2025 has proven to be the year of the elephant at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Young Roi-Yim is the latest animal causing a buzz at the zoo, as he starts to sprout tusks, marking the start of his journey to adulthood.
The three-year-old Asian elephant made the celebrated move from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee earlier this year with his mother, two sisters and rest of his herd.
Having been described as shy and close to his mother, he is now beginning to transition into the solitary life of bull elephants and spend more time with his father Luk Chai.
Elephant Trail keeper Andrea Smith said it’s an exciting time in Roi-Yim’s development.
“He’s getting some nice length on his tusks now. He’s starting to use them during play sessions with his sisters, and he’s also starting to use them to push his 4500kg dad around too,” Ms Smith said.
Elephant tusks are made of ivory and begin growing shortly after birth, but they are initially very small and not immediately visible.
They grow continuously throughout an elephant’s life, but daily use keeps them at just the right size.
They also have many interesting purposes – to dig for water and feed, for protection, to shift large objects, for sparring and to signal strength and maturity to other elephants.
Ms Smith said the father-son relationship is blossoming.
“We’ve seen some really beautiful moments between Roi and his dad including touching trunks, playing in the mud together and feeding side by side.
“Luk Chai is a wonderful father. Patient, playful and gentle, even when Roi-Yim insists on staying right by his side.“
More about the Elephant Trail and Zoos Victoria’s work: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/habitats/the-elephant-trail/
