For the first time since opening in 1886, Taronga Zoo no longer has elephants in its care.
Today, Asian elephants Tang Mo and Pak Boon were transported from the Mosman site to South Australia’s Monarto Safari Park.
The move aims to meet their social needs by allowing them to join a new herd.
In preparation, the elephants had undergone training over several months to get accustomed to the 22-hour truck journey.
Both elephants calmly walked into their crates and had their safety harnesses secured as part of their familiar routine.
The crates were lifted onto semi-trailers by crane and driven through Military Road, catching the attention of amused onlookers.
At Monarto Safari Park, they will be joined by elephants from Perth and Auckland to form a new social herd.
Taronga Zoo’s senior elephant keeper Ian Gleichman said the relocation will help them express natural social behaviours.
Monarto elephant keeper Tess Stevens expressed excitement about welcoming the pair and learning their personalities.
