This week, their specially designed transport crates arrived at Perth Zoo so they can get used to them before embarking on their journey to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.
The purpose-built travel crates were manufactured by CADDS Group’s CADDS Fabrication in Henderson, and designed collaboratively with Perth Zoo staff. Being the most isolated zoo in the world, moving animals to and from Perth Zoo safely whilst providing all their creature comforts is something the Zoo team are internationally renowned for.
Moving elephants is a jumbo effort, nothing is rushed when it comes to safely preparing our precious pachyderm pair for travel – that includes crate training!
Our dedicated elephant carers have been working with the elephants every day for the past 12 months doing daily training with a temporary crate borrowed from Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
Now their own specialised crates have arrived, constructed at the perfect height, width, and length. They are literally made to measure!
The elephant team will be taking small steps each day to ensure both Permai and Putra Mas see this crate as a sanctuary, a safe space before they start their cross-country adventure.
We’re on ‘elephant time’, and our priority is getting the elephants used to and comfortable with their transport crates before leaving Perth Zoo. When they do head to their forever home, their trusted caregivers and vets will accompany them on their journey!
These crates, designed specifically for their needs and comfort, will play a crucial role in their safe and stress-free transition to South Australia.
It will be bittersweet to say goodbye to the elephant pair, but the welfare of the two elephants has been the guiding principle for their move. Permai needs to be with other female elephants and Putra Mas will benefit by being in an expansive habitat with multiple females close- by.
Our elephants deserve the very best, and the new herd and habitat at Monarto Safari Park will give them just that!