Australian Asian Elephant Population 2025

[Zoofan15]

And to add- One of the Ele keepers informed me after Tricia passed they tried mating again... With no restraints on Putra Mas and infact the issue that time was not him but instead her, apparently pushing him off and showing disinterest overall...

Permai was 33 years old when Tricia died, so I’d be surprised if she was even capable of conceiving at that point. Each ovulation cycle an elephant has leaves scarring on the reproductive tract and it’s recommended that cows are bred for the first time at least by their early 20’s (ideally earlier).

Both Burma and Permai have been stated to be past breeding age by Zoos SA in press releases too, so the best we can hope for is for them to attempt breeding with Pak Boon.

However, it does at least sound like Putra Mas knows how to breed naturally, combined with previous accounts.

 

[Jambo]

Statement from Zoos SA themselves re. breeding with Putra Mas;

The formation of Monarto Safari Park’s elephant herd is part of a broader regional strategy for Asian Elephants in zoological care. While some elephants are of breeding age, Zoos SA’s current focus is not on breeding but on building trust, companionship and a net-positive welfare environment for the herd.

Also an update on him being on display, and the opening of the Visitor Precinct;

Visitors may catch a glimpse of Putra Mas in coming weeks from the free Zu-loop bus, as he explores the outdoor yards on his own terms. The complete visitor precinct is expected to open to the public in 2026.

"What a spectacular bull he is" - Putra Mas makes himself at home at Monarto Safari Park - Monarto Safari Park

 

[Zoofan15]

Statement from Zoos SA themselves re. breeding with Putra Mas;

The formation of Monarto Safari Park’s elephant herd is part of a broader regional strategy for Asian Elephants in zoological care. While some elephants are of breeding age, Zoos SA’s current focus is not on breeding but on building trust, companionship and a net-positive welfare environment for the herd.

Also an update on him being on display, and the opening of the Visitor Precinct;

Visitors may catch a glimpse of Putra Mas in coming weeks from the free Zu-loop bus, as he explores the outdoor yards on his own terms. The complete visitor precinct is expected to open to the public in 2026.

"What a spectacular bull he is" - Putra Mas makes himself at home at Monarto Safari Park - Monarto Safari Park

Thanks for sharing.

With regards to:

While some elephants are of breeding age, Zoos SA’s current focus is not on breeding but on building trust, companionship and a net-positive welfare environment for the herd.

This is all well and good, but time is of the essence when it comes to getting Pak Boon pregnant. Anjalee conceived around 23 months after her arrival at Dubbo, with over a year spent assimilating into the herd before they attempted breeding. The difference is Anjalee arrived as a 16 year old, so they had more time to work with. I would be very cautious around delaying Pak Boon for the same period of time.

 

[ZCChip]

It sounds like breeding is not their highest priority, so the elephant population can stand to lose the valuable genetics of Putra Mas and Pak Boon.

 

[Jambo]

It sounds like breeding is not their highest priority, so the elephant population can stand to lose the valuable genetics of Putra Mas and Pak Boon.

I wouldn't go as far to say that for Putra Mas, there's still a small chance he could still be used for AI going forward, or perhaps even be transferred across to Werribee down the line. In any case, he still has his daughter at Dubbo, who will be breeding early next decade (assuming everything goes to plan there).

It's a shame re. Pak Boon. If she hasn't been retired from the breeding program (which it's looking more and more like she has), by the time they get around to attempting to breed from her, it'll likely be much too late. Breeding from a cow who's in her mid 30's and hasn't birthed in a decade isn't a recipe for success.

 

[Zoofan15]

It sounds like breeding is not their highest priority, so the elephant population can stand to lose the valuable genetics of Putra Mas and Pak Boon.

I wouldn't go as far to say that for Putra Mas, there's still a small chance he could still be used for AI going forward, or perhaps even be transferred across to Werribee down the line. In any case, he still has his daughter at Dubbo, who will be breeding early next decade (assuming everything goes to plan there).

