Meet the herd!
Monarto Safari Park is now home to a herd of Asian Elephants, with five elephants settling into their forever home. These gentle giants are the first elephants in 30 years to call Monarto Safari Park home.
Burma, Permai, Pak Boon, Tang Mo and Putra Mas have each made the journey from zoos across Australia and New Zealand, joining Monarto Safari Park as part of a special effort to create a thriving social herd.
Burma was the first to arrive in late 2024 after a jumbo flight from Auckland Zoo. Burma was born in 1982 in Myanmar in Southeast Asia (formerly called Burma). Now in her forties, she has matured into a lovely, gentle elephant who loves exploring her new environment, which is one of her favourite activities!
Permai made the trip from Perth Zoo in January 2025, shortly after Burma. Her Thai name means “pretty”, which suits her lively and cheeky personality. Permai is loyal and affectionate and thrives when given new training challenges.
Pak Boon joined the herd in May 2025 after a smooth road trip from Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Pak Boon is strong-willed and energetic and loves her daily baths. Her Thai name means “morning glory flower,” which suits her lovely, round face and pink ears.
Tang Mo also arrived in May from Taronga Zoo. Her Thai name means “watermelon”, and she is highly intelligent and loves her training sessions and enrichment challenges. With her high forehead and very long legs, she is easily identifiable and is the tallest of the Asian Elephant cows at Monarto.
Putra Mas, a strong and intelligent bull elephant from Perth Zoo, was the last to join the herd, arriving safely in early November 2025. His name, meaning ‘golden prince’, reflects his proud and graceful demeanour.
It’s estimated that there are less than 52,000 Asian Elephants remaining in the wild, with the world losing 50% of Asian Elephants in the last three generations.
This makes regionally-coordinated conservation programs more critical than ever. A long-term collaborative commitment is crucial to ensuring the species remains for generations to come.
Within Australia, the Asian Elephant regional breeding program has experienced immense success, with eight calves born since 2000, and three calves born in the last 12 months alone.
The establishment of a new group in South Australia will increase capacity within the region, making room for more animals to be born into safe habitats with socially appropriate family structures.
Love Asian Elephants? Join our wild family – there are many ways you can help support these gentle giants.
