It’s a sad day at Perth Zoo as they lose another elephant following the death of matriarch Tricia in 2022.
But this time it’s for happier reasons as 37-year-old Permai is being relocated to a safari-like open habitat in South Australia where she will also gain some new friends.
The elephant, one of two left at Perth Zoo after the passing of 65-year-old Tricia, will begin the mammoth 2000km journey across the Nullarbor on Monday where she will be greeted on the other side by Burma, a fellow female elephant who moved there recently from New Zealand.
Her Perth roommate, Putra Mas, will also join them later in the year, as will two Asian elephants relocating there from Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.
Perth Zoo Life Sciences Director John Lemon said Permai had struggled since the passing of Tricia as female elephants in particular needed the company of others.
“We know it’s the right thing to do, so deep down we just keep coming back to the welfare, and it’s all about welfare,” he told 9 News Perth.
Permai loading into her crate ready for the trip to South Australia on Monday.Credit: Perth Zoo
Zoo officials made the decision to rehome all of Perth’s elephants back in 2018 because the South Perth enclosure is too small and not able to be extended.
In contrast, Monarto Safari Park near Adelaide, the largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa, has created a 12 hectare enclosure replicating a more natural habitat. It also means more elephants can live there and have a herd-like existence.
Preparations began for Permai’s journey a year ago, including daily crate training to make the long journey as comfortable as possible.
“I think it’s the Rolls-Royce of elephant transport crates,” Lemon said.
Permai was sedated before a crane lifted her truck onto the back of a truck.Credit: Perth Zoo
The crate has air conditioning, CCTV, temperature gauges, snacks and water.
On Monday, zoo staff said she happily walked into the crate, with a little help from some watermelon, and will reach her destination by Wednesday morning.
She will be accompanied on the trip by an expert team comprising of veterinarians and her beloved keepers who will be monitoring her the entire way via CCTV streaming to the support vehicle travelling directly behind her crate.
Permai has been at Perth Zoo since 1992.
Putra Mas will remain in Perth for the next six months as it is not safe to move him while he is in his hormonal phase, but male elephants tend to be more solitary in nature.
Once he is gone, there will be no more elephants left in Perth as experts say they cannot develop an elephant exhibit big enough to accommodate a functioning herd comprising multiple individuals.
Instead, the elephant enclosure will be incorporated by the African Savannah, providing more room for animals such as the giraffe to roam.
“We know they’re going to the best place for them,” Lemon said.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.