Asian Elephant bull Putra Mas to join the herd late spring

This World Elephant Day, Zoos SA is celebrating not only the remarkable Elephants already calling Monarto Safari Park home, but also preparing for the arrival of a very special new resident.

Asian Elephant bull Putra Mas will be moving from Perth Zoo to Monarto Safari Park late spring, in what will be a significant milestone with the arrival of the final member of the herd. Teams at both zoos are currently working on the complex logistics of this move, while at Monarto Safari Park construction crews are busy building an additional barn and finalising habitat spaces to ensure a smooth welcome for the 35-year-old giant.

Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley said Putra Mas’ arrival marks an exciting new chapter.

“This move is the result of months of careful planning and collaboration between Perth Zoo and our team here at Monarto Safari Park. We’re making sure every detail is in place so Putra Mas can settle comfortably into his new environment,” said Dr Ainsley.

“While he and our Permai will likely recognise one another from their time at Perth Zoo, we simply don’t know how they will interact until we see it play out. Elephant social dynamics are complex and unique – and we’re here to give them the space and choice to build those bonds naturally.”

Meanwhile, the existing herd – Burma, Permai, Pak Boon and Tang Mo continue to settle in under the expert care of Monarto Safari Park’s Elephant team. Manager of Elephants, Andrew Coers, said the focus remains on fostering social cohesion in a way that respects each elephant’s personality and preferences.

“It’s not just about having them all together, it’s about creating an environment where they feel comfortable sharing spaces, whether that’s a barn or a habitat, and having the choice to interact or take time apart,” Mr Coers said.

“We’ve seen some lovely relationships forming, especially between Permai and Tang Mo, who communicate with each other clearly and consistently. At the end of the day, it’s up to the elephants to decide who they want to spend time with and how strong those relationships will be.”

From gentle trunk touches to deep rumbling infrasound, the elephants’ social lives are rich with communication that humans can only glimpse and as Monarto Safari Park’s herd continues to settle, the arrival of Putra Mas promises to add a whole new dynamic to the mix.

All this would not have been possible without the support of our zoo family, the community across both South Australia, Australia and internationally, and generous partners such as SA Water, Exact Contracting, ElectraNet, Toro Australia, Buzz Honey, Comace, Australian Outdoor Living, Northpoint Toyota, Stratco, 7News, Horizon Construction Services, Southern Steel Supplies, Ramsey Brothers, Project Green Group, Peat Soils and Garden Supplies, Powerhouse Logistics, and Patlin Heavy Haulage.

World Elephant Day, held each year on 12 August, shines a spotlight on the importance of protecting these intelligent, sensitive giants. Zoos SA is proud to be playing its part in the regional breeding and advocacy program for Asian Elephants, a species listed as Endangered, with fewer than 50,000 remaining in the wild.