Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2025
- Thread starter Luke899
- Start date
It sounds like progress has been made if the elephant introductions have now progressed to full contact sessions (albeit under strict supervision).
It goes without saying the elephants won’t be left together unsupervised including overnight until there’s some certainty around them getting along.
The Taronga transfers are on track for late April, so hopefully Burma and Permai’s relationship will have progressed significantly by the time they arrive.
Jaiden
Well-Known Member
Once Pak boon and Tang mo from Taronga Zoo arrive the friendship will improve a lot but when Permai see Putra Mas again she will probably fell more at home since her and Putra Mas are like brother and sister to each other.
I would expect the arrival of the bull elephant on site to cause great excitement amongst all four cows.
Depending on how the elephants all get on, I’m hopeful Monarto will undertake contact sessions between Putra Mas and the cows for the purpose of social interaction. It’s been hugely beneficial at Taronga, Dubbo and Melbourne with their bulls over the years; and Putra Mas is familiar with Permai already. His presence may even calm her anxiety, though the support of a matriarchal herd structure is what she needs long term.
Jaiden
Well-Known Member
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.I would expect the arrival of the bull elephant on site to cause great excitement amongst all four cows.
Depending on how the elephants all get on, I’m hopeful Monarto will undertake contact sessions between Putra Mas and the cows for the purpose of social interaction. It’s been hugely beneficial at Taronga, Dubbo and Melbourne with their bulls over the years; and Putra Mas is familiar with Permai already. His presence may even calm her anxiety, though the support of a matriarchal herd structure is what she needs long term.
It seems to me that Burma is initiating a lot of the interaction, which is what you would want from her being the older elephant who's had the experience living with multiple cows during her time at Auckland and has gone through this introduction process before.
This process would be fairly new for Permai who essentially arrived from Malaysia as just a calf, with two others and spent her entire life with the same individuals. From all accounts, she's a very nervous elephant in general (I've heard it's much the same with Putra Mas), so it's no surprise she's taking her time with Burma.
Overall, it's good to hear the introductions still progressing. I'm hopeful that give them some more time, things will continue to the point where both elephants are able to remain together out on habitat without the presence of the keepers (which is the ultimate goal).
ramsayi
Well-Known Member
On perths 7news they said it was depression,interesting to see they reported it differently depending on state
From a PR perspective ‘anxiety’ is a preferable term to ‘depression’. Depression to be fair was probably more reflective of her state in Perth - following the death of Tricia; while she’s no doubt facing anxiety now by being in a new environment and meeting an unfamiliar elephant for the first time in her adult life.
On the whole this is a positive move for her and short of bringing in juvenile elephants to Perth (which she may have thrived in nurturing), there was no other solution that would have had a better impact on her current state.
With Taronga confirming today that the transfer of Pak Boon and Tang Mo is on track for the end of next month, it’ll be interesting to see if that improves Permai’s mental state.
While it’s tempting to say that having three times as many elephants will compound her current anxiety; conversely it will draw attention away from her as there will be a total of four elephants in the room (including her) as opposed to 100% of the focus being on her as it is now. She can fade into the background and interact as much or little as she pleases, which may enable her to feel more secure (and therefore interact more).
Permai update:
From Perth’s socials:
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!
From Perth’s socials:
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!
I think it could go either way ... with the new additions. Personally, none too happy with the fact they will only have one breeding female with any good track record.
They really should have brought over Thong Dee (1997) from Dubbo. She’s had two calves in 2009 and 2016 and is clearly never going to breed at Dubbo again given their space constraints.
Thong Dee has no ties to Dubbo’s main herd (her offspring were sons) and she would likely have no issue reintegrating with her old herd mates from Taronga (Pak Boon and Tang Mo) or the other cows for that matter.
Update on elephant introductions:
From Monarto’s socials:
Our overnight cameras show the girls check in with one another after either one has spent some time away exploring their habitat, or after a sleep. These are all promising signs, but like with people, companionship and trust takes time to build, and consistency is key.
As mature elephants, what we hope to see for Permai and Burma is that they peacefully coexist, and eventually find security in one another in times of uncertainty. We’re confident that this will continue to evolve, but of course it will only happen on elephant time!
From Monarto’s socials:
Our overnight cameras show the girls check in with one another after either one has spent some time away exploring their habitat, or after a sleep. These are all promising signs, but like with people, companionship and trust takes time to build, and consistency is key.
As mature elephants, what we hope to see for Permai and Burma is that they peacefully coexist, and eventually find security in one another in times of uncertainty. We’re confident that this will continue to evolve, but of course it will only happen on elephant time!
