Taronga-bound elephants pass quarantine checks

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Taronga-bound elephants pass quarantine checks

AAP

October 7, 2006

 

Eight Asian elephants on their way to new homes in Australia have passed

crucial quarantine checks, paving the way for their arrival in December.

 

The elephants began their controversial journey from Thailand in June and

have been held in quarantine on the Cocos Islands, 2750 kilometres

north-west of Perth in the Indian Ocean.

 

Four female elephants and one male will be housed at Sydney's Taronga Zoo,

while the remaining three elephants will go to Melbourne Zoo.

 

A Taronga spokesman said the Sydney-bound elephants - Pornthip, Pak Boon,

Tang Mo, Tong Dee and Gung - had all passed their quarantine checks for

infectious diseases.

 

They will now undergo a series of final health checks for the Australian

Quarantine and Inspection Service before they travel to Australia.

 

" The elephants are in great shape, " the spokesman said.

 

NSW Environment Minister Bob Debus said the elephants had been enjoying

their tropical island stay, snacking on coconuts and having plenty of rolls

in the sand.

 

" After years of preparation, the countdown is almost over, " he said.

 

" The first ever regional breeding program for elephants in Australasia has

drawn a significant step closer. "

 

The transfer of the elephants from Thailand was delayed in June when

protesters, who argue the animals will suffer in the Australian zoos,

blocked their transportation to the Thai airport.

 

The protest followed a long legal battle between the Australian government

and animal welfare groups, which was resolved in February on several

conditions guaranteeing the elephants' welfare.

 

Animal Liberation NSW also last month sought a Supreme Court injunction to

prevent the Sydney zoo keeping the five elephants under the NSW Prevention

of Cruelty to Animals Act.

 

Thai and Australian authorities assert the elephants were born in captivity

and collected from various owners around Thailand.

 

Photo:

New arrivals ... Taronga Zoo's five elephants present their feet on the

Cocos Islands.

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/07/elephants_wideweb__470x303,0.jpg

 

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/tarongabound-elephants-pass-quarantine-check\

s/2006/10/07/1159641566430.html