Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1022720
ZOO NEWS MEMBER MAGAZINE 12 ANIMAL WELFARE HOW TO MOVE AN ELEPHANT AROUND THE WORLD ONGARD SETTLES IN Ongard the Asian Elephant was moved from Melbourne Zoo to Zoo Miami in May this year. Ongard's unique genetic inheritance from father Bong Su and mother Kulab made him an extremely important breeding bull in North America where he will play a major role in the international breeding program for his endangered species. The team at Melbourne Zoo spent a number of years planning Ongard's safe passage to America. In the lead up to the mammoth move, a team of experts worked together to make sure Ongard's journey went smoothly. This included organising international permits, speciality crates, heavy haulage trucks, a ticket on a converted cargo plane, liaising with Zoo Miami staff while they upgraded their facilities in preparation for Ongard's arrival and training Ongard to get used to his crate. A group of excited staff and Keepers greeted Ongard in the middle of the night at Zoo Miami before he walked into his new home which had recently undergone a $200K renovation in anticipation of his arrival. Moving a three-tonne elephant around the world is no easy task but the team at Melbourne Zoo were well prepared for the logistical feat which took place in Maythis year. After passing his initial veterinary examination, Ongard was quarantined for three days before being introduced to his brand new exhibit. His Keepers from Melbourne Zoo travelled with him from Australia to introduce Ongard to the Zoo Miami team and help make sure the transition was smooth over those first few weeks. Zoo Miami was chosen as Ongard's home because of their commitment to caring for elephants as well as their warm climate that is well-suited to Asian Elephants. According to Ongard's Keepers, he has adjusted very well and seems to really like the Florida climate! Part of his transition included learning a new language! While the Keepers at Melbourne Zoo use Thai commands, the staff at Zoo Miami use English cues which Ongard quickly learnt. He is now getting all his commands in English and is managing everything from trunk washes to lying down for health checks. And while he sometimes tries to cheat a bit on his stretches, it seems to just be a classic attempt at seeing how much an adolescent can get away with bending the rules!