Oregon Zoo’s youngest elephant celebrates first birthday with message of hope

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Asian elephant calf Tula-Tu, the youngest member of the Oregon Zoo’s elephant herd, just marked a major milestone: her first birthday. The zoo celebrated over the weekend with a “jumbo-sized” party that drew big crowds and plenty of cameras, all focused on the half-ton youngster.

Tula-Tu was born Feb. 1, 2025, to her mother Rose-Tu, who has called the Portland zoo home since she was born there in 1994. Keepers say Tula arrived at about 210 pounds and now weighs close to 1,000 pounds, still nursing while also snacking on fruit and alfalfa. Her name, which means “balance” or “weight” in Sanskrit, reflects both her physical strength and the sense of stability she brings to the herd. The “-Tu” honors her maternal line, including her mother Rose-Tu and grandmother Me-Tu.

Sunday’s birthday celebration came with all the trimmings: special enrichment treats for Tula, themed snacks like mini “elephant ears” for guests, and keepsake cups featuring some of her baby photos. Hundreds of visitors turned out to watch the calf romp, explore her habitat and interact with her herd, turning the day into a community-wide celebration.

Keepers and zoo staff say Tula has quickly become one of the zoo’s star attractions, even serving as honorary grand marshal of the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade last year. They describe her as playful, curious and confident, traits that have endeared her to visitors and made her a powerful symbol for conservation messages.

That message was front and center at her first birthday party. Asian elephants are listed as an endangered species, with as few as 40,000 to 50,000 remaining in the wild across fragmented habitats in Asia.

Zoo officials say Tula’s story is a reminder of what’s at stake for her species and how education, habitat protection and responsible care can offer hope for the future.