Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2025

[Zoofan15]

Unrelated adults have been introduced in the past in the US with success, so it's quite possible Monarto will be able to achieve a re-introduction between the two brothers. I do think that would be their best bet, as Bahati doesn't have much value breeding wise.

Monarto previously undertook a successful integration of African lion Inkosi (2007) to his half-brother and cousin Jelani (2013) and Mlinzi (2013), so it is indeed possible.

Otherwise, the alternative would be for Bahati to be castrated, which limits options (especially with regards to introducing a new male down the track). There’s no facilities in the region currently in need of a single male.

 

[Swanson02]

Thanks for the updates @Swanson02!

His son, Gombe, has always been a bit aloof, but is much younger, and the pair together obviously stand a formidable force against Sandali who isn't the sharpest tool in the shed either. Enzi will soon be ten, so he should be moving into a more higher ranking role in the coming years. Sule at Taronga achieved the role of alpha male in their community at the age of 13.

Thanks for asking about the zebras too - did you notice any foals?

Keepers always mention to me that Gombe is easily the smartest chimp in the troop and is super easy to train; they even set challenges for him while they wait for other members to catch up. He's always got a blanket and is brilliant with using tools. I assume it's because he's not very ambitious, but a bit of a nerd, maybe? Sandali is definitely a bit of a himbo; he's Zombi's favourite male, but comes across as a bit dull personally. I see how neither of them is a standout alpha.

Zebra-wise, Monarto has a group of 4 females (mothers and daughters) on display and a group of 3 males not on display but visible from the bus. Youngest I saw personally was a filly, maybe 2-3?

 

[Swanson02]

Boyd is an interesting case as most alpha male chimpanzees (tyrants excluded) reach their senior years and are happy to concede the alpha role to a young male, almost like they’re happy to relinquish the responsibility. This wasn’t the case for Boyd, who was dethroned by his younger brother Marty at Wellington, making him an ideal candidate for relocation to Monarto. It seems his ambition remains strong, despite his advanced age.

Gombe is a popular male and good with the infants; but ultimately I’m predicting a period of no defined alpha until Enzi has the support to take over.

To me, it seems Boyd is the only current option. Sandali feels the need to be alpha every now and then, but then goes aloof for a couple of weeks and relinquishes the title. Boyd seems like the most politically minded individual in the troop. The keeper mentioned that all the males do patrol together, including Enzi now.

Agreed, I predict the next three or so years will be relatively turbulent until Enzi takes over; he already is the most physically dominant. It's just none of the females, bar his mother, really respect him. He is still prone to periods where he goofs off and annoys other troop members.

 

[Jambo]

Keepers always mention to me that Gombe is easily the smartest chimp in the troop and is super easy to train; they even set challenges for him while they wait for other members to catch up. He's always got a blanket and is brilliant with using tools. I assume it's because he's not very ambitious, but a bit of a nerd, maybe? Sandali is definitely a bit of a himbo; he's Zombi's favourite male, but comes across as a bit dull personally. I see how neither of them is a standout alpha.

Zebra-wise, Monarto has a group of 4 females (mothers and daughters) on display and a group of 3 males not on display but visible from the bus. Youngest I saw personally was a filly, maybe 2-3?

I think what Gombe lacks is his willingness/ability to network, perhaps that can be related to a lack of ambition. He's still well respected by the females, but apparently just doesn't have the desire to pursue the alpha role. He grew up in the shadow of his father and older brothers, so it seems he's content with remaining in this position.

Sandali's certainly a goof and even going back to his Taronga days, he often got himself into situations that weren't the best (hence his transfer out). Boyd would be the obvious option for alpha at the present - it's quite funny that even at his advanced age he's still trying to make plays within the troops dynamics.

Monarto also apparently have their breeding herd of Zebras in Wild Africa now - foals included. It seems they at least last welcomed foals early last year based on previous news reports.

 

[Zoofan15]

Keepers always mention to me that Gombe is easily the smartest chimp in the troop and is super easy to train; they even set challenges for him while they wait for other members to catch up. He's always got a blanket and is brilliant with using tools. I assume it's because he's not very ambitious, but a bit of a nerd, maybe? Sandali is definitely a bit of a himbo; he's Zombi's favourite male, but comes across as a bit dull personally. I see how neither of them is a standout alpha.

Zebra-wise, Monarto has a group of 4 females (mothers and daughters) on display and a group of 3 males not on display but visible from the bus. Youngest I saw personally was a filly, maybe 2-3?

Gombe has an interesting background. He was his mother’s only surviving infant, so he had his mother’s undivided attention growing up, which may have contributed towards his cognitive abilities. Keza in Wellington’s troop had also reported to be similar with regards to problem solving.

Gombe was orphaned at nine years of age, hence his selection for export. He was noted by Wellington’s keepers to have a fascination for infants, no doubt due to them being a relative novelty, having no surviving younger siblings.

