Table of Contents
- 35-year-old bull Putra Mass arrives after a 2,700-kilometre convoy
- Why the move mattered
- Key facts at a glance
- What happens next
35-year-old bull Putra Mass arrives after a 2,700-kilometre convoy
The newest member of the herd has arrived: an Asian elephant has completed a landmark move from Perth to South Australia's Monarto Safari Park. The elephant completes Nullarbor journey to Monarto after a 2,700-kilometre trip, and the 35-year-old bull is preparing to join four females at the safari park for the Australian summer.
The convoy rolled in just after 8am, bringing Putra Mass — described in footage as around 4.7 tonnes — after a roughly 30-hour journey across the Nullarbor. He travelled in a specially designed crate, escorted by keepers and a support team to ensure his comfort and safety along the route.
Park staff and the travelling team crained the crate off the trailer and into the elephant's new enclosure. The crate itself weighed more than five tonnes and had been the focus of months of preparation; Putra Mass underwent extensive crate training in Perth to make the transfer as smooth as possible.
After being unloaded, the bull was given time to rest and stretch his trunk following many hours on the road. During the journey he was kept comfortable with familiar foods including bananas, pears and raisin toast, and handlers reported no major issues thanks to the careful planning.
His arrival completes the herd at Monarto Safari Park. Putra Mass will be the only adult bull among five Asian elephants and is expected to reunite with Permai, a female he previously shared time with at Perth Zoo. The other females — Burma, Pakbun and Tangmo — have arrived recently from Auckland Zoo and Taronga Zoo and have been acclimatising to the park.
Why the move mattered
The relocation was years in the making and formed part of coordinated transfers between Australian and New Zealand institutions. Ensuring social compatibility, animal welfare and minimal travel stress were central to the plan. Months of crate training and a specialist transport plan reduced the risk of complications during the 2,700-kilometre crossing.
Keepers from both Perth and Adelaide accompanied Putra Mass to monitor his health and behaviour en route. Once settled, he will receive ongoing care from Monarto keepers and the travelling team who know him well.
Key facts at a glance
- Name: Putra Mass (35 years old)
- Distance travelled: 2,700 kilometres across the Nullarbor
- Duration: About 30 hours in transit
- Weight: Approximately 4.7 tonnes; crate over five tonnes
- New herd: Will join Permai, Burma, Pakbun and Tangmo at Monarto Safari Park
- Preparation: Months of crate training and careful planning
What happens next
In the coming days keepers will closely monitor Putra Mass as he meets the females and explores his enclosure. Park staff expect a period of careful introductions so herd dynamics can form naturally. Visitors can look forward to seeing the expanded Asian elephant group at Monarto as the animals settle in for summer.
Who is Putra Mass?
Putra Mass is a 35-year-old male Asian elephant who was transported from Perth to Monarto Safari Park to become the only bull among a herd of five Asian elephants.
How far did the elephant travel?
He travelled about 2,700 kilometres across the Nullarbor, a journey that took roughly 30 hours in a specially designed crate.
Why was crate training necessary?
Months of crate training helped ensure Putra Mass was comfortable entering and travelling in the transport crate, reducing stress and minimising the risk of complications during the long road trip.
Which elephants will he meet at Monarto?
He will reunite with Permai from Perth Zoo and meet Burma (from Auckland Zoo), and Pakbun and Tangmo (from Taronga Zoo), completing the herd at Monarto Safari Park.
What did the elephant eat during the trip?
Handlers provided familiar foods such as bananas, pears and raisin toast to keep him comfortable and fed during the journey.
“You can only imagine he'll be having the royal treatment from keepers here in Adelaide as well as those who've travelled with him from Perth on this huge journey.”
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Elephant completes epic Nullarbor journey to new home | 7NEWS
