MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — In a significant move, nine Asian elephants were successfully relocated from Melbourne Zoo to the Werribee Open Range Zoo, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away, following a meticulous five-day process. This operation involved police escorts and the coordination of synchronized traffic lights to facilitate the safe transfer of the elephants, which included three convoys of trucks designed specifically for their transport. According to Zoos Victoria, the new enclosure at Werribee is an impressive ten times larger than the previous habitat, providing the elephants with ample space to roam.
The elephants exhibited clear signs of happiness upon reuniting with their herd, as noted by their manager, Erin Gardiner. She described the reunion with behaviors such as ear flapping, trunk touching, and various vocalizations, such as roaring and trumpeting. “All those interactions helped us understand that they are happy to see each other and feeling comfortable,” Gardiner stated. By the afternoon of their move, the younger elephants were even seen playing together, showcasing their comfort and adaptability during the journey.
Preparation for this ambitious move began nearly two years ago, with extensive training to ensure that the elephants could safely enter and exit the transport crates. Veterinarian Bonnie McMeekin emphasized the importance of this training for the overall safety of the elephants during their relocation. The herd, weighing a combined total of 23 metric tons (25 U.S. tons), was given mild sedatives to minimize stress during the 40-minute journeys in air-conditioned, purpose-built crates. To ensure stability, the adult elephants were also tethered around their ankles while traveling.
The transport was carefully orchestrated, with trucks maintaining a speed of around 60 kph (37 mph), and exercising caution especially during turns. The adult male elephant, noted as the most solitary member of the herd, was transported separately in a crane-hoisted crate, while other family members traveled in pairs or small groups over the course of the move. On February 6, the male was relocated, followed by the females and calves, with the entire herd finally reuniting on February 10.
The new habitat at Werribee encompasses 21 hectares (52 acres) and features two 3.5-meter (11-foot) deep swimming pools, as well as mud wallows and specially designed elephant barns. With the previous enclosure at Melbourne Zoo being just 2 hectares (5 acres), the elephants now have a significantly larger space to thrive. This new facility, costing 88 million Australian dollars (approximately $55 million), is also equipped with a communal sleeping area filled with 3,300 metric tons (3,600 U.S. tons) of sand, designed to provide the elephants with comfort.
In conclusion, Zoos Victoria plans to allow the elephants several weeks to adjust to their new environment before permitting public access to the habitat. This thoughtful relocation demonstrates a commitment to improving the living conditions for these majestic creatures, ensuring their well-being and happiness in a more expansive enclosure.
