Perth Zoo’s last elephant Putras Mas almost ready to pack his trunk and head to South Australia

There are just a few weeks left until Perth Zoo’s lone elephant packs his luggage.

Putras Mas is about to embark on a cross-country journey to join a herd of gentle giants at Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.

A huge effort was made to transport him from Perth Zoo using a custom-made crate.

Perth Zoo’s John Lemon said Putras Mas was “ready to go”.

“We just need to look at the weather and monitor that and make sure everything is perfect for the move,” he said.

“He will join a herd of four other gentle giants, including Perth Zoo’s last female elephant, Permai.”

He left in January, but as he settled in, things were not going well due to fights between elephants.

But Permai is starting to feel at home now.

“He needs to work with new goalies and he feels pretty comfortable with that, so he’s moving forward,” Mr. Lemon said.

Putras Mas trains daily with Perth Zoo keepers to prepare for the massive 2,700-kilometre journey.

The team aims to take action in early November.

“It was a very bittersweet moment,” Mr. Lemon said.

“Some of the staff have been working with elephants here for almost three decades, so it’s a big change in their lives, but they know we’re doing the right thing with the elephants and it’s all about welfare.”

This will be a giant farewell for the elephant who brought smiles to the faces of everyone lucky enough to meet him.