Taronga Zoo left without elephants for first time since 1916

When Tang Mo and Pak Boon leave in March, Sydney’s famous zoo will be without elephants for the first time in more than a century.

Taronga Zoo will be without elephants for the first time in more than a century, with its two remaining females heading for South Australia to form a new herd as part of a “long-term plan” for the species.

They are set to leave for good in March, when Asian elephants Tang Mo and Pak Boon travel to their new home at Monarto Safari Park.

There are no plans to reintroduce elephants despite them being one of Taronga’s biggest drawcards since 1916.

NSW residents will have to go to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants, with plans underway to convert their current site into a mixed species habitat for water buffalo and a lone rhinoceros.

Taronga Zoo elephants Pak Boon and Tang Mo. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Taronga Zoo exotics manager Mandy Everett said the departure of the elephants, aged 25 and 31, was part of a long-term plan to phase the species out of the attraction.

“For some time now, Taronga Zoo Sydney has been planning for the future of its elephant herd to have the opportunity to join a bigger herd,” Ms Everett said.

“Taronga believes this is a great opportunity for Tang Mo and Pak Boon to forge social bonds in a dynamic herd.”

Taronga Zoo elephants Pak Boon and Tang Mo. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Taronga Zoo elephants Pak Boon and Tang Mo. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Pak Boon will soon be moving to a new home. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The elephants will be joined in SA by two other females from Auckland Zoo and Perth Zoo before a bull is introduced to them.

Taronga has encouraged visitors to say their farewells but has promised it’s not the end for elephants in NSW, with a seven-strong herd in Dubbo expected to welcome a calf by late 2025.

Originally published as Taronga Zoo left without elephants for first time since 1916