In an unprecedented move for elephant welfare in Australia, Perth Zoo’s last remaining female Asian elephant has embarked on a mammoth 36-hour journey across the Nullarbor Plain to join a new herd in South Australia. The epic relocation of Permai the elephant marks the end of an era for Perth Zoo and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.
A Solo Elephant’s Fresh Start
After years as the lone female in Perth Zoo’s elephant exhibit following the death of her companion, 38-year-old Permai is setting out on an adventure that will see her join three other Asian elephants at Monarto Safari Park. There, she will contribute to a new regional breeding herd aimed at securing a future for this endangered species.
Perth Zoo CEO Ian Cox explained the significance of Permai’s move:
“Permai has been without companionship for a number of years, and as a highly intelligent and social species, we knew something had to be done to turn her life around and give her the opportunity to start a new herd.”
– Ian Cox, Perth Zoo CEO
Meticulous Care for a Mammoth Trip
Transporting an elephant across a continent is no small feat. Permai’s dedicated keepers and an expert team of veterinarians are accompanying her every step of the way in a custom-designed crate. The spacious container, complete with air conditioning, water supplies, and ample snacks, allows the team to keep a watchful eye on their charge via CCTV.
Senior elephant keeper at Perth Zoo, Andy Benbow, spoke of the preparations:
“We’ve been working towards this for many months, with extensive crate-training and detailed logistical planning. Permai’s wellbeing is our top priority, and we’re doing everything possible to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for her.”
– Andy Benbow, Senior Elephant Keeper
Crossing the Vast Nullarbor
The sheer distance of Permai’s trip makes it a landmark event in zoo animal transportation. The drive from Perth to Monarto covers over 2,700 kilometers, much of it across the sparse, arid expanse of the Nullarbor Plain.
Few elephants have traversed this iconic Australian landscape, known for its seeming endlessness and lack of trees that give the plain its name. For Permai, the journey represents a passage to a new life and the vital companionship of other elephants that she has lacked for so long.
Building a Regional Herd
Upon her arrival at Monarto Safari Park, Permai will be gradually introduced to the resident elephants – Porntip, Gula, and Mali. Keepers are hopeful that the four will form close social bonds, a key factor in elephant wellbeing.
Peter Clark, Director of Monarto Safari Park, expressed his excitement:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Permai and offer her a new beginning among other elephants. By forming this new herd, we’re creating a world-class elephant facility and taking significant strides in Australasian conservation for this magnificent species.”
– Peter Clark, Director of Monarto Safari Park
An Elephant’s Promising Future
As Permai ventures into this next phase of her life, there is immense hope and anticipation surrounding the new herd. For a species as deeply family-oriented and emotionally complex as elephants, the chance to bond with others of her kind is momentous.
Though the journey across the Nullarbor is long and challenging, it leads to what is perhaps the greatest gift for an elephant who has known years of solitude – the companionship of a herd to call her own. As Permai takes this step, she carries with her the support of keepers, veterinarians, and elephant-lovers across Australia who are willing to go the distance for her welfare and the preservation of her species.
While the road ahead is still long for Asian elephant conservation, Permai’s epic relocation signifies the commitment of the Australasian zoo community to securing a future for these remarkable animals. As she traverses the vast Outback to join her new family, this lonely elephant’s story stands as a symbol of hope and resilience that will inspire efforts to protect her kind for generations to come.
