Zoo veterinarian Tim Portas said Arna, the elephant who crushed a man to death in late December, would be temporarily housed in Dubbo and could be relocated within two weeks.

Arna and her companion Gigi were given up by Stardust Circus following the tragic accident in Yamba on December 26.

Arna and Gigi are both at "retirement age".

Mr Portas said Western Plains Zoo would be the perfect elephant retirement village.

"Both elephants are over 50 so that precludes them from entering our breeding program," Mr Portas said.

"I think Western Plains is a good place for them to come and retire after a lifetime of work."

Arna is 50 and Gigi is 53. An average captive elephant lives for 50 to 60 years.

Public fears about the 'killer' elephant are unfounded according to Western Plains Zoo.

Mr Portas said Arna was no more dangerous than any other large captive animal, after her apparent involvement in her handler's death.

"Obviously any large captive animal would be dangerous," he said.

"But Arna has been working with humans for almost her whole life. She has been in free contact with humans for years without a problem."

Mr Portas said the zoo's primary concern was the health of the two elephants.

"There is a small risk they may have tuberculosis or a range of other diseases common in captive elephants. They will be quarantined until their health status is confirmed," he said.

Mr Portas believes Arna and Gigi will be kept at the zoo under "protected contact", meaning human and elephant contact and interaction will be limited, depending on the results of a behavioural assessment.

"The decision will be based on a behavioural assessment, evaluating both their character and behaviour," he said.

"The animals provide subtle clues about their behaviour in the way they respond to other elephants and humans. Behaviour is an individual thing, it is not breed specific."

Stardust Circus' Arna and her companion Gigi's arrival will significantly boost Asian elephant numbers at Western Plains Zoo.

"If all goes well Arna and Gigi will join our Asian elephant Burma on display at the zoo," Mr Portas said.

"Burma is the only Asian elephant left at Western Plains zoo. It will be nice for her to have company, all going well."

Mr Portas was excited about the arrival of Arna and Gigi.

"We are happy to help out the elephants and Stardust Circus. We want the best outcome for everyone involved," he said.

Arna and Gigi will initially be housed in a barn with a small day yard away from the other elephants.

"It is important they get used to their surroundings and complete important health checks before we allow Arna and Gigi to socialise with our other Asian elephant," he said.

keely.bell@ruralpress.com