It's a shame re. Pak Boon. If she hasn't been retired from the breeding program (which it's looking more and more like she has), by the time they get around to attempting to breed from her, it'll likely be much too late. Breeding from a cow who's in her mid 30's and hasn't birthed in a decade isn't a recipe for success.

If they’re trying to engineer Burma into the matriarch role (or rather support her in that position), they may be conscious of the influence pregnancy hormones could have on Pak Boon’s behaviour (if she was to conceive). I do however feel that this is a scenario where the risks outweigh the rewards considering Pak Boon’s genetic value.

Putra Mas could absolutely be used for AI at other zoos. The expensive part is engaging the services of the Berlin team to undertake AI of the cow. The semen collection can be done at a fraction of the cost by the zoo’s own staff and the receiving zoo may even front this cost anyway. Helping out other zoos is all well and good, but the zoo of the donor bull shouldn’t have to pay to do so.

 

[Zorro]

That statement sounds like a feel good "puff peace" released for pubic consumption and to highlight that the reason they are there is to give them all a better life in an open range environment as it goal, which is a good message but only just one part of the story that they are likely willing to share at this point

 

[Zoofan15]

That statement sounds like a feel good "puff peace" released for pubic consumption and to highlight that the reason they are there is to give them all a better life in an open range environment as it goal, which is a good message but only just one part of the story they are willing to share at this point

I agree. They’ve clearly been inundated with queries (on socials and via email etc) and wanted to address the questions around the breeding via this statement.

The statement is vague, but the use of the word ‘current’ implies potential for the situation to change. Had they had no intention to breed, I’m inclined to believe they would have worded it ‘the focus is not on breeding’ rather than ‘the current focus is not on breeding’.

However it could also be they have no intention to breed and they think it’s a softer way of communicating this information. Not unlike when Auckland Zoo’s last hippopotamus died and rather than say, ‘New Zealand has no IR, you’ll never see a hippo here again’; they said it was something they were looking at in the future.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

Hoping this is a statement to cover their backs if Pak Boon doesn't conceive, if not we can add this to the list of poor management decisions made by Australian facilities

They've got the most valuable bull in the region and a founder cow, and it would seem they're willing to waste that value in order to try for an integrated group. Given Permai's struggles and Tang Mo and Pak Boon's close-knit bond, it is beyond foolish to waste time pushing for social bonds that may very well not work out. Monarto was really aiming for a feel-good ending with, and I quote, "The plains of Monarto Safari Park… then walking towards you, five mighty elephants", which I have always felt was ambitious given that they are bringing three groups of animals of various backgrounds together. Pregnancy hormones be damned, it is worth delaying introductions so that the herd actually has a future. If Pak Boon is healthy, they have zero reason not to breed her.

When you have a breeding program relying on 7 living founders, you cannot afford to toss some animals away and underutilize others because you have an image of an ideal social situation. Not to sound overly critical, but this kind of mindset is what will run the program into the ground.

 

[Swanson02]

That statement sounds like a feel good "puff peace" released for pubic consumption and to highlight that the reason they are there is to give them all a better life in an open range environment as it goal, which is a good message but only just one part of the story that they are likely willing to share at this point

Agreed! They talk about everything being for the elephants best quality of life but the best welfare situation for cows is to be in a multi generational herd.

For example with all prior social bonds aside Would Mek Kapah be better off welfare wise in Monarto or Werribee’s herd? Ofc it would be Werribee, why? Because she has the opportunity to interact with calves and cows of multiple generations. I have no doubt that Burma, Permai and Tang Mo would be ecstatic to interact with a calf so isn't it in Monartos best interest welfare wise to attempt to produce one?

 

[Zorro]

Agreed! They talk about everything being for the elephants best quality of life but the best welfare situation for cows is to be in a multi generational herd.

For example with all prior social bonds aside Would Mek Kapah be better off welfare wise in Monarto or Werribee’s herd? Ofc it would be Werribee, why? Because she has the opportunity to interact with calves and cows of multiple generations. I have no doubt that Burma, Permai and Tang Mo would be ecstatic to interact with a calf so isn't it in Monartos best interest welfare wise to attempt to produce one?

