Aust Zoo backflip strands elephant in NZ

Auckland Zoo has been left with a lonely elephant after a proposed shift to Queensland's Australia Zoo fell flat, raising concerns for the animal's welfare.

The bungled transfer of Burma, a beloved 38-year-old female Asian elephant, means she is now alone in her enclosure and facing an uncertain future.

Auckland Zoo made the decision to rehouse its two elephants Burma and Anjalee two years ago as it was unable to build a herd in New Zealand.

After a lengthy search for new homes - made more difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic -14-year-old Anjalee was shipped off to Taronga Western Plains Zoo last month where she is settling well, with hopes she will breed.

Burma's destination was Australia Zoo, the park made famous by crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.

In Beerwah, she was to join a herd of four females in what Australia Zoo calls its "world-class tropical oasis Elephantasia".

However, the park pulled the plug just a week out from the trip, citing health concerns to its elephant Megawati.

Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley said he felt "crushing disappointment" when plans fell through.

"(The health issue) was something we were fully familiar with. There had been extensive discussions between our vets and their vets," he said.

"All previous indications from Australia Zoo were that this would not be a barrier to importing Burma."

As part of the planning, the elephants spent months getting accustomed to a specially-built crate to transfer them on a cargo aeroplane across the Tasman Sea.

Deepening the frustration in New Zealand, the zoo was told by email.

"It was a year ago we finalised the agreement," Mr Buley told Radio NZ.

"Three weeks ago I travelled across to Sunshine Coast with the team over there and everything seemed to be fine."

In a statement, an Australia Zoo spokesman said they were saddened to pull out, doing so after government advice on Megawati's bacterial infection.

However, the agriculture department distanced itself from the decision, saying it was "a matter for the zoo".

"The department was still gathering information to assist with the assessment and remains open to assessing an application to import Burma should any Australian zoo wish to do so," a spokesman said.

Australia Zoo did not respond to multiple requests to comment beyond its statement.

The pull-out means Auckland Zoo is on the hunt for a new home for Burma, with joining Anjalee in Dubbo ruled out.

"She's settled in fantastically well (and) has a new best friend in a three-year-old calf there," Mr Buley said.

Both Auckland and Australia Zoos are not considering delaying the transfer.

"If they're not comfortable taking her, they don't want to take her, it's not the best place for her. We want Burma to go to a home where she's wanted," Mr Buley said.

Animal welfare group SAFE holds significant concerns for Burma's welfare without a herd, and said her case was another reason animal parks should be banned in New Zealand.

"Recently the National Aquarium in Napier has come under scrutiny due to its inadequate shark enclosure and a turtle living by himself in a small tank," spokesman Will Appelbe said.

"During the COVID-19 lockdown, Christchurch's Orana Park had to fundraise to feed the 400 animals it had in captivity when entry fees disappeared.

"These animals should be in the wild."

Auckland Zoo's focus is now on Burma's wellbeing, who has lived alone for several years.

"Part of it is the princess in her ... she's now the sole focus of attention for the keepers. She's enjoying the attention that was previously shared," Mr Appelbe said.

"That's not what is needed for her long term. She needs to be with other animals. We have no immediate concerns for Burma as she has been doing well since Anjalee's departure.

"Our dedicated elephant team will continue to provide the same expert care while we review the options."