Imagine the sprawling plains of Monarto Safari Park graced by the majestic presence of three incredible elephants—Burma, Permai, and Putra Mas. This vision could soon become reality with your support.
These beloved Asian Elephants currently reside at Auckland and Perth zoos. But the team at Zoos SA are embarking on a mission to bring them to their forever home in South Australia. At Monarto Safari Park, the largest open-range safari in the region, they’ll flourish in a habitat tailored to their intricate social needs.
As many as five elephants or more could eventually stomp the Monarto plains.
The three elephants most likely to be the first to arrive? Meet Burma, Permai and Putra Mas; three much-loved Asian Elephants. With female elephant Permai described as ‘cheeky and mischievous’, Burma described as ‘playful and a gentle giant’ and bull Putra Mas as ‘living up to his name’s meaning of golden prince and known for trumpeting loudly when happy’, the plans mean there’s much to wrap one’s trunk around!
“We’ve been working really closely with our counterparts at the zoos and others within the Asian Elephant regional breeding program to make the magic happen. There’s just one thing in the way of our vision – we need to raise $2.025 million and fast! And that’s why I’m hoping that the community will get behind our fundraising and donate to bring them to South Australia.” said Zoos SA CE, Elaine Bensted.
“As a conservation charity, we want to work with fellow accredited zoos to provide the best home for the elephants where they can live with other animals as part of a herd structure. The prospect of having elephants at Monarto Safari Park is not only exciting, it’s the right thing to do for these elephants.
“While many believe that we are Government-run, we are not. We are a private conservation charity and so to make this happen we need to fundraise and we are hoping that the local and wider community will get behind us and the gorgeous elephants. Not only is it a huge amount to raise there’s also limited time with an imminent deadline as ultimately these elephants need new homes whether it’s with us or elsewhere.
“The elephants come first. There’s no doubt about that. Both Perth and Auckland zoos have been very open about the elephants needing to find ‘forever homes’ that meet the elephants’ long-term needs.”
The total cost of building the elephant habitat and transferring the animals to South Australia will be around $6.5million. With all three zoo partners contributing, this leaves us with a fundraising goal of just over $2million. And this is where you come in.
By donating, you become a vital part of this remarkable journey. As an Ele-friend, you’ll be recognized on our virtual donor wall.
Elevate your support to Ele-dopter status and receive a personal adoption certificate, a photo, and your name on the future elephant habitat. The Ele-bassador tier offers you a chance to meet the elephants in person and boasts an ambassador lapel pin, personal certificate, and your name on the future habitat.
Monarto Safari Park, operated by Zoos South Australia, strives for the best care and conservation of species.
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