That's correct a calf would certainly lift their lives to another lever and another dynamic to think about. I bet you will be visiting when they go on show?

 

[Zoofan15]

Agreed! They talk about everything being for the elephants best quality of life but the best welfare situation for cows is to be in a multi generational herd.

For example with all prior social bonds aside Would Mek Kapah be better off welfare wise in Monarto or Werribee’s herd? Ofc it would be Werribee, why? Because she has the opportunity to interact with calves and cows of multiple generations. I have no doubt that Burma, Permai and Tang Mo would be ecstatic to interact with a calf so isn't it in Monartos best interest welfare wise to attempt to produce one?

That's correct a calf would certainly lift their lives to another lever and another dynamic to think about. I bet you will be visiting when they go on show?

A multigenerational herd is undoubtedly in the best interests of all four cows. Aside from the mental stimulation/benefits to their welfare, it prevents having to undergo what they’re going through now in being integrated with unfamiliar cows.

As we know, introductions of unrelated cows is a challenging process and city zoos like Auckland that held a pair throughout the 20th century had each cow in turn facing a life alone when her companion died (sometimes for a number of years), followed by an introduction to an unfamiliar elephant.

If Monarto fail to generate succession in their herd, then numbers will inevitably dwindle to the point where the remaining elephant either lives the rest of its life alone; or has to adapt to the introduction of companions in its senior years.

 

[Zorro]

Hoping this is a statement to cover their backs if Pak Boon doesn't conceive, if not we can add this to the list of poor management decisions made by Australian facilities

They've got the most valuable bull in the region and a founder cow, and it would seem they're willing to waste that value in order to try for an integrated group. Given Permai's struggles and Tang Mo and Pak Boon's close-knit bond, it is beyond foolish to waste time pushing for social bonds that may very well not work out. Monarto was really aiming for a feel-good ending with, and I quote, "The plains of Monarto Safari Park… then walking towards you, five mighty elephants", which I have always felt was ambitious given that they are bringing three groups of animals of various backgrounds together. Pregnancy hormones be damned, it is worth delaying introductions so that the herd actually has a future. If Pak Boon is healthy, they have zero reason not to breed her.

When you have a breeding program relying on 7 living founders, you cannot afford to toss some animals away and underutilize others because you have an image of an ideal social situation. Not to sound overly critical, but this kind of mindset is what will run the program into the ground.

Unfortunately with the limited number of major zoos in Australia (unlike the USA) we have far fewer people in zoo positions (management calling the shots) covering what happens with said species within the zoos and a few would have limited "animal knowledge" of a species.

 

[Zoofan15]

The Future of the Breeding Facilities

I thought it’d be interesting to assess the future of the two current breeding facilities with regards to capacity and surplus.

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Luk Chai (04/07/2009) Gung x Thong Dee
1.0 Roi-Yim (25/11/2022) Luk Chai x Mali

0.1 Mek Kapah (00/00/1973) Imported 1978
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

Werribee plan to breed a second cohort of three calves, which in all likelihood will be born circa 2028.

Since the plan from there is to bring in a new bull, it’s fair to say Luk Chai, Roi-Yim and any bull calves born in the next cohort (up to three bulls) will be surplus to Werribee’s breeding programme. It would be of immense benefit to Werribee if they could transfer these bulls out when the new breeding bull arrives.

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 Sabai (02/11/2016) Gung x Thong Dee

0.1 Porntip (00/00/1992); Imported 2006
0.1 Thong Dee (00/00/1997); Imported 2006
0.1 Anjalee (23/08/2006) Imported 2015
0.1 Kanlaya (14/06/2018) Putra Mas x Porntip

There’s reasonable cause to believe Porntip and Thong Dee have/will be retired from breeding. The plan is for Kanlaya to produce her first calf at 14 years (2032), which would be seven years after the birth of Anjalee’s first calf. I’d like to hope within that seven years, Dubbo will finally get the expanded herd barn built, enabling Anjalee to produce a second calf circa 2032.