Elephant update:
From socials:
Burma and Permai have recently had a special visitor all the way from Auckland, with specialist equine physiotherapist Lindsay from Core Physio: The Home of Equestrian Performance helping the girls keep their bodies in great condition.
Lindsey worked with Burma for the past two years at AucklandZoo and recently made the trip across the ditch, pleased to find Burma settling in beautifully and in really good shape!
Like everything we do to support these girls, the physio sessions are led by elephant choice, with Burma showing keepers and Lindsey what areas of her body she wants to be worked on. The two have built such a trusting relationship that keepers often see Burma relax into these sessions to the point of being half asleep! Permai has also started on some physio sessions and while perhaps not yet as relaxed as Burma, as she becomes more accustomed to the new exercises she'll also start to enjoy them and experience the benefits.
Burma and Permai's physio sessions include therapeutic massage, joint and soft tissue mobilisation, dynamic stretches, core strengthening, and contrast therapy. The team also uses blue balance pads, which help improve stability, strengthen muscles, improve motor and sensory skills, and build body awareness—helping them put their best foot (or four) forward!
From socials:
Burma and Permai have recently had a special visitor all the way from Auckland, with specialist equine physiotherapist Lindsay from Core Physio: The Home of Equestrian Performance helping the girls keep their bodies in great condition.
Lindsey worked with Burma for the past two years at AucklandZoo and recently made the trip across the ditch, pleased to find Burma settling in beautifully and in really good shape!
Like everything we do to support these girls, the physio sessions are led by elephant choice, with Burma showing keepers and Lindsey what areas of her body she wants to be worked on. The two have built such a trusting relationship that keepers often see Burma relax into these sessions to the point of being half asleep! Permai has also started on some physio sessions and while perhaps not yet as relaxed as Burma, as she becomes more accustomed to the new exercises she'll also start to enjoy them and experience the benefits.
Burma and Permai's physio sessions include therapeutic massage, joint and soft tissue mobilisation, dynamic stretches, core strengthening, and contrast therapy. The team also uses blue balance pads, which help improve stability, strengthen muscles, improve motor and sensory skills, and build body awareness—helping them put their best foot (or four) forward!
Elephant update:
From socials:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIS5DuJM5or/?igsh=MXkwODM1M3V5Z3dv
Turn your sound up for this sweet little moment, as Permai chirps and chats with Burma in the elephant barn. These two are still getting to know each other, and every interaction counts.
In this clip, Permai is vocalising with a series of higher-pitched chips - elephants often use these sounds during social exchanges to show curiosity, excitement or reassurance. It’s a small moment between the two, and a reminder of how expressive and complex elephant communication can be.
Permai and Burma are continuing to build trust in their own time, with the support of dedicated keepers who have travelled to Monarto Safari Park with them. Moments like this are encouraging, but they’re just one part of establishing a long-term bond between the two.
It's a privilege to witness Permai finding her voice as we work towards consistent interactions between her and Burma. These are the kind of milestones we’re excited to see – because progress isn't always loud, but sometimes, it chirps.
From socials:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIS5DuJM5or/?igsh=MXkwODM1M3V5Z3dv
Turn your sound up for this sweet little moment, as Permai chirps and chats with Burma in the elephant barn. These two are still getting to know each other, and every interaction counts.
In this clip, Permai is vocalising with a series of higher-pitched chips - elephants often use these sounds during social exchanges to show curiosity, excitement or reassurance. It’s a small moment between the two, and a reminder of how expressive and complex elephant communication can be.
Permai and Burma are continuing to build trust in their own time, with the support of dedicated keepers who have travelled to Monarto Safari Park with them. Moments like this are encouraging, but they’re just one part of establishing a long-term bond between the two.
It's a privilege to witness Permai finding her voice as we work towards consistent interactions between her and Burma. These are the kind of milestones we’re excited to see – because progress isn't always loud, but sometimes, it chirps.
Considering it won't be to long before the two Sydney cows arrive it will be interesting to get an update on the two cows currently at Monarto?
From today’s post on Taronga’s socials, it appears Pak Boon and Tang Mo will be transferred over between April 28-April 30, so it’s less than a week to go now!
An update from Monarto would be nice. Last we heard, the elephants were having supervised contact sessions, so presumably the time they’re spending together is being gradually increased. There doesn’t seem much chance they’ve built up a bond ahead of the arrival of the Taronga cows, though I note the plan was originally for them to arrive shortly after Permai anyway (with Permai’s transfer then brought forward).
