Elephants sometimes cause stampedes — but a jumbo-sized new arrival in Australia might well have the opposite effect on peak-hour traffic along several Adelaide roads and a major highway. Incoming Asian elephant, Burma, is expected to touch down at Adelaide Airport on Tuesday after making the trans-Tasman journey from Auckland Zoo.
Burma is one of five pachyderms that are expected to form a herd at South Australia's Monarto Safari Park by the end of next year — and, according to Zoos SA, her "trunk" has well and truly been "packed" for the trip ahead. SA Police has teamed up with Zoos SA to provide a special police escort for the truck that will transport the 42-year-old elephant to her new home near Murray Bridge.
"Our officers will be escorting the heavy vehicle transporting Burma from the airport, through the metropolitan area," police said.
"The truck will be travelling at a lower speed limit, especially as it will be peak-hour traffic on Glen Osmond Road."
Burma will make the trek to Monarto on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The motorcade will set off from Adelaide Airport about 5pm, before making its way onto the South Eastern Freeway.
"The tunnels will be reduced to one lane to accommodate the truck whilst moving through, so expect some delays," police said.
While the journey might be one that Burma and her adoring public will never forget, police have advised drivers to plan their travel in advance to ensure the elephant's journey is "smooth and safe".
Police have said the route will include the following roads:
- Glen Osmond Road
- Unley Road
- South Road
- Cross Road
- Anzac Highway
- South Eastern Freeway
- Monarto Road
Once Burma arrives at her new "forever home" at Monarto — where construction is underway on an elephant habitat that includes a range of vegetation, several waterholes and a barn — she will begin a 30-day quarantine period.
"As is a standard requirement for all international zoo-to-zoo animal transfers, Burma will be in quarantine at Monarto Safari Park for her first month where she'll have the support, familiar company and expert care of her elephant keepers who are making the trip with her from Auckland," a Monarto spokesperson said.
"Everyone involved in Burma's transfer has a job to do, and we need to remain focused on doing that and getting Burma to her new home, safe and sound and as quickly as possible."
According to Zoos SA, Burma was born in Myanmar in 1982 and, after spending time at a logging camp, arrived at Auckland Zoo eight years later.
Auckland Zoo said the 3.5-tonne elephant had recently been practicing getting in and out of her transport crate, which is 3 metres high, 4 metres long and just under 2 metres wide.
Burma's arrival will come just days ahead of the departure of Adelaide Zoo's two giant pandas. Wang Wang and Fu Ni are expected to return to China next week.
Preparations for Burma's Arrival
Zoos SA has been preparing for Burma's arrival for many months. The organization has built a new elephant habitat at Monarto Safari Park. The habitat includes a range of vegetation, several waterholes, and a barn. The new habitat will provide Burma with a spacious and stimulating environment in which to live.
Crate Training and Quarantine
Burma was crate-trained at Auckland Zoo in preparation for her move to Monarto. Crate training is a process that helps elephants to become accustomed to being transported in a crate. The process involves gradually introducing the elephant to the crate and rewarding them for positive behaviors.
Once Burma arrives at Monarto, she will be placed in quarantine for 30 days. This is a standard requirement for all international zoo-to-zoo animal transfers. During quarantine, Burma will be monitored by veterinarians and keepers to ensure that she is healthy and adjusting well to her new environment.
The Importance of Burma's Arrival
Burma's arrival is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it marks the beginning of the establishment of a new Asian elephant herd at Monarto Safari Park. This herd will play an important role in conservation efforts for the species.
Secondly, Burma's arrival is a sign of the growing importance of conservation in Australia. Zoos SA is committed to connecting people with nature and saving species from extinction. Burma's arrival is a testament to the organization's commitment to these goals.
Burma's Journey to a New Home
Burma's journey to Monarto will be a long and tiring one. But it will also be an exciting and important journey for her. She will be leaving behind her familiar surroundings at Auckland Zoo to start a new chapter in her life at Monarto.
The journey will take Burma through some of Australia's most beautiful scenery. She will travel through the Adelaide Hills and the Murray River region before arriving at her new home at Monarto. It will also require the cooperation of many different people, including police officers, zookeepers, and veterinarians.
Burma's arrival is a testament to the power of collaboration. It is a reminder that even the most challenging journeys can be successful with the right kind of teamwork.
A New Beginning for Burma
Monarto Safari Park is a great place for Burma to start her new life. It is a large and spacious park that provides a stimulating environment for animals. Burma will have plenty of space to roam and explore her new surroundings. She will also have the opportunity to interact with other elephants. The park will help her to feel at home in her new environment.
Burma's arrival at Monarto Safari Park is a major milestone for conservation in Australia. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and a reminder of the importance of connecting people with nature. We wish Burma all the best in her new home.
