Putra Mas is trained for AI (and will be on site), so my assumption is they’d use him.
They could otherwise use Gung (at Dubbo), who is also trained for AI.
Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2025
- Thread starter Luke899
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Putra Mas is trained for AI (and will be on site), so my assumption is they’d use him.
They could otherwise use Gung (at Dubbo), who is also trained for AI.
It's interesting you point out Dokkoon's previous record - eight years and eleven months. If Pak Boon concieves promptly following Putra Mas's arrival later this year, she'd likely birth in the final few months of 2027, giving her a period of est. nine and half years following her last birth. Slightly longer than Dokkoon's but it's achievable if Pak Boon's in good health.
Considering Putra Mas is trained with AI, and has previously sired calves via that in the past, I'm confident he'd the perfect bull to utilise in the event he and Pak Boon can't conceive naturally.
The Spotted hyena cub has died:
Sad news from Monarto’s socials:
We’re sad to share that the six-week-old Spotted Hyena cub, born to matriarch Kanzi, passed away earlier this week.
Preliminary findings suggest the cub sustained injuries consistent with Kanzi accidentally lying on it in the den. At Monarto Safari Park, we give our animals the most natural living conditions possible. For hyenas, that means young cubs remain in the den with their mother, just as they would in the wild. This approach supports natural behaviours and strong maternal bonds, but it also comes with risks – the first weeks of life for many wild species are incredibly fragile.
Kanzi and the rest of the hyena clan are doing well under the careful watch of our keepers and vets. Our teams are deeply saddened by this loss and are being supported during this time.
Sad news from Monarto’s socials:
We’re sad to share that the six-week-old Spotted Hyena cub, born to matriarch Kanzi, passed away earlier this week.
Preliminary findings suggest the cub sustained injuries consistent with Kanzi accidentally lying on it in the den. At Monarto Safari Park, we give our animals the most natural living conditions possible. For hyenas, that means young cubs remain in the den with their mother, just as they would in the wild. This approach supports natural behaviours and strong maternal bonds, but it also comes with risks – the first weeks of life for many wild species are incredibly fragile.
Kanzi and the rest of the hyena clan are doing well under the careful watch of our keepers and vets. Our teams are deeply saddened by this loss and are being supported during this time.
Very sad news, though as Monarto said not unheard of at this age. Thinking of the keeper team at this sad time
It is a shame, as the cub’s pack numbers seven hyena, which would increased to eight. There’s been no word on Fahari producing a litter this year; but bearing in mind the birth intervals between Kanzi’s litters, it’s not out of the question we could hear something soon.
0.1 Kanzi (13/09/2017) Piltengi x Thandiwe
0.1 Fahari (03/11/2020) Gamba x Forest
1.0 Endesha (01/03/2013) Imported 2019 (Singapore)
0.1 Utundu (23/01/2024) Endesha x Kanzi
1.0 Kicheko (23/01/2024) Endesha x Kanzi
0.1 Tufani (05/03/2024) Endesha x Fahari
1.0 Thembayo (05/03/2024) Endesha x Fahari
I visited Monarto today with my family, and while I don’t have anything much of substance to comment on, it was a fantastic visit. Seeing the elephant yards being built, and having Burma out on the main display today was great. We were able to catch a glimpse of both Tang Mo and Pak Boon and Permai, with Permai still swaying in her little yard but she was very close to the fence that divided her and the Taronga girls. Seeing that clan of hyenas interacting in their large family group was also fantastic, and listening to the vocalisations from the chimps was great. A bit disappointing that Wild Africa is only open to the resort guests, but overall a great trip!
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It's great to hear Permai is maybe feeling more confident hopefully and wasn't shying away out of complete view from Pak Boon and Tang Mo. Really cool about the hyenas (had forgotten how they were a large family group living at Monarto) and the chimps' group too (have heard it's they have the biggest habitat in Australia, albeit the norm for Monarto to have, still really cool). Everyone to visit Monarto who have known in person or here who has talked or written about the experience at just how impressive it is.
