Thought for the Day

Arna and Gigi spent yesterday getting to know Burma, Western Plains Zoo’s resident Asian elephant.

Arna, the so-called ‘killer’ elephant, yesterday was “cool, calm and collected” as she and her companion Gigi made their debut at Western Plains Zoo.
Senior elephant keeper Roger Brogan said the new arrivals were very relaxed despite a tearful farewell with their circus handlers on Monday.

“Arna is cool, calm and collected. She and Gigi are busy getting to know their surroundings,” he said.

Arna and Gigi arrived early Monday morning after a 14-hour drive from the north coast.

Mr Brogan said the elephants and their circus handlers had an emotional farewell on Monday.

“Their handlers were very upset … there were plenty of tears,” he said.

“They were heart-broken. Arna and Gigi were the first things the handlers would see when they woke up of a morning.

“Arna and Gigi were their life … it’s a pretty big thing to say good-bye.”

Mr Brogan said the elephants were confused when the truck that had been their home left without them.

“The truck they arrived in was their home. They had never seen it drive off before. Their handlers said even when the truck needed repairs the elephants would go with it,” he said.

“We tried to keep them calm but they were obviously shaken.”

Life no longer a circus for duo