Images: Perth Zoo
Asian elephant Permai from Perth Zoo has arrived at her new home at Monarto Safari Park in South Australia. After over a year of planning and crate training, she started her journey on Monday, making her way across the Nullarbor to her forever home.
Perth Zoo has shared details of the start of Permai’s journey, saying that she happily walked into her travel crate, ready for the long road ahead. Unlike the usual morning training sessions, this time the crate doors were closed, and it was carefully lifted by crane onto a truck to start the 36-hour ride. Staying true to her reputation as a “greedy guts”, Permai didn’t miss a chance to munch on some watermelon as she left her habitat behind.
Accompanied by a dedicated team of veterinarians and her keepers, Permai’s every move is being closely monitored via CCTV streaming to the support vehicle following her crate. The vehicle is specially designed for her comfort, complete with insulation, air conditioning, plenty of snacks, and over 1000 litres of water to keep her hydrated during the long trip.
The team estimates that Permai will arrive at Monarto Safari Park by this morning (Wednesday January 28th), and while they plan to keep the public updated, their main focus remains on making sure she arrives safe and well.
It’s been a bittersweet experience for the Perth Zoo family, as they say goodbye to Permai, but they know this move marks an exciting new chapter for her. Permai will soon be reunited with her elephant companion, Burma, who recently moved to Monarto from Auckland Zoo. Later this year, two more female elephants from Taronga Zoo will join them, forming a whole new regional elephant herd.
While Permai embarks on her new journey, Perth Zoo’s male elephant, Putra Mas, will remain at the zoo until he completes his annual hormonal musth period. Perth Zoo expects that Putra Mas will make the journey to Monarto in mid-late 2025. As male elephants tend to live a more “solitary existence”, it is unlikely that he will be affected by Permai’s absence, but the animal care team will continue to monitor his well-being.
South Australia is excitedly awaiting Permai’s arrival at Monarto Safari Park. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, where she’ll have the chance to thrive in a larger regional elephant group. SA can’t wait to meet you, Permai!
For more information on the new regional elephant herd coming to Monarto Safari Park, click here.
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