Despite Anjalee’s genetic value, if her calf is male, it will have limited application to the breeding programme. At a minimum, Dubbo would benefit from transferring out Sabai and Anjalee’s calf (if male). Gung and Pathi Harn could easily be retained/managed, with more than enough space to retain what could potentially be two bulls born circa 2032.

Surplus bulls:

Under the above scenario, the following bulls would be surplus:

1.0 Luk Chai (04/07/2009) Gung x Thong Dee
1.0 Roi-Yim (25/11/2022) Luk Chai x Mali
*Up to three bulls calves from the next cohort

1.0 Sabai (02/11/2016) Gung x Thong Dee
*Anjalee’s 2025 calf (if male)

Where these bulls could be placed depends on numerous factors, starting with whether Monarto Safari Park breed from Putra Mas/Pak Boon. Their inability to do so would set the wheels in motion for Monarto to acquire additional bulls as they look to transition into a bachelor facility.

Exporting any of these surplus bulls overseas would be the best outcome for the region. Only Roi-Yim is related to our sole export to date (Ongard), but even he would be of great value to North America.

The most likely outcome at this stage is that one of Sydney Zoo’s bulls becomes Werribee’s next breeding bull. Especially if both transfer out, that would free up Sydney Zoo to receive 2-3 bachelor bulls, with Luk Chai and his son/s being prime candidates for a cohesive grouping.

 

[Zorro]

The Future of the Breeding Facilities

I thought it’d be interesting to assess the future of the two current breeding facilities with regards to capacity and surplus.

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Luk Chai (04/07/2009) Gung x Thong Dee
1.0 Roi-Yim (25/11/2022) Luk Chai x Mali

0.1 Mek Kapah (00/00/1973) Imported 1978
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

Werribee plan to breed a second cohort of three calves, which in all likelihood will be born circa 2028.

Since the plan from there is to bring in a new bull, it’s fair to say Luk Chai, Roi-Yim and any bull calves born in the next cohort (up to three bulls) will be surplus to Werribee’s breeding programme. It would be of immense benefit to Werribee if they could transfer these bulls out when the new breeding bull arrives.

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 Sabai (02/11/2016) Gung x Thong Dee

0.1 Porntip (00/00/1992); Imported 2006
0.1 Thong Dee (00/00/1997); Imported 2006
0.1 Anjalee (23/08/2006) Imported 2015
0.1 Kanlaya (14/06/2018) Putra Mas x Porntip

There’s reasonable cause to believe Porntip and Thong Dee have/will be retired from breeding. The plan is for Kanlaya to produce her first calf at 14 years (2032), which would be seven years after the birth of Anjalee’s first calf. I’d like to hope within that seven years, Dubbo will finally get the expanded herd barn built, enabling Anjalee to produce a second calf circa 2032.

Despite Anjalee’s genetic value, if her calf is male, it will have limited application to the breeding programme. At a minimum, Dubbo would benefit from transferring out Sabai and Anjalee’s calf (if male). Gung and Pathi Harn could easily be retained/managed, with more than enough space to retain what could potentially be two bulls born circa 2032.

Surplus bulls:

Under the above scenario, the following bulls would be surplus:

1.0 Luk Chai (04/07/2009) Gung x Thong Dee
1.0 Roi-Yim (25/11/2022) Luk Chai x Mali
*Up to three bulls calves from the next cohort

1.0 Sabai (02/11/2016) Gung x Thong Dee
*Anjalee’s 2025 calf (if male)

Where these bulls could be placed depends on numerous factors, starting with whether Monarto Safari Park breed from Putra Mas/Pak Boon. Their inability to do so would set the wheels in motion for Monarto to acquire additional bulls as they look to transition into a bachelor facility.

Exporting any of these surplus bulls overseas would be the best outcome for the region. Only Roi-Yim is related to our sole export to date (Ongard), but even he would be of great value to North America.

