SYDNEY (AFP) — An endangered Asian elephant which was brought to Australia as part of a contentious breeding programme has fallen pregnant through artificial insemination, officials said Monday.
The expectant elephant, 15-year-old Dokkoon, is one of eight pachyderms to come to Australia in November 2006 as part of the regional project.
Dokkoon was one of three of the elephants sent to Melbourne Zoo while the rest were sent to Sydney's Taronga Zoo.
Animal rights activists had fought against the animals moving to Australia, arguing that no zoo could provide an elephant with an appropriate habitat.
But the zoos said the animals would be well cared for and the programme was designed to aid the survival of the Asian elephant.
The pregnancy, confirmed by an ultrasound, was a major milestone for the breeding programme, Victorian state Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said.
"With another elephant already pregnant at Taronga Zoo, there is every indication that the regional breeding programme is off to an excellent start," he said.
Dokkoon is expected to give birth early in 2010.
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