 

[Zoofan15]

To me, it seems Boyd is the only current option. Sandali feels the need to be alpha every now and then, but then goes aloof for a couple of weeks and relinquishes the title. Boyd seems like the most politically minded individual in the troop. The keeper mentioned that all the males do patrol together, including Enzi now.

Agreed, I predict the next three or so years will be relatively turbulent until Enzi takes over; he already is the most physically dominant. It's just none of the females, bar his mother, really respect him. He is still prone to periods where he goofs off and annoys other troop members.

That’s quite natural for a young male in Enzi’s situation. Lubutu at Taronga was unusually young when he assumed the alpha role of Taronga’s community. It’s often reported that he assumed the alpha role upon the death of Gombe in 2001; but in reality, I would say it’s more likely the community had no fixed alpha until he was capable of asserting dominance over all females. Shiba for example, didn’t respect him during the initial years.

 

[marmolady]

I’m not sure where these assumptions of any of Monarto’s chimpanzee males not being ambitious are coming from. Certainly none of my countless discussions with keepers have reflected this.

 

[Zoofan15]

Spotted hyena birth:

From socials:

Experienced mum Kanzi has welcomed a Spotted Hyena cub, bringing the clan total to 15 and adding even more personality to our growing group.

Tucked away in a cosy den, the cub has been busy climbing over mum, playing games and exploring, while Kanzi shows her usual calm and patient style of parenting.

“It’s lovely to see how settled and attentive Kanzi is,” says Carnivore Supervisor Rachel Hemming. “We’re giving them time to bond before any introductions to the rest of the clan.”

 

[Zoofan15]

Common Eland birth:

From socials:

We’re thrilled to share that one of the Common Eland has given birth – and we were lucky enough to capture some incredibly special moments, from the birth itself to the calf’s very first wobbly steps.

The calf is already up and exploring under the watchful eye of mum, who is doing a fantastic job. Eland calves are known for being up on their feet within minutes of being born – an important survival trait for animals in the wild.

Every birth here at Monarto Safari Park is a celebration – and it’s a privilege to witness nature at its most raw and beautiful.

 

[Zoofan15]

Spotted hyena cub update:

As is routine in Australian zoos, the cub has had DNA samples taken to confirm gender.

From socials:

Our hyena cub at Monarto Safari Park just hit a huge milestone - its very first health check at six weeks old!

Born to matriarch Kanzi, the cub was weighed, vaccinated and had a few genetic samples taken to confirm its sex.

Keeper Hannah says the cub is doing brilliantly and is now back in the den - safe, sound and waiting for mum.

 

[Tigergal]

Putra Mas move delayed

ABC has reported that Putra Mas won’t move to Monarto until the end of the year as they’re still managing the introductions of the female elephants and

 

[Zoofan15]

Putra Mas move delayed

ABC has reported that Putra Mas won’t move to Monarto until the end of the year as they’re still managing the introductions of the female elephants and

Not unexpected by any means. As with most construction projects, the Monarto complex has run behind schedule; though it’s good to see it progressing nonetheless.

The introduction of the cows has been a long process (again, not unexpected) and the zoo wisely offer no guarantees they’ll be achieved by the end of the year. It would be interesting to know what progress Burma has made with the Taronga cows, as that showed the most promise during the initial meets.

Let’s just hope Putra Mas’s move isn’t delayed to the point he enters his 2026 musth cycle!

 

[ZCChip]

Not unexpected by any means. As with most construction projects, the Monarto complex has run behind schedule; though it’s good to see it progressing nonetheless.

The introduction of the cows has been a long process (again, not unexpected) and the zoo wisely offer no guarantees they’ll be achieved by the end of the year. It would be interesting to know what progress Burma has made with the Taronga cows, as that showed the most promise during the initial meets.

Let’s just hope Putra Mas’s move isn’t delayed to the point he enters his 2026 musth cycle!

I do think Permai is the issue since as you said it seems Burma is doing well with the other two.

I just hope the breeding will happen sooner rather than later though. Time is ticking.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do think Permai is the issue since as you said it seems Burma is doing well with the other two.

I just hope the breeding will happen sooner rather than later though. Time is ticking.

Permai has proved a challenge from the beginning. To be fair, I think Monarto’s initial expectations of Burma and Permai becoming “best buddies” in a matter of weeks were unrealistic given one to one introductions at Auckland Zoo took months, even years before the two elephants were bonded.

It may eventually get to the stage where Monarto cut their losses and focus on introducing Burma to Pak Boon/Tang Mo (with Permai living alongside the herd).

The challenge of introducing unrelated cows is an excellent example of why the multigenerational herds Australian zoos are now working hard to establish are so important. On that note, I too hope Putra Mas and Pak Boon won’t waste any time breeding when he arrives on site in summer.

