The migration of a herd of Asian elephants to Werribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) last week was far from an elephantine operation.
Nine elephants, including three calves, were transported 40 kilometres in three separate cohorts, completing the journey from Melbourne Zoo over five days.
The operation was co-ordinated by 21 zoo keepers, logistics experts with cranes and trucks, veterinarians and works departments from both zoos, the Department of Transport, and Victoria Police.
Marking the first time the zoo will be home to elephants in its 41-year history, an emotional reunion also took place.
Luk Chai, a 15-year-old bull who was the first of the herd transported down the highway on February 6, was followed by three herd members on Saturday, February 8 and five more of the herd on Monday, February 11.
While Luk Chai will keep to himself for the time being, as bulls typically do in the wild, the herd shared an emotional reunion.
WROZ elephant trail project officer Lucy Truelson said the herd was enjoying its new surroundings.
“They’re playing, exploring the landscape and they’ve slept beautifully- all these things show us that they’re content, confident, happy and thriving,” she said.
“This is everything we could have hoped for.”
Their new abode will be the The Elephant Trail, which contains six large habitats with mud wallows fit for roaming, foraging and socialising.
It also includes two pools that collectively hold nearly two-million litres of water and offer approximately 1,300m2 of swimmable space for the elephants.
Two specially designed elephant barns are equipped with healthcare training spaces and a communal sleeping area filled with 3300 tonnes of sand.
Designed to enhance the visitor experience while prioritising animal welfare, two overpasses will allow the elephants to cross over visitor walking trails to move between habitats.
Ms Truelson said it will still be a few weeks before the trail will be ready for visitors.
“The elephants are being allowed some quiet time and the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new home,” she said.
Members and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye on Zoos Victoria’s social media channels for updates about when it will be open to the public.
