Perth Zoo's beloved bull elephant, Putra Mas, has crossed into South Australia, marking the end of 127 years of elephants at the zoo. The 35-year-old elephant is traveling 2,700 kilometers to his new home at Monarto Safari Park.
According to a zoo spokeswoman, Putra Mas has remained in high spirits during the journey, calmly drinking, snacking, and responding warmly to his carers. The convoy, which includes four carers, two specialist vets, four drivers, and a media representative, stopped overnight in regional towns to refuel.
After clearing quarantine at the border, the team provided Putra Mas with a fresh supply of bamboo, bananas, and raisin bread. The journey is believed to be the longest overland trip ever undertaken by a fully grown bull elephant in recorded history.
Perth Zoo executive director David van Ooran described the farewell as bittersweet, expressing hope that Putra Mas will thrive with a new female herd. At Monarto Safari Park, Putra Mas will join female elephants Permai, Burma, Pak Boon, and Tang Mo to form the park's founding elephant herd.
The move was six months in the making, involving crate training and seatbelt practice. Putra Mas will have access to four habitats across 14 hectares at the safari park. The convoy continues with 12 planned rest stops to ensure his comfort.
