their elephant complex in 2003. So unlike Taronga who specifically built theirs for the Thai girls, Melbourne's was built for Bong Su and Mek Kapah initially with the goal of getting additional females eventually.

Yes, it’s understandable Zoos Victoria were keen to make use of Trail of the Elephants, which was very much considered state of the art when it opened in 2003. It was a massive improvement on the facilities of Perth, Taronga and even Auckland at the time. Bear in mind the Auckland exhibit only opened 11 years prior in 1992 and it’s a good example of how exponentially the progression in elephant husbandry has been.

On the subject of Auckland, had they acquired Gung (and Tukta), I expect that would have drastically influenced the Australian population. The establishment of a multigenerational herd at Auckland would have added incentive to expand their facilities; while Taronga would have had to have made do without Gung. There had already been consideration to using Heman for AI prior to his death; and who’s not to say Putra Mas wouldn’t have been transferred over once Heman died and breeding attempts were abandoned at Perth. Bong Su couldn’t have done all the work!

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

If Monarto was to be another breeding facility, it would essentially just leave our region in the same predicament we're currently in, for decades to come. Exporting all bull calves overseas is not a long term solution, and realistically none of the two main holders (Dubbo and Werribee) have the facilities to accommodate them long term, unless they both invest in additional facilities

It's a tough situation. On one hand, Monarto as a bachelor facility would open up space at Dubbo and Werribee. But on other hand, both facilities will have lower breeding capacity once they inevitably have to manage two groups at each facility (I have a suspicion that once Mek Kapah passes the Werribee group may divide, or begin to in spite of Kulab being an unrelated, daughter-less cow).
It is known that asian cows especially tend to become hostile/distant towards unrelated cows and their daughters as their matrilines grow. It will be interesting to see how each facility handles things.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's a tough situation. On one hand, Monarto as a bachelor facility would open up space at Dubbo and Werribee. But on other hand, both facilities will have lower breeding capacity once they inevitably have to manage two groups at each facility (I have a suspicion that once Mek Kapah passes the Werribee group may divide, or begin to in spite of Kulab being an unrelated, daughter-less cow).
It is known that asian cows especially tend to become hostile/distant towards unrelated cows and their daughters as their matrilines grow. It will be interesting to see how each facility handles things.

It’ll be interesting to see how the dynamics of the Werribee herd change, especially after the inevitable passing of Mek Kepah, who is tipped to be succeeded by Kulab long term.

It is indeed a common scenario for faction to appear between matrilines in Asian elephant herds. 10 years from now and Dokkoon will have a 25 year old daughter and a 13 year old daughter; while Num-Oi will have a 12 year old daughter. This is in addition to any females calves Dokkoon or Num-Oi’s line welcomes during the next cohort.

What may go in Werribee’s favour is that these aren’t established matrilines that were combined as adults. Dokkoon (then 13 years) was joined by Kulab (then aged 6) and Num-Oi (then aged 5). They’ve literally grown up together and together with Mek Kepah, are a close-knit herd.

 

[ZCChip]

Putra Mas had a sleep overnight:

From socials:

After his cross-country journey, Putra Mas rested overnight as he settles into his new surroundings at Monarto Safari Park. Rest is an important part of helping him feel secure and comfortable in his new space.

In the wild, elephants typically only sleep for a few hours each day, usually in shorter intervals, and will only lie down when they feel secure. Seeing Putra Mas resting like this is a positive sign that he is relaxing and gaining confidence in his environment.

As always, everything here moves on elephant time, guided by what is right for each individual elephant, with our keepers supporting them every step of the way.

There were a couple pictures too!! He is already relaxed there.

 

[ZCChip]

Are there small zoos in Australia? Certainly, they could hold a couple of bull elephants easing the burden of the breeding facilities. Similar to UK.

 

[ZCChip]

. I haven't got a response yet, which is fairly normal, I've found most zoos respond to the first queries but any more than that, they'll simply ignore them.

Isn't that why we are on ZooChat?! ha! I am sure the keepers and management are reading our posts in any case

 

[Jambo]

Are there small zoos in Australia? Certainly, they could hold a couple of bull elephants easing the burden of the breeding facilities. Similar to UK.

There are; but the amount of investment and funding that would be required to only build facilities for the elephants, but also care for them would be just too much. So it's very unlikely.

 

[Zoofan15]

Are there small zoos in Australia? Certainly, they could hold a couple of bull elephants easing the burden of the breeding facilities. Similar to UK.

Short answer yes, but they’re privately owned and don’t benefit government funding on the level of Zoos Victoria and Taronga.

Acquiring elephants would be a huge financial outlay and being brutally honest, beyond the reach of most/all of the privately run zoos that are currently without elephants.

 

[ZCChip]

Short answer yes, but they’re privately owned and don’t benefit government funding on the level of Zoos Victoria and Taronga.

Acquiring elephants would be a huge financial outlay and being brutally honest, beyond the reach of most/all of the privately run zoos that are currently without elephants.

Thanks. It was just a thought.