Media Releases

Mr Shuffles Named Pathi Harn - Thai for 'Miracle' (25/3/2010)

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Frank Sartor, today announced that Taronga’s new elephant calf will be named Pathi Harn (pronounced ‘par tea harn’).

Still A Long Way To Go For Elephant Calf (12/3/2010)

Taronga Zoo’s infant Asian Elephant had a restful night under the watchful eyes of his mother, Porntip, and Zoo staff who are working round the clock.

Steady As He Goes Overnight (11/3/2010)

Taronga Zoo’s newborn male Asian Elephant calf continued to make progress overnight. His dedicated keepers, who monitored the newborn throughout the night, were delighted that the calf has begun to suckle from his mother, Porntip, unassisted and moving around without help.

Steady Improvement For Taronga Zoos Newborn Elephant (11/3/2010)

Taronga Zoo’s newborn male Asian Elephant calf has continued to make progress overnight, under the watchful eyes of dedicated Taronga Zoo staff.

Unbelieveable Good Fortune For Taronga's Elephant Porntip (10/3/2010)

Despite overwhelming evidence that her first calf had not survived a protracted labour, Taronga’s Asian Elephant Porntip delivered a male calf alive at 3.27 am today.

Full-Time Care For Tarongas New Elephant Calf (10/3/2010)

Taronga Zoo’s young male Asian Elephant calf born at 3.27 am this morning is showing some early encouraging signs including attempting to suckle from its mother, Porntip and meeting other herdmates. The Zoo’s Senior Veterinarian, Dr Larry Vogelnest said: “The calf has already had some contact with the other elephants in the herd, touching trunks with the older females and also the zoo’s first calf, Luk Chai, an eight-month old male.”

Zoo Staff Saddened At Death Of Calf (8/3/2010)

Taronga staff were greatly saddened today when it was confirmed that the Zoo’s expected second Asian Elephant calf has not survived a difficult labour.

Taronga Joins Global Effort For Year Of Biodiversity (1/2/2010)

Wild Regent Honeyeaters, Asian Elephants and Orang-utans are among more than 70 species to be supported by the Taronga Foundation Conservation Field Grants program just announced by the Zoo.

Taronga Congratulates Melbourne Zoo On Elephant Birth (16/1/2010)

Taronga Conservation Society Australia is delighted to congratulate Melbourne Zoo on the successful arrival of Australia’s second Asian Elephant calf overnight.

Luk Chai Learns to Swim for Summer (5/11/2009)

Taronga’s elephant calf, Luk Chai, has decided to get a head start on swimming for summer.

Luk Chai Burst His New Ball (2/11/2009)

Over the weekend we gave Luk Chai another new ball to roll about with. This time we chose a yellow fitness ball filled with air because he loves to squash things with his belly.

Luk Chai the Elephant gets traditional blessing (15/8/2009)

The young Asian Elephant calf, Luk Chai, received blessings for good health and success at Taronga Zoo today.

Premier announces baby elephant's name (27/7/2009)

The first elephant calf born in Australia has been officially named today, with Premier Nathan Rees revealing the young Asian elephant would be called ‘Luk Chai’.

Taronga's New Elephant Weighs In At 96 Kilos (6/7/2009)

Taronga's new male elephant was weighed this morning tipping the scales at 96 kilos.

Calf Takes First Steps Outside Barn (5/7/2009)

Taronga's new male elephant calf today took a short walk with its mother, Thong Dee, and aunt, Tang Mo, in the warm sun at the Zoo's Wild Asia Exhibit.

Taronga Announces Third Elephant Pregnancy (4/5/2009)

Taronga Zoo today announced confirmation of its third elephant pregnancy. Pak Boon fell pregnant naturally to Taronga’s resident Bull elephant, Gung, with the calf due early 2011.

Taronga's Asian Elephant Gung comes of age (3/4/2009)

Taronga's male Asian Elephant Gung moved to his new custom built barn complex yesterday.

Taronga Breeding Successes for Endangered Elephants and Gorillas (28/8/2008)

An infant male Western Lowland Gorilla made his public debut at Taronga today as the Zoo also announced its first-ever artificial insemination (AI) of an Asian Elephant.

Taronga Takes Next Step In Elephant Breeding Program (29/5/2008)

International elephant reproduction specialists have praised Taronga's planning and preparation in the zoo's first attempt at Asian Elephant artificial insemination (AI), Zoo Director and Chief Executive, Guy Cooper, said today.

First Elephant Pregnancy In Australasia (14/2/2008)

Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water Phil Koperberg announced today that a baby elephant is expected to be delivered at Taronga Zoo's Wild Asia in mid 2009 - a first for the Australasian region.

Taronga's Elephants Enjoying Life In Sydney (13/11/2007)

Taronga's 12 month report to the Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEW) has confirmed its five Asian Elephants are happy, healthy and very active.

Buddhist Monks Check Their Blessings At (16/7/2007)

Taronga's wildlife received a special visit on July 9 from five monks from the Sakya Tharpa Ling Tibetan Buddhist Institute and Meditation Centre. Led by the 13 year-old Gyalsay Rinpoche, the monks were visiting the Zoo's Snow Leopards and Asian Elephants which they had previously blessed.