In November, Taronga Zoo announced the impending departure of its four beloved elephants. This is the close of an era that started over one hundred years ago. Jessie, Juanita, and Tang Mo, the legendary Asian elephants, are headed to retirement. These relocations will give them better social conditions that are health-promoting. This important change is an extension of Taronga’s long history of commitment to the welfare of these highly intelligent, complex social animals.
Jessie’s road to Taronga Zoo started back in September 1916. From there she walked the crowded high streets of Sydney and the lovely Domain gardens before taking a ferry trip across the harbor. Once on the ground, her journey up the zoo’s infamous “zoom hill” began. With much anticipation, she made her way to her new home, the Elephant Temple, which is modeled after an Indian temple. This was the start of a wonderful story at Taronga Zoo.
Juanita, nicknamed Jill, followed in November 1935, coming from Rangoon. They hoisted her onto a ship using a sling. This approach highlights the method used and the focused work that has gone into keeping the safe passage of these amazing animals top of mind.
A New Home for Tang Mo and Pak Boon
The newest animal to write the latest chapter in this transition is Tang Mo, one of our Asian elephants. She will be moving to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia. Tang Mo is not an artist you would call cautious. She and Pak Boon, her canine companion, will travel more than 20 hours in a ventilated, climate-controlled crate on this journey.
Each elephant will be supported by a team of four caregivers focused on meeting their needs during the trip. Safety precautions have been carefully orchestrated, from bungee cords to safety belts that should ensure they remain safe while in transit.
“It basically allows them to brace themselves on the journey, a bit like the handle you have on the bus when standing up,” – Johny Wade
Upon arrival at Monarto Safari Park Tang Mo and Pak Boon will be introduced to a larger herd of elephants. This latest move is an attempt to bolster social ties between elephants. Like elephants, these magnificent creatures flourish in complex social networks.
Cameron Kerr, the CEO of Taronga Zoo, urged other institutions to join this vital transition.
“We’ve always been looking for another big site where we can bring elephants from different groups together to form a new community, because they are very complex social animals,” – Cameron Kerr
The Emotional Impact of Departure
The departure of these elephants is a bittersweet moment for staff and visitors. According to Johny Wade, who has intimately collaborated with Tang Mo and Pak Boon, their move is bittersweet.
“So it is going to be bittersweet; we are going to miss them when they go. But ultimately their welfare and their future is key to what we are doing,” – Johny Wade
Wade went on to elaborate the distinct personalities of the two elephants, contrasting them with one another.
“They are very much chalk and cheese when it comes to personality; one is very food motivated, very stubborn, very strong-willed. The other one is very much about the relationship; she is a bit airy-fairy, soft in nature,” – Johny Wade
The elephants had grown into valued members of the Taronga family, being as loved by the staff as they were by the public. As they get ready to depart, most are engulfed by sadness.
“They are dearly loved by all our teams and so many of our visitors and zoo friends as well, so it’s very sad to see them go,” – Cameron Kerr
Looking Ahead at Monarto Safari Park
At Monarto Safari Park, Tang Mo and Pak Boon will flourish in their new outdoor habitat! This space has intentionally been created to serve their needs. This transformed habitat is not just an improved quality of life for them, but more opportunities to engage socially with other elephants.
The remaining move is critically important to the elephants. It showcases Taronga Zoo’s deep commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
“On the journey we will be checking them regularly, making sure they’re doing well,” – Johny Wade
As Taronga Zoo prepares for this transition, it continues to focus on the wellbeing of its animals while fostering an understanding of their needs within broader conservation efforts.