The most likely outcome at this stage is that one of Sydney Zoo’s bulls becomes Werribee’s next breeding bull. Especially if both transfer out, that would free up Sydney Zoo to receive 2-3 bachelor bulls, with Luk Chai and his son/s being prime candidates for a cohesive grouping.

I had thought that if the 3 zoos of Werribee, Dubbo and Monarto could work on a smaller expansion to be built at Monarto zoo to at one third of the cost to each might be a possible answer to any surplus bulls, Monarto has the space even if they can build a few yards of one acre each and leave the current exhibit/complex to trying to form a possible breeding herd, all 3 zoos would benefit of having this bachelor holdings!

 

[Zoofan15]

I had thought that if the 3 zoos of Werribee, Dubbo and Monarto could work on a smaller expansion to be built at Monarto zoo to at one third of the cost to each might be a possible answer to any surplus bulls, Monarto has the space even if they can build a few yards of one acre each and leave the current exhibit/complex to trying to form a possible breeding herd, all 3 zoos would benefit of having this bachelor holdings!

That’s a great idea and would surely be a win-win for all three zoos, enabling Werribee and Dubbo to shift their surplus and allowing them to continue breeding.

As an added benefit, Monarto could work towards a goal of establishing a multigenerational herd (in addition to their bachelor facility) either via breeding from Pak Boon; or acquiring a matriline from one of the other holders in a couple of decades. At the moment, Dokkoon and Porntip’s lines are the strongest at their respective facility, so I imagine it’d be Num-Oi or Anjalee’s transferred out; but it would obviously depend on how they track over the next 15-20 years and how their relationships are looking within their respective herds.

 

[Jambo]

Hoping this is a statement to cover their backs if Pak Boon doesn't conceive, if not we can add this to the list of poor management decisions made by Australian facilities

They've got the most valuable bull in the region and a founder cow, and it would seem they're willing to waste that value in order to try for an integrated group. Given Permai's struggles and Tang Mo and Pak Boon's close-knit bond, it is beyond foolish to waste time pushing for social bonds that may very well not work out. Monarto was really aiming for a feel-good ending with, and I quote, "The plains of Monarto Safari Park… then walking towards you, five mighty elephants", which I have always felt was ambitious given that they are bringing three groups of animals of various backgrounds together. Pregnancy hormones be damned, it is worth delaying introductions so that the herd actually has a future. If Pak Boon is healthy, they have zero reason not to breed her.

When you have a breeding program relying on 7 living founders, you cannot afford to toss some animals away and underutilize others because you have an image of an ideal social situation. Not to sound overly critical, but this kind of mindset is what will run the program into the ground.

Agreed! They talk about everything being for the elephants best quality of life but the best welfare situation for cows is to be in a multi generational herd.

For example with all prior social bonds aside Would Mek Kapah be better off welfare wise in Monarto or Werribee’s herd? Ofc it would be Werribee, why? Because she has the opportunity to interact with calves and cows of multiple generations. I have no doubt that Burma, Permai and Tang Mo would be ecstatic to interact with a calf so isn't it in Monartos best interest welfare wise to attempt to produce one?

That's correct a calf would certainly lift their lives to another lever and another dynamic to think about. I bet you will be visiting when they go on show?

I don't think Taronga and Monarto would elect to not breed from Pak Boon if they didn't have good reason too. It's possible there's an underlying medical issue that we don't know about (and don't have to know about to be fair), that's resulted in them making the decision to remove her from the breeding program.

Pak Boon did have TB after Tukta's birth, which can be a persistent long term infection, although she did later deliver Jai Dee in 2017. I also doubt they would have sent her to Monarto if they didn't believe she was back to full health in that sense, so if there is a medical reason preventing her from breeding, it's likely something else.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

I don't think Taronga and Monarto would elect to not breed from Pak Boon if they didn't have good reason too. It's possible there's an underlying medical issue that we don't know about (and don't have to know about to be fair), that's resulted in them making the decision to remove her from the breeding program.

