Melbourne Zoo Elephants Relocated to Spacious New Home in Ambitious Operation
After two years of meticulous planning and a complex, multi-day operation, nine Asian elephants from Melbourne Zoo have successfully been relocated to a sprawling new habitat ten times the size of their previous enclosure at the Werribee Open Range Zoo, The Associated Press reports.
The massive undertaking, orchestrated by Zoos Victoria, saw the herd transported 25 miles in a carefully coordinated series of truck convoys. The move, facilitated by police escorts and synchronized traffic lights, aimed to minimize stress for the animals.
The planning for the move began almost two years ago, focusing on familiarizing the elephants with custom-built transport crates. Veterinarian Bonnie McMeekin explained the training involved acclimating the elephants to entering and exiting the crates, crucial for a smooth and safe transition.
The herd, weighing a combined 23 metric tons (25 US tons), comprised one adult male, five adult females, and three calves, all two years old. To ensure their comfort and safety during the 40-minute journeys, the elephants were given mild sedatives and the adults were tethered around their ankles for added stability. The air-conditioned trucks traveled at a cautious pace, averaging around 37 mp.
The relocation was strategically phased over several days. On February 6, the solitary adult male was moved in a crate hoisted onto a truck by a crane. Saturday saw the transportation of an aunt in one truck and a mother and calf in another. Finally, on Monday, the remaining two mothers with calves, along with the herd matriarch, were moved in three separate crates, completing the reunification of the herd.
McMeekin emphasized the importance of reuniting the female elephants quickly, highlighting the significance of social bonds within the herd.
The herd was introduced to their new 21-hectare (52-acre) enclosure on Wednesday. This new habitat boasts two 11-foot deep swimming pools and represents a significant upgrade from their previous 2-hectare space, which they had outgrown.
The state-of-the-art, 88 million Australian dollar ($55 million) enclosure includes mud wallows, specially designed elephant barns, and a communal sleeping area filled with a staggering 3,300 metric tons (3,600 US tones) of sand.
Zoos Victoria plans to allow the elephants several weeks to adjust to their new environment before opening the habitat to the public. This period will allow the herd to explore their spacious surroundings, establish their social dynamics, and fully acclimate to their new home. The public eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures thriving in their expansive and enriching new habitat.
