Oregon Zoo Elephant Exhibit

Elephant Exhibit

Asian Elephants | Elephant Herd | Elephant Museum | Elephant Enrichment | Chendra's Arrival

Elephant Exhibit This zoo is recognized internationally for having the most successful breeding herd of Asian elephants of any zoo. In 1962, Packy became the first elephant born in the western hemisphere in more than 40 years. Watch a video of Packys 40th Birthday. Since that time, twenty-seven calves have been born. Two bulls and four cows live here currently, including our newest addition, Chendra.

Exhibit Information

Front Sand Yard

Renovation: 1994 - Cost $750,000

Features:

30% larger than before
new swimming hole - elephants can completely submerge
shade areas for elephants - on cold days radiant heaters warm these areas
2 shade areas for visitors
sand surface easier on elephant's feet than concrete

Elephant Restraint Chute

addition to elephant barn / hydraulically-operated moving walls allow staff to confine elephant / elephant is not "pinned" in enclosure, but its freedom of movement is restricted in order to allow staff to safely perform routine animal maintenance (such as: trimming sole & nail overgrowth, drawing blood samples, administering injections, etc.)

Back Sand Yard

Belly Scratcher: Wall with different heights providing scratching surfaces for elephants of all sizes. Concrete's rough finish provides good surface for bellies & legs. Corrugated exterior (ideal surface) of crush building designed for elephants scratching heads, backsides, & sides

Shade Structure: important part of yard / located just off restraint chute / assists elephants in cooling off (problem due to great bulk) / no shade at present near pool

Swimming Pool: 80,000 gal water / designed for maximum 10 elephants at any one time (only 1-3 likely to be in pool at any given time)

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