It is entirely possible she has a medical issue, but I am only saying that it is also very possible/likely that she isn't being bred from due to management decisions. Despite her value, it could be argued that continuing to breed in Taronga Zoo's small exhibit when the much larger Dubbo was also breeding might have been a bad look/impractical for space reasons (the same reason why Melbourne isn't likely to convert to bachelors despite having the perfect set up for it).

Similarly, Monarto has been milking a feel-good, ideal ending for this transfer since it's inception. They evidently have a priority in an integrated group no matter how unrealistic that is (as is becoming more evident), and aren't doing themselves any favors by mentioning that some of their elephants are of breeding age in their statement about breeding.

I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, I really do, but when similarly poor decisions have seemingly been made to retire cows prematurely (Thong Dee and Porntip) it is impossible not to be a little critical. If Pak Boon is truly no longer reproductive, why not make a statement about it judt to shut off the rumors? Of course facilities each have their own layers of discretion, but Melbourne was very transparent about Kulab's medical retirement and haven't gotten significant backlash. Imo there is no good reason for them to hide Pak Boon's lack of reproductive ability if that is the issue.

 

[Jambo]

It is entirely possible she has a medical issue, but I am only saying that it is also very possible/likely that she isn't being bred from due to management decisions. Despite her value, it could be argued that continuing to breed in Taronga Zoo's small exhibit when the much larger Dubbo was also breeding might have been a bad look/impractical for space reasons (the same reason why Melbourne isn't likely to convert to bachelors despite having the perfect set up for it).

Similarly, Monarto has been milking a feel-good, ideal ending for this transfer since it's inception. They evidently have a priority in an integrated group no matter how unrealistic that is (as is becoming more evident), and aren't doing themselves any favors by mentioning that some of their elephants are of breeding age in their statement about breeding.

I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, I really do, but when similarly poor decisions have seemingly been made to retire cows prematurely (Thong Dee and Porntip) it is impossible not to be a little critical. If Pak Boon is truly no longer reproductive, why not make a statement about it judt to shut off the rumors? Of course facilities each have their own layers of discretion, but Melbourne was very transparent about Kulab's medical retirement and haven't gotten significant backlash. Imo there is no good reason for them to hide Pak Boon's lack of reproductive ability if that is the issue.

To be honest, I do agree with you, I just would be quite surprised if Monarto was prioritising social dynamics over the breeding of a very valuable elephant. A baby elephant would do wonders for Monarto; I don't know why they wouldn't try for one if they had the opportunity.

The decisions to retire the Dubbo cows prematurely is purely on the hands of Dubbo, who aren't seemingly willing to invest in a new barn which they need to expand their matriarchal herd. Had they had one, I have little doubt we would have at least got another calf from both cows.

I don't think Monarto see the need to go into such depth publicly, especially as it's really only us enthusiasts who are questioning this. I saw one commenter who was asking about Tang Mo too (and obviously didn't know about her history). I doubt Monarto would go into the full details with all of their cows as to why they won't be breeding. And as far as I've seen, no ones asked about Pak Boon specifically.

Re. Kulab, we actually didn't know for a long time! It wasn't until a member on here revealed that a keeper had mentioned she'd been retired from the breeding program. This was eight years after she had Ongard, and many years into us questioning why Melbourne hadn't bred Kulab again!

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

I don't think Monarto see the need to go into such depth publicly, especially as it's really only us enthusiasts who are questioning this. I saw one commenter who was asking about Tang Mo too (and obviously didn't know about her history). I doubt Monarto would go into the full details with all of their cows as to why they won't be breeding. And as far as I've seen, no ones asked about Pak Boon specifically.

Re. Kulab, we actually didn't know for a long time! It wasn't until a member on here revealed that a keeper had mentioned she'd been retired from the breeding program. This was eight years after she had Ongard, and many years into us questioning why Melbourne hadn't bred Kulab again!

Interesting! I suppose we will have to see what Monarto tells guests about their breeding situation, in time of course, if asked. It would be pretty quick for a volunteer or even a keeper to say "all our girls are post-reproductive/"too old"" if they keep getting prodded about something that was never meant to be in the first place!