Perth Zoo's Elephant Move Delayed Due to Integration of Female Elephants

Perth Zoo's last elephant, Putra Mas, will not be moving to South Australia's Monarto Safari Park as planned due to delayed works on the habitat and the introduction of four female elephants. The move is now expected to happen later in the year. Additionally, Perth Zoo has cancelled its plans to acquire two southern white rhinos due to health concerns over the incoming pair.

Perth Zoo has announced that the relocation of its last elephant, male Putra Mas, to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia has been delayed. The move, initially scheduled for June or July, is now expected to take place later in the year. The delay is primarily due to the ongoing integration of four female elephants at Monarto and delayed works on the habitat required for Putra Mas's arrival [1].

The zoo's Acting Director of Life Sciences, John Lemon, stated that while the female elephants are still undergoing fence-line contact and attempts to form a working herd, the process is not expected to significantly delay Putra Mas's move. The male elephant has been well-prepared for the journey, with his bespoke crate already completed [1].

Additionally, Perth Zoo has canceled its plans to acquire two southern white rhinos due to health concerns over the incoming pair. The female rhinos are no longer suitable for road or flight transport and will remain at Werribee's Open Range Zoo. The zoo's focus will now shift towards redeveloping the African Savanna exhibit, with the $30-million upgrade still on track [1].

The zoo has been actively involved in conservation efforts and has recently completed the construction of a new gibbon enclosure. Despite the setbacks, Perth Zoo remains committed to its ongoing projects and will continue to explore breeding options for its rhinos [1].

References:
[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-28/perth-elephant-departure-delay/105564266