In a remarkable effort highlighting modern animal conservation and care, nine Asian elephants have successfully transitioned to a spacious new habitat at the Werribee Open Range Zoo, following a meticulous and complex move from Melbourne Zoo. The relocation, stretching over five intense days and covering a distance of 40 kilometers (25 miles), was orchestrated to provide the herd with a considerably larger and more naturalistic environment.
The elephants, led by a team from Zoos Victoria, were gently guided through their journey with police escorts ensuring their safe passage. The well-planned convoy made its way through the city, aided by synchronized traffic lights that minimized disruptions and ensured a seamless transition.
Once reunited in their expansive new 21-hectare (52-acre) enclosure, the elephants showcased their delight with a series of vibrant interactions. The elephants exhibited behaviors that clearly conveyed their comfort and excitement upon reuniting, said Erin Gardiner, the elephants’ manager. From ear flapping to trunk touching and an array of vocalizations, it was apparent that they were thrilled with the move.
The planning for this relocation was a testament to the dedication of the zoo staff, having started almost two years prior with a focused training program to get the elephants accustomed to entering and exiting the transportation crates. According to veterinarian Bonnie McMeekin, the training and handling were crucial. It was about ensuring safety and comfort throughout the move, and this preparation was key to successfully transporting these majestic creatures, McMeekin explained.
To maintain calmness during transport, the elephants, together weighing approximately 23 metric tons (25 U.S. tons), were given mild sedatives, which helped reduce stress during the 40-minute journey. Additionally, special care was taken for the adult members: they were tethered for stability, and the crates were air-conditioned and custom-built to accommodate the unique needs of each elephant, including the careful pairing of mothers and calves in shared crates.
The logistics of moving such majestic animals are not to be understated. The convoy was carefully planned, with elephants traveling at a cautious speed of around 60 kph (37 mph). Specially designed containers allowed mothers and their offspring to travel together, highlighting the attention to animal welfare and family dynamics within the herd.
Now settled into their new domain, the herd can explore an environment featuring two substantial 3.5-meter (11-foot) deep swimming pools, mud wallows, and specialized barns. With 88 million Australian dollars ($55 million) invested, this new abode is not just larger but designed to mimic their natural habitat more closely than their previous 2-hectare (5-acre) environment.
The move underscores a commitment to animal welfare and the importance of providing environments where wildlife can thrive. This comes as an encouraging tale of success in modern-day conservation efforts, ensuring that these elephants not only survive but flourish in a habitat that echoes their natural living conditions. With plans to gradually introduce the public to their new home, the staff remains optimistic about the positive impact this transition will have on the herd.
