Overview
- Perth Zoo keeper Kaylee Martin said the convoy arrived safe and sound at 5:45am Wednesday after roughly 42.5 hours on the road.
- The overland transfer used a custom-built, insulated crate with reverse-cycle air-conditioning, live video monitoring, snacks and water, and scheduled welfare checks at about a dozen short stops.
- Perth Zoo trained Putra Mas for six months to enter and travel in the crate and assembled four carers, two specialist veterinarians, four drivers and a media representative for the journey.
- The trek across the Nullarbor is believed to be the longest overland trip undertaken by a fully grown bull elephant in recorded history.
- At Monarto, Putra Mas joins Permai, Burma, Pak Boon and Tang Mo to complete the founding herd across four habitats totaling about 14 hectares, as Perth Zoo shifts the former elephant space to expand its African Savannah precinct and resume giraffe breeding.