Monarto Safari Park has announced the successful integration of two new Asian elephants, Pak Boon and Tang Mo, into its existing herd.
Following a 22-hour, 1300-kilometre journey from Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, the elephants are adjusting well to their new home in South Australia.
The arrival of Pak Boon and Tang Mo represents the culmination of two years of planning and logistical coordination, uniting the four founding females of the herd.
The two new arrivals join Permai, who arrived from Perth, and Burma, who was transported from Auckland last year.
“Moving elephants around is a big job,” Monarto Safari Park director Peter Clark said.
“And what happened yesterday, I think went as smoothly as it could go.”
Keepers from Taronga Zoo, who accompanied the elephants on their journey, will remain at Monarto for six weeks to facilitate a smooth transition.
“We were really relieved that the journey went well,” Taronga Zoo’s Mandy Everett said.
The final member of the herd, male elephant Putra Mas, is expected to arrive from Perth in the latter half of the year.
His arrival will allow for breeding programs aimed at bolstering the population of Asian elephants to start.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
