The Oregon Zoo Historical Controversies

This page serves as a comprehensive collection of Oregon Zoo historical sources, exploring the history and notable controversies involving elephants, as documented in the book Elephant Mountain.

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Investigative Video Series on the Oregon Zoo’s Elephant Practices

These four investigative videos, produced by Peabody Award-winning investigative journalist Carla Castano for KOIN 6 Investigates, provide a detailed look into the Oregon Zoo’s practices over time with elephants. The report sparked significant controversy and led to major consequences for the journalist.

After the final segment of this series aired, Carla Castano unexpectedly stopped appearing on air and has not returned to reporting. While no official explanation has been given, the circumstances echo the experience of Leslie Griffith, the former San Francisco news anchor. Both she and her investigative report, “Horrors Under the Big Top,” exposing circus practices with elephants, were removed from television, raising important questions about potential industry influence on editorial independence.

Part 1 - Coping in Captivity
Part 1 – Coping in Captivity
"Coping in Captivity" is Part 1 of the KOIN 6 Investigates series ...
Part 2 - Elephant Breeding
Part 2 – Elephant Breeding
Part 2 of this 4-part investigative news series explores the hidden ...
Part 3 - A Dangerous Practice?
Part 3 – A Dangerous Practice?
In Part 3 of the KOIN News Investigates series, "A Dangerous ...
Part 4 - Broken Bond Promise?
Part 4 – Broken Bond Promise?
Part 4 of the KOIN 6 Investigates series examines the controversy ...

The Electrocution Sessions of Thonglaw

Thonglaw’s electrocution sessions were part of trainer Morgan Berry’s broader attempts to manage male elephants during musth. This section documents what occurred and the circumstances surrounding it. Unfortunately, this practice did not end with Thonglaw and continued with other elephants, which can be explored in more detail here.

  1. Bozarth, Cliff. “Everybody Has a Story: Working on Woodland Elephant Farm was Unusual Job.” The Columbian News (Vancouver, Washington), April 2, 2023. https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/apr/02/everybody-has-a-story-working-on-elephant-farm-was-unusual-job/
  2. Crandall, Melissa. Elephant Speak: A Devoted Keeper’s Life Among the Herd. Portland, Oregon: Ooligan Press, 2020.
  3. Maberry, Matthew, Patricia Maberry, and Michelle Trappen. Packy & Me. Beaverton, Oregon: Maberry Press, 2011.
  4. Richards, Leverett. Elephants Don’t Snore. Vancouver, Washington: Rose Wind Press, 1996.
  5. Schmidt, Michael, DVM. Jumbo Ghosts: The Dangerous Life of Elephants in the Zoo. Chicago: Xlibris Corp, 2002.

History of the Oregon Zoo Inbreeding Elephants

Historical records document multiple instances of inbreeding within the Oregon Zoo’s elephant program, revealing how early breeding practices shaped the herd.

More Sources on the History of the Oregon Zoo Inbreeding Elephants

  1. Castano, Carla. “Elephants Part 2: Elephant Breeding.” Part 2 of a 3-part KOIN 6 News Investigations series. YouTube video, 9:41. August 7, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qcRPLOWdMk
  2. Federman, Stan. 1984. “Portland’s Zoo Helping to Fulfill Noah’s Ark Plan.” The Oregonian, October 24: 32.
  3. Maberry, Matthew, Patricia Maberry, and Michelle Trappen. Packy & Me. Beaverton, Oregon: Maberry Press, 2011.
  4. O’Rourke, Ciara. “Elephant in the Room: A Closer Look at the Oregon Zoo’s Elephant Breeding Program.” Portland Monthly, April 1, 2020. https://www.pdxmonthly.com/travel-and-outdoors/2020/04/a-closer-look-at-the-oregon-zoo-s-elephant-breeding-program
  5. Webster, Bayard. “Inbreeding Called Peril in Zoos.” The New York Times, November 27, 1979, p. C3

The Outcome of the Oregon Zoo’s Original Elephants

Historical records document the lives and eventual fates of the Oregon Zoo’s original elephants, including those in Morgan Berry’s herd.

  1. Alexander, Shana. The Astonishing Elephant. New York: Random House, 2000.
  2. Castano, Carla. “Elephants Part 3: The Bullhook: Insurance, Weapon or Both.” Part 3 of a 3-part KOIN 6 News Investigations series. YouTube video, 8:16. August 12, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQh5mqqApME
  3. Classen, Allan. “Zoo Director Says All is Well in Elephant Lands.” NW Examiner (Portland, Oregon), March 2014, p. 1.
  4. Crandall, Melissa. Elephant Speak: A Devoted Keeper’s Life Among the Herd. Portland, Oregon: Ooligan Press, 2020.
  5. Fowler, Murray E, DVM. Hummingbirds to Elephants and Other Tales: Autobiography of Murray E. Fowler, DVM. Jackson, California: Clay Press Inc, 1999.
  6. Maberry, Matthew, Patricia Maberry, and Michelle Trappen. Packy & Me. Beaverton, Oregon: Maberry Press, 2011.
  7. Markowitz, Hal, Michael Schmidt, Leonie Nadal, and Leslie Squier. “Do Elephants Ever Forget?” Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 8 (1975): 333-335.
  8. Richards, Leverett. Elephants Don’t Snore. Vancouver, Washington: Rose Wind Press, 1996.
  9. Schmidt, Michael, DVM. Jumbo Ghosts: The Dangerous Life of Elephants in the Zoo. Chicago: Xlibris Corp, 2002.
  10. Schmidt, M.J. “Antagonism of Xylazine Sedation by Yohimbine and 4-Aminopyridine in an Adult Elephant (Elephas maximus).” The Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine 14, No. 3 (September 1983): 94-97.

