Auckland Zoo's elephant Anjalee arrives safely at Australia's Taronga Zoo

Wednesday, 9 March 2022

Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley explains the elephants will be moved overseas after all options were exhausted to develop a herd at the zoo. (First published in November 2020)

Auckland Zoo's elephant Anjalee has arrived safe and sound at her new home at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia.

Anjalee travelled via plane, in a purpose-built crate, to her new home and had Auckland Zoo’s senior elephant keepers and veterinary staff to keep her company.

Anjalee’s trip was delayed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic after the trans-Tasman bubble was suspended, but she was able to finally make the move now travel restrictions have eased.

Zoo staff were full of praise and admiration at how well Anjalee handled the trip across the ditch.

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Anjalee and her keeper at Auckland Zoo before her trip.

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The purpose-built crate for Anjalee ensured a safe comfortable trip.

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Anjalee getting loaded into the plane for her trip to her new home in Australia

Auckland Zoo said staff were able to keep a constant check on Anjalee during the flight and were able to keep her fed with sugar cane, hay and a special treat of bananas – some of her favourite foods.

Anjalee now faces a 30-day quarantine period, during which her keepers will stay with her, before she meets her new family.

Once quarantine is completed Auckland Zoo’s staff will work alongside Taronga Western Plains Zoo staff to help introduce Anjalee to her new elephant family.

Auckland Zoo will be sharing updates over the coming weeks on Anjalee’s progress.

The zoo announced its decision to rehome its elephants in November 2020, saying the decision had been made to give them the “family herd” they need for their long-term wellbeing.

Anjalee, 14, needs to get pregnant soon to avoid any long-term reproductive health issues female elephants can face if they do not breed.

The zoo’s other elephant Burma is also expected to make her trip to her new home at Australia Zoo soon.

Burma will be leaving in late April and Auckland Zoo said there was still plenty of time to visit her.

Burma’s departure means there will be no more elephants in New Zealand.