Elephant Permai crosses border into South Australian from Perth Zoo on way to Monarto Safari Park

It’s official! Much-loved elephant Permai has left WA.

She left Perth Zoo on Monday and crossed the border into South Australia just after 10.15am on Tuesday.

It marks roughly the halfway point on her journey across the country to her new home at Monarto Safari Park near Adelaide.

Permai is being accompanied by a team of keepers and veterinarians on her 2700km journey.

They have stopped along the way for snacks and breaks, with Permai eating bread, watermelon and leaves from inside her specially made air-conditioned crate that keeps the temperature at 21C.

Vision released by the zoo shows a late-night pit stop at a Vibe petrol station, with Permai being offered peanut butter sandwiches.

While on the road, keepers are monitoring the 35-year-old pachyderm via webcam.

Permai’s departure from Perth Zoo was emotional for staff who had built a long connection with her.

Her move, and that of bull Putra Mas, was decided after the death of matriarch Tricia in 2022.

On arrival at Monarto, Permai will have the company of other elephants in a habitat the size of the entirety of the South Perth-based zoo.

Keeper Jody Polson, who is moving to SA along with Permai to assist in the transition, penned a farewell note to Perth saying that while the relocation of the elephants was the end of an era for the zoo, it was the right move for the animals.

“For the past two years, without the company of another female elephant, Permai has been quiet,” she said.

“I cannot wait to hear her find her voice again when she meets her new herd mates at Monarto Safari Park.

“Many people in Western Australia are sad that the elephants are leaving our zoo. I am too.

“We made this decision because zoos and animal welfare are ever-evolving, and while we cannot change the past, we can always plan for a better future.”

Putra Mas is set to join Permai at the safari park later in 2025.