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Key points:
- Nine Asian elephants were relocated from Melbourne Zoo to a new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
- The growing herd reflects the success of Australia’s conservation efforts.
- Three elephants were gifted by Thailand as a part of ‘elephant diplomacy’.
In 2006, eight Thai elephants made the journey from Thailand with three — Dokkoon, Nam-Oi and Kulap — settled at the Melbourne Zoo, while the rest were sent to Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
The nine members of the elephant herd at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
The relocation in February was prompted by the arrival of three new calves to the Melbourne Zoo herd between November 2022 and January 2023 — Aiyara, Kati and Roi-yim.
Other elephants in the herd include 15-year-old male Luk-Chai – born at Toronga Zoo in 2009 – who weighs 4,280 kilograms.
Aiyara, Roi-yim, and Kati play in the pool in their new enclosure at Werribee. Credit: Zoo Victoria/Jo Howell
Mali, born to Dokkoon in 2010, was the first female elephant born in Australia, while Mae Kapah is from Malaysia.
“(It also shows the) trust we have in our partners’ countries to care for these significant animals. It also reflects our shared commitment to raising awareness and promoting elephant conservation,” she told SBS Thai.
Thailand’s ambassador to Australia, Arjaree Sriratanaban. Credit: Zoos Victoria
The relocation of the herd took five days and involved a team of 21 keepers, logistics experts and veterinarians.
Preparation for the relocation was five years in the making, including months of crate-training elephants to ensure safety and comfort.
Crate-training a baby elephant in the lead-up to the relocation. Credit: Zoo Victoria/Jo Howell
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan described the facility as a unique bridge between the worlds of elephants and humans.
“We’ve seen them change, they’ve exercised more, (and) they’re calmer. They’re more relaxed than they’ve ever been, and they really are loving this new space.”
The new elephant habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo covers 21 hectares. Credit: Zoos Victoria
Powerful cultural icon
“In the past, elephants have played an important role in (the) agricultural sector, logging, transportation, including in times of wars,” Sriratanban said.
“Along with seeing elephants here, there are also (cultural) stories about the elephants that are important to share with the visitors. Their presence helps connect and inform the public in Australia about Thai culture.”
