9 elephants trumpet happiness after move to new home

• Zookeepers relocated nine Asian elephants from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo in Australia, improving their living conditions. The move was necessary because the growing herd outgrew its enclosure.
• The relocation process involved meticulous planning, specialized transport crates and a police escort to ensure the elephants’ safety and well-being.
• The new 52-acre habitat features swimming pools, mud wallows and communal barns, promoting natural herd interactions and enhancing the elephants’ quality of life.

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Zookeepers relocated nine Asian elephants from Melbourne Zoo to the Werribee Open Range Zoo in Australia, marking a major effort to improve their living conditions. The move, which took nearly two years of planning, was necessary because the growing herd had outgrown its enclosure at Melbourne Zoo.

The new habitat, located 25 miles southwest of Melbourne, is ten times larger than the elephants’ previous space and designed to replicate their natural environment. To ensure their safety and well-being, the relocation was completed in three phases over five days.

How did the relocation process work?

Moving a herd of elephants required meticulous coordination. The process involved:

• Specialized air-conditioned transport crates equipped to maintain a stable environment for the animals.
• Mild sedatives for anxious members of the herd to reduce stress during transport.
• Secure restraints to prevent movement-related injuries during the 40-minute journey.
• A police escort and synchronized traffic signals to minimize delays and ensure a smooth ride.

It took three convoys to transport the elephants:

• The adult male traveled alone on Feb. 6.
• Additional members, including a mother-calf pair and an aunt, moved on Feb. 8.
• The remaining herd, including two mothers with their calves and the herd’s matriarch, completed the journey on Feb. 10.

How did the elephants react to their new home?

Upon arrival, the elephants were initially cautious but quickly adapted to their surroundings. Keepers noted signs of excitement and comfort, including:

• Trumpeting and vocalizations, such as squeaks and rumbles.
• Trunk touches and ear flapping, gestures that indicate social bonding.
• Calves playing together within hours of reuniting.

“Within the first night, the entire herd was sleeping together, which is an excellent sign of them feeling comfortable and safe,” said Erin Gardner, an elephant keeper at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

What makes their new enclosure different?

The $55 million facility spans 52 acres and features:

• Two swimming pools, each 11 feet deep, providing enrichment and cooling.
• Mud wallows, allowing elephants to engage in their natural skin-care behaviors.
• Specially designed barns with a communal sand-filled sleeping area to promote natural herd interactions.

What’s next for the herd?

The elephants will gradually adjust to their new environment before the exhibit opens to the public. Keepers will closely monitor their behavior and health during this transition.

With their spacious new home, experts believe the move will enhance the herd’s well-being, social structure and overall quality of life for years to come.