Nine Asian elephants have been moved to their new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
The herd have been exploring their new 21 hectare exhibit, following a five-day operation to relocate the animals from Melbourne Zoo.
Zookeeper Lucy Truelson said the elephants trumpeted, touched trunks and flapped ears as they were unloaded from their air-conditioned crates and reunited in their new home.
“They are celebrating and really enjoying their new surroundings,” she said.
“They’re playing, exploring the landscape and they’ve slept beautifully.
“All these things show us that they’re content, confident, happy and thriving. This is everything we could have hoped for.”
The Elephant Trail at the local zoo has six large habitats, including two large pools, and is the size of the entire Melbourne Zoo.
It is the first time in over 40 years the Werribee Open Range Zoo will be housing elephants.
Visitors will have to wait a few weeks before they can see the elephants up close, allowing them to have some quiet time and familiarise themselves with their new habitat.