As to Wild Africa only being for guests of the resort there though, that's really messed up that that's the case I reckon too, like the pricing they had/have for being able to go back and see Burma and Permai (and assume for Pak Boon & Tang Mo too) being hugely priced, that's really lame decision by Monarto to do that and dissapointing that's the case. Really glad you had a nice time visiting though.
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I’m really excited to see the continued expansion of the Monarto troop. They do indeed have the largest chimpanzee habitat in Australia, but are planning for a troop in the mid-teens rather than the early twenties like Taronga Zoo.
Hope and Zola can be expected to transfer out in the next 4-6 years (and possibly Zuri); but with four adult females (aged 23-32 years), Monarto are well placed to grow their troop without the need for additional females for the time being. Lani and Galatea will be the focus for breeding in the coming years, though Galatea’s reproductive history is sadly against her and I wonder whether breeding from Hannah again would be a better option. She’s a founder and at least one of her two offspring were sired by Tsotsi (as opposed to Zombi, who already has two offspring with Sandali).
Luke899
Well-Known Member
They’re probably maximising the cash flows on the elephant hype with these prices. ZooSA has always had money concerns as it’s one of the only private associations in the country not government owned or operated. Gives them freedom but also constraints.
With all this money coming in (I’m hearing the elephants have massively boosted visitation to Monarto several times over) I’m looking forward to seeing what they do. A private association/business, plus no government strings attached, plus big plans = an exciting future. Watch this space. Adelaide zoos new makeover may come sooner then expected.
Wild Africa only being accessible to resort guests is primarily about driving visitation to the resort.
A number of zoos offer overnight accomodation; but if it’s not affordable for average families, they’ll book in cheaper elsewhere and visit the zoo during the day. Wild Africa offers an incentive to pay an increased rate for accomodation beyond the novelty of seeing ungulates out your window when you draw the curtains.
In addition to Wild Africa, Monarto has a number of pay-walled experiences including Lions360, the walk through lemur exhibit and feeding the giraffe (something I’ve done for free at several zoos).
Putra Mas arriving late spring:
From socials:
World Elephant Day Update – Big News!
This World Elephant Day, we’re giving you an update on our incredible elephant herd and announcing something very special!
Asian Elephant bull Putra Mas will move from Perth Zoo to Monarto Safari Park late this spring, becoming the final member of our founding herd.
His arrival is being carefully planned, with a new barn and habitat spaces nearly ready to ensure he settles in comfortably. In the meantime, Burma, Permai, Pak Boon and Tang Mo are continuing to settle into life at Monarto. Our Elephant team is focused on giving each elephant the space and choice to build relationships naturally, from forming close bonds to enjoying quiet time on their own. Putra Mas’ arrival will bring a whole new dynamic to the mix, and we can’t wait to share more of the herd’s journey with you.
From socials:
World Elephant Day Update – Big News!
This World Elephant Day, we’re giving you an update on our incredible elephant herd and announcing something very special!
Asian Elephant bull Putra Mas will move from Perth Zoo to Monarto Safari Park late this spring, becoming the final member of our founding herd.
His arrival is being carefully planned, with a new barn and habitat spaces nearly ready to ensure he settles in comfortably. In the meantime, Burma, Permai, Pak Boon and Tang Mo are continuing to settle into life at Monarto. Our Elephant team is focused on giving each elephant the space and choice to build relationships naturally, from forming close bonds to enjoying quiet time on their own. Putra Mas’ arrival will bring a whole new dynamic to the mix, and we can’t wait to share more of the herd’s journey with you.
That’s encouraging to hear. I’d anticipate Burma (the intended matriarch) and Pak Boon to be the strongest personalities in the herd; but the playful and charismatic Tang Mo would undoubtedly be perceived as less threatening by Permai, which could bring her out of her shell.
Kashin and Burma took two years to bond at Auckland Zoo, so we shouldn’t be surprised at the slow progress we’ve observed at Monarto to date.
