Elephants give new life to storm-damaged trees

Nine Asian elephants are enjoying large logs and root balls provided to Zoos Victoria following storms in June 2021. Nine Asian elephants at Werribee Open Range Zoo are now enjoying recycled logs, tree stakes and root balls in their new enclosure – thanks to a creative use of storm-damaged trees from across Victoria.

Following June 2021 storms, our organisation was tasked to help in a cleanup effort. Thousands of trees had been brought down and our Director of Programs, Christian George, faced a big problem: what to do with all that wood?

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‘One of the philosophies we adopted was ‘highest and best use,’ he said. ‘So rather than the traditional mulching, stockpiling and burning, we looked to basically have a system put in place that would turn this into viable timber products.’

A timber mill was stood up at Romsey through a partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council. It soon began turning out large amounts of fenceposts, tree stakes, bench slabs and more, much of which was given back to storm-affected communities.

Some councils used the recycled wood for playgrounds. Some landowners fixed fencing. One water authority even dropped hundreds of root balls into rivers to support fish habitats.

But still, the trees kept coming, and soon a surprising partnership was born. As part of a long-term plan, Zoos Victoria had been preparing to move its elephants from Melbourne to a new 21-hectare space at Werribee. The upgrade would see the herd occupy a space larger than all of Melbourne Zoo.

‘This elephant facility was purpose-built,’ said Werribee Zoo keeper Emma Fist, ‘so we wanted to base the facility on natural biology, elephants out in the wild.’

‘Having these natural components in the environment such as the large pieces of timber really helps with that increased welfare outcome of our elephants … and keeps the elephants’ lives interesting.’

Since arriving in February, the 5 adult females and 3 juveniles have settled in well, as has Luk Chai, the zoo’s 4-tonne male. He regularly enjoys getting 2 legs over a huge log and uses it to ‘scratch his belly’.

‘Large pieces of timber are great for proactive skincare,’ said Ms Fist. ‘If they have an itch or a scratch there’s nothing better than getting a piece of timber (and) rubbing up against it.’

Zookeepers hope the elephants could receive more timber in future if we are called upon to process more storm-damaged trees.

‘I’d just like to thank everyone who worked on this project,’ Mr George said. ‘It’s just an amazing result turning what’s a disaster-generated product into something that’s usable in an amazing precinct that everyone can benefit from.’

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