The three elephants would become the “founders” of a herd in South Australia where they would roam a to-be-built habitat at Monarto.

Named Burma, Permai and Putra Mas, the three Asian elephants currently live at zoos in Auckland and Perth.

Should the fundraiser be successful, it would be Zoos SA’s largest-ever campaign, and would enable the organisation to build a suitable facility and bring the elephants to Monarto.

Permai currently lives at Perth Zoo and is described as ‘cheeky and mischievous’. Photo: Zoos SA.

Zoos SA chief executive Elaine Bensted said the organisation needed the public’s support to bring the elephant trio to South Australia.

“While many believe that we are Government-run, we are not. We are a private conservation charity and so to make this happen we need to fundraise and we are hoping that the local and wider community will get behind us and the gorgeous elephants,” she said.

“Not only is it a huge amount to raise there’s also limited time with an imminent deadline as ultimately these elephants need new homes whether it’s with us or elsewhere.”

She said the space at Monarto was 14 hectares in size – equal approximately nine Adelaide Ovals – and that other elephants would join the herd once the initial three were settled.

According to Zoos SA, there are about 52,000 Asian elephants left in the wild with the population dropping by 50 per cent over the last three generations. The trio potentially joining Monarto would be ‘ambassador animals’ and part of a project to help bring awareness to the endangered species.

Permai – a female elephant aged 33 – and ‘bull’ elephant Putra Mas (also 33) would travel from Perth to Monarto, while female Burma is 40 years old and is currently at Auckland Zoo.

As many as five elephants or more could eventually make the Monarto plains their home.

Zoos SA hopes to raise $2,025,000 to make the project happen. Just this morning, $35,907 has already been raised from 35 backers.

“As a conservation charity, we want to work with fellow accredited zoos to provide the best home for the elephants where they can live with other animals as part of a herd structure,” Bensted said.

“The prospect of having elephants at Monarto Safari Park is not only exciting, it’s the right thing to do for these elephants.

Perth Zoo acting executive director Claire Wright said today was a “mammoth day in history for Asian Elephant conservation”.

Burma currently lives at Auckland Zoo and is described as ‘playful and a gentle giant’. Photo: Zoos SA.

“We know the Western Australian community cares deeply about Permai and Putra Mas, and we are ecstatic to have found the perfect forever home for them,” Wright said.

“While the staff at Perth Zoo have always provided exemplary love and care to the two elephants, we have been very open that the pair’s social needs come first.

“Perth Zoo’s animal experts have been meticulously exploring all options for both elephants, and we are thrilled that Zoos SA is keen to create a third regional herd.”

Zoos SA’s fundraising plans will include a fun run and World Elephant Day celebrations, as well as seeking support from local businesses and partners.

The ‘Help us home Elephants’ fundraising campaign kicks off today and will run through September and October. All donors can go to: elephants.monartosafari.com.au.

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