We love getting behind projects that make a real difference in our community — especially when they’re as BIG and wild as this one!
Monarto Safari Park, the largest open-range safari experience outside Africa, has just welcomed two incredible new residents – Asian elephants Burma and Permai. These magnificent creatures now call a sprawling 1,500-hectare home their own, joining over 500 other animals, including one of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds.
As a private conservation charity run by Zoos South Australia, Monarto Safari Park is on a mission to protect endangered species, and we’re proud to support their work. Thanks to their world-class conservation efforts- and the backing of dedicated partners — Burma and Permai now have the space to roam freely and live as naturally as possible.
Creating a habitat that meets their social and physical needs has been a huge team effort, with vital infrastructure helping to lay the foundation (literally!) for a bright future where the elephants can connect as part of a social herd.
“Burma arrived in November, and Permai joined us just
recently in February,” says Tim Jenkins, General Manager of Monarto Safari Park. “We’re incredibly excited about what this means for the park and our conservation efforts. Our partnership with Ramsey Bros has been a key part of this project.”
Our partnership with Monarto Safari Park is more than just supplying machinery — it’s about helping keep this incredible place running smoothly. With essential equipment like the Case IH Maxxum Tractor (affectionately known as Digby), we’re proud to support everything from land management to construction, making sure the park’s vital conservation work can continue without a hitch.
“The support they’ve provided, especially in terms of machinery, and having technical assistance on hand, has been fantastic. The savings from having this kind of support mean we can redirect funds into other important areas, like animal care and conservation,” Tim explains. “The benefits are really far-reaching.
Making a home
Monarto Safari Park’s elephant habitat stretches across a massive 12 hectares, giving these gentle giants plenty of room to roam. But it’s not just about space — it’s about creating an environment that meets their social and physical needs, allowing them to interact and flourish together.
Burma and Permai are the first arrivals, but they won’t b alone for long. Over the coming months, they’ll be joined by other elephants from around Australia, forming a cohesive herd. “We are creating an environment where these elephants can thrive,” Tim says. “It’s not just about building a habitat, it’s about building a home for them.”
Andrew Coers, Monarto Safari Park’s Elephant Manager, has known Burma for over 25 years, having worked with her at Auckland Zoo in New Zealand. He and his team made the move with her to ensure a smooth transition and are deeply passionate about giving these animals the best possible care. “It’s a big challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” he says.
Andrew and his team were instrumental in Burma’s relocation to Monarto Safari Park and are now working on integrating her with the other elephants. “Bringing these animals together, especially adult elephants, takes time,” Andrew explains. “They’re creatures of habit, and every one of them has their own unique personality. That’s where we come in — helping them form bonds, creating an environment that feels safe and comfortable for them.”
Burma, a 42-year-old female elephant, was the first to arrive at Monarto Safari Park to complete international quarantine before the rest of the herd joins her.
She was the perfect choice, as the Auckland team has worked closely with her for years and knows her well.
“Burma still thinks she’s a young elephant most of the time, but she injured her hip many years ago in Auckland, and we don’t want that to flare up again, so we need to watch her when introducing her to the other elephants,” Andrew says.
Permai, on the other hand, is known for her cheeky personality and loves being the centre of attention. “She’s always up to something and can be a bit of a rascal, but she’s also incredibly loyal. She loves companionship, and you’ll often find her helping out with tree pruning or getting involved with the horticulture team, even if they don’t ask for it!”
The design of the elephant habitat reflects the needs of these remarkable animals. “The elephants love to swim, roll in the dust, forage, graze, and explore. We’ve made sure to include features like water holes, dirt mounds, and tree snags for them to scratch against,” says
Andrew. “We’re creating a habitat that allows them to express their natural behaviours.”
Over the next few months, the park will welcome Pak Boon and Tang Mo from Taronga Zoo Sydney, along with male elephant Putra Mas from Perth Zoo. Together, they’ll form the foundation of South Australia’s very own elephant herd — one of the largest in the region. And with all the changes underway to make sure their new home is just right, Digby will certainly have his work cut out for him! “We’re thrilled to see this herd come together,” Tim says. “Each elephant brings something unique to the group, and we’re working hard to make sure they all have the space they need to thrive.”
A new chapter for conservation
The arrival of the elephants at Monarto Safari Park is part of a broader vision for wildlife conservation in South Australia. “We’re not just focused on animal welfare; we’re also looking at how we can educate the public and support global conservation efforts,” Tim says. “By partnering with organisations like Ramsey Bros, we’re able to invest more into these important initiatives.”
Visitors to the park are already able to see Burma in her new habitat, and soon Permai will be joining her. “Our visitors are so excited to see these incredible animals, and we’re eager to share the progress with them,” Andrew says. “The elephants are starting to explore their new home, and we’re looking forward to seeing them interact more with each other.”
As construction continues, the elephant habitat will only get better. “We’ve got so much more planned for this area,” Andrew says. “The elephants are still getting used to the space, but soon they’ll have even more areas to roam, and we’ll have better facilities for them to interact with their visitors.”
Monarto Safari Park’s elephant journey is just getting started, and there’s plenty to be excited about as the herd grows. The zoo’s team is doing an incredible job, and we’re proud to play a small part in this big, beautiful mission.
