Taronga Zoo Sydney celebrates Asian Elephants with traditional Thai Ceremony

Taronga Zoo Sydney recently celebrated their Asian Elephants, Pak Boon and Tang Mo, with a traditional blessing and ritual ceremony ahead of their upcoming move to South Australia.

As a symbol of wisdom, strength, and good fortune, elephants hold a revered place in Thai culture and Buddhism. Traditional Buddhist blessings, often performed before significant journeys or life transitions, are believed to bring protection, harmony, and good fortune.

Led by Buddhist monk Phra Phrom Muni, Abbot of Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahawihan, and Member of the Supreme Sangha Council, a group of nine monks were invited to offer a traditional blessing, followed by a ritual water sprinkling ceremony for well-being and safe travels.

Staff, volunteers and guests of Taronga and the Thai community, alongside the Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban and the Consul General of Thailand in Sydney, Hataya Khusakul, were present to observe the special blessing ceremony, followed by a traditional Thai meal offering.

Given the deep cultural and spiritual significance of elephants in Thai heritage, Taronga has long recognised the importance of involving the Thai community in key milestones for these magnificent animals.

Nick Boyle, Executive Director Taronga Zoo Sydney noted “The Thai Consulate, Thai community and Buddhist monks have been cherished members of Taronga’s community for close to two decades.

“The establishment of the Asian Elephant regional breeding program in 2006 was a major conservation milestone and has seen great success across Australasia with the program continuing to foster public connections, increase awareness, and contribute to ongoing research and action to protect wild populations.”

Her Excellency Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia added "On behalf of the Thai community in Australia, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Taronga Zoo for the exceptional care and thoughtfully designed habitat provided for the Thai elephants over the years.”

Elephants have been at the heart of Taronga Zoo Sydney since its opening in 1916. In April 2024, the Zoo announced the decision to move its two Asian Elephants to establish a new social herd, bringing together individual elephants from across Australasia. Taronga Western Plains Zoo remains a key player in the regional breeding program, with a thriving multi-generational herd of seven individuals and an expected birth in late 2025.

Tang Mo and Pak Boon are set to move from Taronga Zoo Sydney to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia in the coming weeks. Moving an elephant is no small feat and is influenced by many factors such as herd dynamics, health or weather.

Following the elephants’ departure, work will begin to modify the current elephant habitat to welcome its new residents - Hari, the Greater One-Horned Rhino from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and a group of Water Buffalo, in a mixed species habitat.

Images. Credit: Taronga Zoo