 

[Zorro]

I do think Permai is the issue since as you said it seems Burma is doing well with the other two.

I just hope the breeding will happen sooner rather than later though. Time is ticking.

Your right the clock is ticking, If the transfer takes too long the transport could run into the summer months which I believe is a big risk especially in this part of the world, second as its been pointed out if Patra Mas having another musth cycle and third these cows are not getting any younger

 

[Zoofan15]

Your right the clock is ticking, If the transfer takes too long the transport could run into the summer months which I believe is a big risk especially in this part of the world, second as its been pointed out if Patra Mas having another musth cycle and third these cows are not getting any younger

It is indeed unfortunate as while Putra Mas is a mature bull with a regular annual musth cycle, the possibility of the onset starting earlier can’t be discounted and all it takes is for him to refuse to set foot in the crate on the day and that could be it for several months if weather and other factors prevent a contingency date from being arranged within the timeframe of the failed attempt and his musth cycle beginning.

I acknowledge there’s not much that can be done if Monarto aren’t ready to receive him (it is what it is); but we’d all like to see Pak Boon have the opportunity to breed ASAP.

However, since the estrus cycle of the Asian elephant cow is typically 3-4 months, it may be negligible delaying the transfer of Putra Mas until the end of the year e.g. if Pak Boon cycles next month, if Putra Mas can’t be there; then he might as well not be there for September and October.

 

[Jambo]

It is indeed unfortunate as while Putra Mas is a mature bull with a regular annual musth cycle, the possibility of the onset starting earlier can’t be discounted and all it takes is for him to refuse to set foot in the crate on the day and that could be it for several months if weather and other factors prevent a contingency date from being arranged within the timeframe of the failed attempt and his musth cycle beginning.

I acknowledge there’s not much that can be done if Monarto aren’t ready to receive him (it is what it is); but we’d all like to see Pak Boon have the opportunity to breed ASAP.

However, since the estrus cycle of the Asian elephant cow is typically 3-4 months, it may be negligible delaying the transfer of Putra Mas until the end of the year e.g. if Pak Boon cycles next month, if Putra Mas can’t be there; then he might as well not be there for September and October.

We know from past data that Pak Boon actually cycles quite frequently (just under every 3 months by a few weeks), which is quite irregular. That's obviously quite positive if she's still cycling at that rate (or close to it), as it would put her in best stead to actually conceive once Putra Mas arrives on site.

At this point, it's looking like she won't get the opportunity until at least later this year, which will be eight and a half years following her last conception. Taking her age into account, it would be very very preferable to have Putra Mas transfer in before the upcoming summer and his next musth cycle.

 

[ZCChip]

We know from past data that Pak Boon actually cycles quite frequently (just under every 3 months by a few weeks), which is quite irregular. That's obviously quite positive if she's still cycling at that rate (or close to it), as it would put her in best stead to actually conceive once Putra Mas arrives on site.

At this point, it's looking like she won't get the opportunity until at least later this year, which will be eight and a half years following her last conception. Taking her age into account, it would be very very preferable to have Putra Mas transfer in before the upcoming summer and his next musth cycle.

Are the zoo and Putra Mas listening to you?

 

[Zoofan15]

We know from past data that Pak Boon actually cycles quite frequently (just under every 3 months by a few weeks), which is quite irregular. That's obviously quite positive if she's still cycling at that rate (or close to it), as it would put her in best stead to actually conceive once Putra Mas arrives on site.

At this point, it's looking like she won't get the opportunity until at least later this year, which will be eight and a half years following her last conception. Taking her age into account, it would be very very preferable to have Putra Mas transfer in before the upcoming summer and his next musth cycle.

Hopefully Monarto are already considering a contingency (AI) that they can promptly implement if Putra Mas and Pak Boon fail to breed naturally within a couple of cycles. It stands to reason that a bull the age of Putra Mas that fails to breed a cow when given the opportunity to do so probably isn’t going to improve in the months and years to come (and we don’t have months and years in any case).

If Pak Boon conceives at the end of this year, she’d deliver her calf in the second half of 2027. This will be the longest birth interval between two calves, beating Dokkoon’s record of nine years between Man Jai and Aiyara.

 

[ZCChip]

Hopefully Monarto are already considering a contingency (AI) that they can promptly implement if Putra Mas and Pak Boon fail to breed naturally within a couple of cycles. It stands to reason that a bull the age of Putra Mas that fails to breed a cow when given the opportunity to do so probably isn’t going to improve in the months and years to come (and we don’t have months and years in any case).

If Pak Boon conceives at the end of this year, she’d deliver her calf in the second half of 2027. This will be the longest birth interval between two calves, beating Dokkoon’s record of nine years between Man Jai and Aiyara.

Do you know if they have a back up bull just in the case? For AI