‘Grand old dame’ to get elephant companions
In the 10 years since Saigon retired from a long circus career, the female elephant has had little companionship save a flock of sheep, a donkey, a miniature pony, and lately, three water buffaloes named Larry, Curly and Moe.
But an end to Saigon’s solitude is in sight, after supporters rescued the animal from ageing Victorian handlers who were struggling to cope with the needs of 60-plus year-old elephant.
The Berejiklian government approved Saigon’s move to Sydney Zoo and – in accordance with an unusual NSW policy requiring elephants not be left solitary for more than three months – set in train approvals to import two elephantine pals from Dublin.
‘‘No other state or facility has been willing to provide this former grand dame of the circus with a secure, safe and healthy home she requires in her old age,’’ Adam Marshall, NSW’s agriculture minister, said.
‘‘The welfare of Saigon is our top priority – it was not acceptable to leave her in a cow paddock in Victoria, with her future uncertain.’’
Alex Greenwich, an independent state MP, approached Marshall to ensure the animal’s future companions would be drawn from a zoo rather than the wild.
‘‘Travelling circuses have been shown to be a very cruel existence for elephants,’’ Greenwich said, adding it ‘‘would have been tragic had she been retired into isolation’’.
‘‘While her new home will be an improvement and I’m glad she will no longer be alone, elephants do not belong in captivity and this archaic practice must end,’’ he said.
A spokesman for Sydney Zoo said Saigon had settled into her new home ‘‘incredibly well’’.
‘‘Sydney Zoo’s purpose-built facility includes two separate paddocks, a large expanse of different typography, a large body of water, mud wallow, and climate controlled house along with plenty of shade,’’ he said.
‘‘We are looking forward to welcoming two new elephants soon.’’
Lynda Stoner, chief executive of Animal Liberation, said grouping Saigon with water buffaloes was ‘‘not adequate’’.
‘‘Elephants are very social creatures and have strong family units,’’ she said.
The Dublin Zoo was unavailable for comment because in response to the COVID-19 virus, it has been closed until March 29.
– Nine