In one of the biggest moves in Australia’s elephant history, Linfox was trusted for our expertise to carefully and safely relocate nine Asian elephants from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Linfox transported the elephants over five days, with three separate moves to successfully relocate them.
It was a relationship between Paula Fox AO and Zoos Victoria that led to Linfox’s involvement in the special journey.
Mick Best, Linfox Fleet Manager – Special Projects, who has been with Linfox since 1992, was one of the drivers for the delicate move leading the on-road convoy.
“Mick’s experience in transporting large animals including the delivery of Amani the giraffe in 2004, and the first big elephant move in 2006, was instrumental in the success of this operation,” said Linfox President Fleet and Procurement, Ray Gamble.
The two-year journey with comfort and safety front of mind
The 40-kilometre journey to their new home was more than two years in the making. Linfox repurposed seven 20-foot containers to construct specially designed and fabricated crates for the elephants to travel in.
A specially crafted gating system allowed the calves to travel alongside their mothers for comfort and reassurance, ensuring the highest level of care was provided.
One container was 4.4 meters high and required a specialised trailer to accommodate Luk Chai, the first elephant to be born in Australia and father of three calves within the herd.
To ensure the elephants’ comfort and safety throughout their journey, the crates had a specific airconditioned system.
It took six weeks to produce the unique air conditioning system. A quarter of the repurposed shipping container was used, with a fridge motor attached which had tubes going into the elephant crates so the air was continually recycled.
Coordination: the key to a smooth delivery
All nine elephants were transported by three Linfox Volvo FH prime movers by three drivers.
Luk Chai was transported first to give him an opportunity to familiarise himself with his new home. By just four days later, the other eight elephants were moved in two separate cohorts.
The journey was carefully monitored, with cameras in each crate showing the elephants holding trunks, a sign of their comfort and reassurance.
Linfox Compliance Manager, Michael Stephenson worked with authorities, including the Department of Transport and Planning, Transurban, Yarra Trams, Victoria Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), to obtain necessary travel permits and plan the optimal route. This coordination ensured a smooth and safe journey, with a green light corridor facilitating uninterrupted travel.
“This was a really coordinated effort. We worked with the NHVR and Department of Transport and Planning to work out the best route. Moving elephants may seem like a nerve-racking process, but the way it was all coordinated across all teams, was incredible. Everyone was focused on getting it done safely and smoothly,” said Michael.
Here’s what it took to relocate the elephants:
- Seven 20-foot repurposed containers
- 27km of welding wire
- 6240 hours
- 9 elephants
