Asian Elephant Permai celebrates a year of settling in and getting to know fellow elephant Tang Mo

It’s been one year since Asian Elephant Permai made the journey to her forever home at Monarto Safari Park from Perth Zoo, and what a year it’s been.

Over the past 12 months, keepers have watched Permai settle in, grow in confidence, and start to build a meaningful companionship with fellow elephant Tang Mo. Now, with more play, more exploration, and more personality shining through, Permai is beginning to come into her own.

Permai was the second elephant to arrive as part of Monarto Safari Park’s Asian Elephant programme and new purpose-built elephant habitat, joining Burma who had earlier made the move from Auckland Zoo. Since then, she’s also witnessed a flurry of big-footed arrivals,including Pak Boon and Tang Mo from Taronga Zoo, and the move of bull elephant Putra Mas – also from Perth.

“It’s just gone so fast, but it’s been wonderful,” said Senior Keeper Odin Neil. “Over the last six months especially, we’ve really noticed a shift in her behaviour. She’s more settled, more curious, and it’s been promising to see those social interactions developing with Tang Mo.”

Currently, these two elephants are spending most of their time on Habitat Three, divided by a soft fence, with Permai preferring the quieter right-hand side and Tang Mo confidently exploring the left. But those boundaries are gently breaking down, and the two are spending more time together, even through the night.

“We’re seeing beautiful moments,” Odin said. “One day, Tang Mo got a bit of a fright from a passing truck and Permai went over to comfort her. That’s exactly what we’re hoping for – a growing bond, and elephants supporting one another.”

Permai is also adjusting well to the dynamic daily environment at Monarto Safari Park. She’s gradually choosing to stay out on the habitat longer, playing in the dirt, grazing, and observing the action around her instead of retreating indoors.

“She’s really starting to just be an elephant,” Odin said. “Her confidence is growing, and with it, her personality is really coming through. Some days she wants a bath, other days she’s keen to go straight out and hang with Tang Mo. It’s all on her terms, which is what we want.”

As part of Zoos SA’s long-term commitment to Asian Elephant conservation, the growing relationship between Permai and Tang Mo is a step toward establishing a cohesive, welfare-led elephant group at Monarto Safari Park. With care, patience and the Park’s dedicated keeping team, it is hoped that the pair will eventually share their habitat space.

“Everything we’re seeing is really encouraging,” said Odin. “We’re giving them time, space and support – and watching something really special unfold.”