Relocated Perth Zoo elephant settles into new South Australian home

January 31, 2025

Nigel Benton

Attractions / Environment / Tourism / Zoos /

The elephant moved from Perth Zoo to South Australia’s Monarto Safari Park has now arrived at her new home and has been pictured interacting with her new neighbour, Burma.

Heartwarming images show Permai locking trunks with Burma following keepers having successfully introduced the pair - the first of a new five-elephant strong herd to take up residence in South Australia.

After not having had elephant company for a while, both females were supported by their dedicated carers. Burma was a little shy at first, but they came together to say ‘hello’ through mesh contact in their barn. During their first interaction, both elephants displayed curiosity and gentle behaviours towards each other, which is a great first step and we are hopeful they will forge a strong friendship.

Permai arrived in South Australia after a gruelling 40-hour trip across the Nullarbor from Perth Zoo, with staff saying they were thrilled the relocation had been managed safely.

Monarto Safari Park Elephant Manager, Andrew Coers said the introduction on Wednesday evening had gone well, stating “you want them to come together. They link trunks, they put trunks over each other, and they give a little bit of push and shove.

“That’s all good stuff. They’re just trying to suss each other out.

“In the first instance, when she first arrived, we felt like Burma actually knew that there was another elephant in the area, and there was a bit of reluctance to come into the barn.”

Perth Zoo life sciences director John Lemon said the arrival was bittersweet for the WA team who travelled east with Permai.

Plans are underway to bring Permai’s former Perth neighbour - bull elephant Putra Mas - to the Monarto Safari Park in June or July, after his hormonal ‘musth’ period ends.

With female elephants living in matriarchal societies, the move for Permai was based on providing her with a herd social structure in which she can thrive.

Images: Former Perth Zoo elephant Permai meets new friend Burma at Monarto Safari Park. Credit: Perth Zoo.

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.