IN MEMORY of HUGO
Hugo was a very special elephant. He will be remembered by me always, every animals is. Bye Hugo!!!!!
Love always the friend of the zoo,
M.D.
I have been a volunteer in the elephant barn for several months now. I have spent countless hours observing Hugo. He was such a magnificent elephant. I believe he was one of the smartest of the bulls. He had so much potential in being able to show people what elephants are truly capable of doing. I remember one day when I was walking to lunch with one of the other keepers and we walked past the front outdoor viewing yard and noticed that Hugo was reaching very carefully over the hot wire and snagging some bamboo on the other side. We were both shocked and amazed that he was smart enough to be able to do this without getting shocked. He was a very beautiful elephant and he will truly be missed.
I spent countless hours watching Hugo bop to the music at the concerts last summer and was intrigued by him. He seemed to have really enjoyed the music. I will certainly miss watching him this year. Hopefully Hugo is in a bigger and better place!
Best,
P.V.
Hugo was my favorite elephant. I first got to know him several years ago while volunteering to help watch over the Golden Lion Tamarins loose in the trees above his playground. I would watch him stand his tire up on end and sit on it or swing it on its chain like a tether ball. Other times he would balance on one front and one back leg posing like a graceful ballerina, stretching to reach bushes to munch on across the moat that separated him from the fence. I got my appreciation for the intelligence and personality of elephants from watching Hugo. My heart goes out to the keepers and staff who worked so hard to try and save him and who knew and loved him more than anyone else.
C.L.O.
"My sympathy to all those who cared for Hugo, and to the other elephants, who knew more than we, what was happening in Hugo's last days with us. He was a magnificent creature, bigger than life. Though captive, he held the true spirit of a wild bull. We loved him for his spirit, for the destruction he left in his wake. May you rest in peace, Hugo. May those who cared for you find peace in your passing. May we never forget you." -S.G.
Very sad regarding Hugo - but surely it was his time to go off into the "dreamland of stomping grounds". He was a senior guy and eventually everyone gotta rest. (P.S. I am so glad you saved him from a circus...)
Please note that you do have "watchers" all over the world.
From Montreal, Canada
I just wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of Hugo. He will be missed.
I hope that the other elephants are able to cope, as well as the keeper staff.
Big hugs, I am very sorry.
Just wanted to send my sympathies. All of us past and present Zoo Members and the Community will share this time of sorrow.
My condolences to the entire staff of the zoo at the passing of your great elephant Hugo. I read the article in the news and I just wanted to write a note to say how sorry I am for all of you. I am an Oregonian living on the east coast and have always loved the Portland Zoo. Have visited many many times and it has always been great! So I am sorry to hear that you lost your elephant. C. E.
My family enjoys the Zoo very much and the elephants are a favorite place to stop in. We are sorry to hear about Hugo. That is a tragic loss. Our prayers are with the "Zoo family" who watch over and care for all the animals.
We will be visiting soon.
Miner Family
I was so sorry to read about Hugo dying. I know everything was done to save him and he will be sorely missed by everyone.
C. L.
My sincere sympathies to your staff on the loss of Hugo. It's always hard to lose someone you've cared about even if he is "just an animal."
My sorrow for your loss of Hugo.
You all (including those in your care) have meant more than you could know.
G.T.
I am so sorry for the death of your beloved elephant Hugo. I remember seeing him every time my father and I went to the zoo. As a zoo parent, w e did the elephant tour and they talked about Hugo. I love going to the zoo and seeing all the animals and when I herd about Hugo I cried.
L. B.
