By Jaidyn Kennedy
The first of nine Asian elephants have made the journey from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo’s new purpose-built habitat.
Luk Chai, a 15-year-old bull who weighs four tonnes, was the first of the herd to make the move on Thursday, February 6.
With a $88 million price tag, the 21-hectrate sanctuary is equipped with dense vegetation, mud wallows and interconnected waterholes for swimming and socialising, making it a more naturalistic environment.
Weighing a combined 23 tonnes, or the equivalent of one humpback whale, the herd will make the 40-kilometre journey in custom-built, air-conditioned travel crates, specially designed to ensure the comfort of all, including three mother-calf pairs.
Werribee zoo director Mark Pilgrim said the community at the zoo is excited.
“Werribee Open Range Zoo is thrilled to welcome the entire elephant herd to their new home,” he said.
“This move represents a ground-breaking moment for us, and we cannot wait to see these magnificent animals thrive in their expansive new habitat.”
The zoo’s expansion will be designed to enhance the experience of visitors while simultaneously prioritising animal welfare.
Guests will be able to observe the elephants in their habitat from a variety of vantage points, including a boardwalk and viewing platforms that provide a more intimate look into the herd’s daily activities.
Five years in the making, elephant keepers have spent months preparing the herd, ensuring every member feels at ease with their travel arrangements.
The logistics behind the operation were a collective effort that involved a 21-person keeper team, logistics experts with cranes and trucks, veterinarians from both zoos, the Department of Transport, and Victoria Police.
Trail of the Elephants life sciences manager Erin Gardiner called the process inspiring.
“This move is the culmination of years of planning and dedication. Watching the elephants become comfortable with their crates and seeing how well they’ve adapted to the process has been inspiring,” she said.
