Oregon Zoo Welcomes Newborn Elephant Calf Tula-Tu for Outdoor Adventure
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Zoo celebrated a momentous occasion on Thursday as Tula-Tu, a month-old elephant calf, explored the outdoors for the first time alongside her mother, Rose-Tu. Born on February 1, Tula-Tu made her sunny debut in the Elephant Lands after zookeepers determined that the weather was suitable for her age, with temperatures finally rising above 60 degrees.
Steve Lefave, who oversees the elephant area, expressed excitement about the calf’s outdoor adventure, noting that Tula-Tu eagerly followed her mother into their spacious yard, where she demonstrated impressive trunk dexterity by playfully grabbing small branches and making rumbling noises. "She’s definitely what I would call precocious,” Lefave remarked.
While Tula-Tu has begun to explore the behind-the-scenes outdoor area, Rose-Tu and zookeepers have plans to gradually introduce her to the larger, public-facing spaces, depending on both the weather and Tula-Tu’s comfort level. Visitors can currently view the charming calf in Forest Hall as she continues to adjust to her new environment.
Since her arrival, Tula-Tu has attracted national media attention, including features on NBC’s Today Show, which heralded her as a potential contender for the cutest animal title in 2025. Experts believe that the rising interest in Tula-Tu may serve as a catalyst for increased conservation efforts for endangered Asian elephants, which face significant threats from habitat loss and human conflict.
The Oregon Zoo, celebrated for its elephant care program that has spanned over 60 years, continues to play a vital role in protecting not only Tula-Tu but also endangered elephant populations worldwide.
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