Australia's captive elephants are being relocated from city zoos to much larger open range safari parks, such as Monarto Safari Park and Werribee Open Range Zoo, to provide them with more space, social interaction, and stimulating environments. This move is seen as a significant step for elephant welfare, though some animal welfare organizations still advocate against keeping elephants in captivity at all.
‘Life that they deserve’: why Australia’s elephants are moving out of city zoos
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Australia's captive elephants are being relocated from city zoos to much larger open range safari parks, such as Monarto Safari Park and Werribee Open Range Zoo, to provide them with more space, social interaction, and stimulating environments. This move is seen as a significant step for elephant welfare, though some animal welfare organizations still advocate against keeping elephants in captivity at all.
Trending- 1 Tricia died (unspecified date, but before Permai's move).
- 2 Earlier this year (2025): Permai moved from Perth Zoo to Monarto Safari Park.
- 3 April 2025: Two female elephants from Taronga Zoo Sydney arrived at Monarto.
- 4 February 2025: Melbourne Zoo's herd transported to Werribee Open Range Zoo.
- 5 Later this year (2025): Perth's male elephant, Putra Mas, will arrive at Monarto.
- Improved welfare for captive elephants (more space, social interaction, natural behaviors)
- Ongoing debate about elephant captivity
- Potential for better breeding outcomes
- Challenges in introducing unrelated elephants
What: Relocation of elephants from city zoos to larger open range safari parks across Australia.
When: Earlier this year (2025); long-term plans coming to fruition.
Where: Australia (Perth Zoo, Monarto Safari Park in regional South Australia, Taronga Zoo Sydney, Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Sydney Zoo), Auckland, New Zealand.
Why: To improve elephant welfare by providing larger habitats, opportunities for social contact with other elephants (especially females in herds), and more stimulating environments that mimic natural behaviors.
How: Elephants are being transported across states and countries to join new or existing herds in vast open range facilities, with careful introduction processes and continued keeper support.