That's so wonderful to hear that, for Permai of course most of all of course given she, like Burma, has been on her own, and for a couple of years prior to coming to Monarto too. Thanks for sharing. Many have mentioned that time and patience would be the key for bonds to be formed between the four of them, and will do it in their own individual pace naturally. Was personally starting to worry perhaps Permai would be fully withdrawn indefinitely, but probably jumped to a drastic conclusion about her slowly getting adjusted.
re Zoos SA operational budget not being like Zoos Vic, Zoos NSW and Perth Zoo with state government funding, yeah fair enough with needing forms of income. Should've been a more reduced price though hey.
Luke899
Well-Known Member
Burma has her asthma problems and apparently gets inflamed in physical interactions around others so she’s more independent. Apparently she can also identify when it’s getting inflamed and she will move away by herself.
Pak Boon and Tang Mo dominating the enclosure at the moment and it’s a relief for keepers because they don’t have to monitor them as much so the focus can be on integrating the other ones who are more timid
Pak Boon and Tang Mo dominating the enclosure at the moment and it’s a relief for keepers because they don’t have to monitor them as much so the focus can be on integrating the other ones who are more timid
Pregnancy hormones can affect behaviour, so there’s that to be mindful of if they undertake breeding with Pak Boon. It could effectively see any progress made with introductions during the next few months regress.
Anjalee at Dubbo had a lengthy amount of time to settle in to the herd before conceiving; but obviously Monarto won’t have that luxury with Pak Boon. She needs to breed ASAP if she’s to stand the best chance of conceiving.
I believe Luk Chai got his girls pregnant as soon he arrived. I believe Putra Mas would be eager to get with Pak Boon when she enters her next cycle after his arrival. Isn't she adept with social skills already?
That’s correct. Dokkoon was cycling the week Luk Chai was introduced to the herd and conceived on the first try. Num Oi and Mali cycled around a month or two later and similarly both conceived on the first try. Dokkoon and Num Oi delivered their calves two months apart in November 2022 and January 2023 respectively; with Mali delivering her calf early in November 2022.
Yes, Pak Boon is a twice proven natural breeder and was a competent matriarch of the Taronga herd. Prior to Porntip’s departure to Dubbo, she was also supportive of her as the matriarch. The unknown factor here is Putra Mas’ performance as a natural breeder. His two calves to date were via AI.
Monarto celebrates their oldest giraffe on record:
Monarto are celebrating the 25th birthday of Myeisha, who is their oldest giraffe on record.
Regionally, Mutangi (1990-2021) reached a staggering 31 years at Taronga Western Plains Zoo; while New Zealand’s oldest giraffe on record is Tisa (1990-2017), who died aged 26 years.
From socials:
Yesterday, we celebrated a very special milestone at Monarto Safari Park – Myeisha, our oldest ever giraffe, turned 25!
Born on 30 August 2000, Myeisha holds a special place in our history as the last surviving progeny of Ketabi, a famous breeding bull who passed away in 2002. Over the years, she has raised many calves and contributed greatly to our giraffe breeding program.
Now happily retired from breeding, Myeisha is still in excellent health and often takes the lead when her herd roams across their vast open-range habitat. At 25, she continues to inspire us all with her strength, grace and legacy.
Here’s to Myeisha – a true icon of Monarto Safari Park.
Monarto are celebrating the 25th birthday of Myeisha, who is their oldest giraffe on record.
Regionally, Mutangi (1990-2021) reached a staggering 31 years at Taronga Western Plains Zoo; while New Zealand’s oldest giraffe on record is Tisa (1990-2017), who died aged 26 years.
From socials:
Yesterday, we celebrated a very special milestone at Monarto Safari Park – Myeisha, our oldest ever giraffe, turned 25!
Born on 30 August 2000, Myeisha holds a special place in our history as the last surviving progeny of Ketabi, a famous breeding bull who passed away in 2002. Over the years, she has raised many calves and contributed greatly to our giraffe breeding program.
Now happily retired from breeding, Myeisha is still in excellent health and often takes the lead when her herd roams across their vast open-range habitat. At 25, she continues to inspire us all with her strength, grace and legacy.
Here’s to Myeisha – a true icon of Monarto Safari Park.