Elephant Behind the Scenes

Go behind the scenes to meet Bong Su, one of our magnificent Asian Elephants, and lend a hand to enrich our elephant’s day!

Male elephants have very different personalities from female elephants. It takes meeting one to truly understand the difference between the sexes.

This experience will take you on Bong Su’s journey, from his arrival in Melbourne in 1976 through to his recent status as a modern dad. Starting at the Zoo's heritage listed elephant enclosure, our tour will take you from past to present, outlining the changing face of elephants at Melbourne Zoo.

You will see first-hand a training session with Bong Su, and will be called upon to assist in washing this 5 ton male. After a leisurely scrub down, you will have the chance to participate in our elephant enrichment program: setting up the paddock in preparation for Bong Su's post-wash activities.

This unmissable opportunity is perfect for those desiring an insight into a day in the life of a male elephant.

Meeting the elephants at Melbourne Zoo is an important way to contribute to fighting species extinction and to learn about the Zoo’s conservation programs.