Date Set to Pack the Trunks: Farewell to Taronga Zoo Sydney's Asian Elephants

Tang Mo and Pak Boon

A chapter of Taronga Zoo Sydney’s rich history is coming to a close as the zoo prepares to bid farewell to its beloved Asian Elephants, Tang Mo and Pak Boon, in late March 2025. This monumental move marks the end of the zoo’s Asian Elephant era while paving the way for an exciting new mixed-species habitat featuring the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and Water Buffalo.

A Historic Decision Rooted in Welfare

0The decision to relocate Tang Mo and Pak Boon follows the zoo's April 2024 announcement to transfer its Asian Elephants to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia. The move aims to create a larger social herd by uniting the elephants with three others from Auckland Zoo and Perth Zoo. Once the new herd settles, bull elephant Putra Mas, currently at Perth Zoo, will join after completing his seasonal musth (a hormonal phase).

"Combining the elephants in a spacious environment at Monarto Safari Park ensures they thrive socially and physically, aligning with best practices in animal welfare," shared Taronga Zoo representatives.

A Mammoth Moving Task

Transporting these majestic creatures is no small feat. Tang Mo and Pak Boon are undergoing daily training sessions to acclimate them to the journey. These sessions allow the elephants to voluntarily enter and exit their transport crates, explore their new safety measures, and build trust with their keepers.

Mandy Everett, Taronga Zoo's Exotics Manager, explained the process:

“The goal is to ensure Tang Mo and Pak Boon feel comfortable and safe throughout their journey. They’re trained to use safety leg bands, which act like seatbelts, helping them stay secure during transport.”

Visitors may catch a glimpse of these training sessions, which simulate various scenarios to prepare the elephants for braking, turning, and accelerating during their journey.

A Chance to Say Goodbye

As the departure date approaches, Taronga Zoo will offer the community an opportunity to bid farewell to these gentle giants and recognize the dedicated keepers who have cared for them for nearly two decades. From public viewing sessions to celebratory events, there will be plenty of ways for guests to honor Tang Mo and Pak Boon’s legacy.

What’s Next for Taronga Zoo?

Following the elephants' departure, Taronga Zoo Sydney will begin construction on a new mixed-species habitat, bringing together the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and Water Buffalo. This innovative exhibit promises to showcase the zoo’s ongoing dedication to wildlife conservation and education.

Fans of Asian Elephants can still experience Taronga’s commitment to the species at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, where a multi-generational breeding herd thrives. Excitingly, a new calf is expected to join the herd in late 2025.

Plan Your Visit

Don’t miss your chance to see Tang Mo and Pak Boon before their farewell and witness the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure their safe transition. Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney for a final glimpse of these incredible elephants and celebrate their journey to a brighter future.

• Location: Taronga Zoo Sydney
• Farewell Date: Late March 2025
• For More Information: Visit www.taronga.org.au

Let Taronga Zoo Sydney's farewell to Tang Mo and Pak Boon inspire your next visit to this iconic harborside attraction.