Last month, Monarto Safari Park welcomed the first Asian Elephant of the new regional herd; female Burma, who travelled internationally from New Zealand.

This coincided with the delivery of Permai’s custom-built transport crate at Perth Zoo. Burma is about to complete quarantine and Permai’s crate training has been going exceptionally well.

This means it is possible to accelerate plans to unite the two lone female elephants who typically live in matriarchal herds.

Perth Zoo Acting Director Life Sciences, John Lemon, said: “We are very excited to get Permai across to our neighbouring state to meet her new elephant friend, Burma.

“We know the community love Permai as much as we do and understand it’s bittersweet to say goodbye a little earlier than planned, but this is an incredible outcome for her.

“Female elephants need the company of other female elephants, and we want that for Permai as soon as possible.

“With her custom-crate arriving last month, the team have been working exceptionally hard on her training to ensure she sees the space as a safe haven during the journey, her welfare is always our top priority.”

Permai will travel across the Nullarbor by road, with two senior veterinarians and two elephant carers monitoring her the whole journey.

As one of the most isolated zoos in the world, Perth Zoo’s animal carers are experts in long-haul animal transportations.

“We have worked closely with CADDS to carefully design this crate to ensure it has everything she needs – it’s fitted out with air conditioning, insulation, has plenty of space for snacks and even a hose and capacity to carry 1,000 litres of water," John said. 

“Importantly, there will be cameras inside so her keepers and the veterinarians will monitor her for the entire journey – no stone has been left unturned when it comes to her care and welfare.”

Male elephant Putra Mas will remain at Perth Zoo until mid-late 2025, moving after he finishes musth.

“Male elephants typically live a solitary existence or in loose bachelor herds, so Putra Mas is quite happy on his own, his carers keep his intelligent mind busy with plenty of problem-solving and fun enrichment,” John said.

“We have really appreciated the community support as we prepare to farewell the elephants.

“It’s hard to say goodbye but it has been very heart-warming to see the community join us in putting the welfare of Permai and Putra Mas first.

“There’s still a few more weeks before Permai goes, so we’re encouraging everyone to come and say their farewells to her before she packs her trunk.”

This exciting update comes as we celebrate Permai and Putra Mas’ 35th birthday - their final birthday at Perth Zoo!

Keepers have lovingly prepared special birthday enrichment, and the public are invited to come along and watch them enjoy it on Sunday 15 December.

Putra Mas will enjoy birthday enrichment at 10:00am during the Bull Elephant talk, and Permai will have hers at 11:30am.

The new elephant habitat at Monarto Safari Park is 12 hectares and will eventually be home to a total of five elephants.

The expansive habitat is made up of four separate areas with plenty of vegetation, varied terrain, and waterholes to create an enriching environment.

Perth Zoo first announced its plan to rehome elephants Permai and Putra Mas in 2018.

This was to occur following the passing of Tricia, to ensure the pair would have a home that can accommodate a suitable social herd structure.