Tuy Hoa’s (actual) Final Moments

Tuy Hoa, one of the Oregon Zoo’s original elephants, was publicly reported to have been peacefully euthanized due to arthritis, but research documents a far more troubling reality. In her final hours, veterinarians administered an experimental drug at doses far exceeding previous use on elephants. At the time (unbeknownst to the public), drug experiments on dying elephants were common as seen here. Today, such practices are illegal.

Tuy Hoa is not mentioned by name in the following scientific paper. However, she was identified based on the details provided in the paper: the elephant described was a 28-year-old female Asian elephant with chronic foot pain, euthanized in 1983. Tuy Hoa died on April 20, 1983, at age 28, and records confirm she was the only elephant of that age and circumstance at the Oregon Zoo that year.

  1. Schmidt, M.J. “Antagonism of Xylazine Sedation by Yohimbine and 4-Aminopyridine in an Adult Elephant (Elephas maximus).” The Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine 14, No. 3 (September 1983): 94-97.

Rose-Tu Abuse Incident at the Oregon Zoo – April 2000

In April 2000, Rose-Tu, an elephant at the Oregon Zoo, was subjected to abuse by head keeper Fred Marion, who reportedly assaulted her with a bullhook while off duty, in the presence of other keepers. The incident caused severe injuries (including 179 puncture wounds with part of her anus ripped out), yet the keepers did not alert or contact the veterinarian while attempting to cover up the abuse until Rose-Tu collapsed. The case drew widespread attention, lawsuits, and media coverage, resulting in the maximum fine issued by the USDA for elephant abuse.

More Sources on Rose-Tu Abuse at the Oregon Zoo

  1. ASPCA v. Feld Entertainment, Inc. No. 03-2006. United States District Court for the District of Columbia, April 24, 2009.
  2. Castano, Carla. “Elephants Part 3: The Bullhook: Insurance, Weapon or Both.” Part 3 of a 3-part KOIN 6 News Investigations series. YouTube video, 8:16. August 12, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQh5mqqApME
  3. Classen, Allan. “Zoo Director Says All is Well in Elephant Lands.” NW Examiner (Portland, Oregon), March 2014, p. 1.
  4. Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 483 and Metro. Collective Bargaining Agreement, July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2023. https://www.laborers483.org

The Firestorm Surrounding the Oregon Zoo Bond in 2008

In 2008, Oregon voters approved a bond measure largely intended to fund the construction of an off-site elephant preserve for the Oregon Zoo. Over the following six years, controversy arose as funds were redirected, with some critics alleging mistreatment or corruption, and no elephant preserve was ever built. Instead, the zoo invested in a state-of-the-art laboratory aimed at advancing captive breeding, sparking widespread outrage and scrutiny over the transparency and use of taxpayer funds.

Part 4 - Broken Bond Promise?
Part 4 – Broken Bond Promise?
Part 4 of the KOIN 6 Investigates series examines the controversy ...
After Years, Oregon Zoo's Elephant Lands Opens
After Years, Oregon Zoo’s Elephant Lands Opens
Voters approved the expansion of Elephant Lands at the Oregon Zoo in a ...
Feb. 18, 2016 - Portland Metro City Council Hearing on 2008 Oregon Zoo Bond
Feb. 18, 2016 – Portland Metro City Council Hearing on 2008 Oregon Zoo Bond
The Portland Metro City Council holds hearings on the 2008 bond ...
KOIN 6 News "The Elephant in the Room with Oregon Zoo Bond"
KOIN 6 News “The Elephant in the Room with Oregon Zoo Bond”
A major firestorm has erupted over the Oregon Zoo and Metro, the ...
The Oregon Zoo Defends Money Expenditures
The Oregon Zoo Defends Money Expenditures
Public outrage is boiling over at the Oregon Zoo and Metro, the ...
Jan. 21, 2016 - Metro Hearing on Off-Site Elephant Preserve
Jan. 21, 2016 – Metro Hearing on Off-Site Elephant Preserve
On January 21, 2016, the Metro Council in Portland (the agency that ...

Additional Sources for the Oregon Zoo Bond in 2008

  1. ASPCA v. Feld Entertainment, Inc. No. 03-2006. United States District Court for the District of Columbia, April 24, 2009.
  2. Berens, Michael. “Elephants are Dying Out in Zoos.” The Seattle Times, December 1, 2012. https://special.seattletimes.com/o/html/nationworld/2019809167_elephants02m.html
  3. Binder, Melissa. “Oregon Zoo Firings.” OregonLive, May 17, 2014. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2014/05/oregon_zoo_firings_few_red_fla_1.html
  4. Casey, Jerry. “Elephants Take Lead in Zoo’s Bond Hopes.” OregonLive, November 8, 2008. https://www.oregonlive.com/elections/2008/11/elephants_take_lead_in_zoos_bo.html
  5. Casey, Jerry. “Metro’s Zoo Bond Passes.” OregonLive, November 5, 2008. https://www.oregonlive.com/elections/2008/11/zoobond.html
  6. Crandall, Melissa. Elephant Speak: A Devoted Keeper’s Life Among the Herd. Portland, Oregon: Ooligan Press, 2020.
  7. Evans, Brian, Angela Owens, and Simone Rede. Oregon Zoo Audit: Clarify Vision, Prioritize Actions, and Learn from Change to Improve Organizational Culture. Portland, OR: Metro, February 2017. https://www.oregonmetro.gov/oregon-zoo-audit
  8. Free the Oregon Zoo Elephants. “Metro Final Vote on the Offsite Preserve 2-18-16” YouTube video, 18:17. March 1, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZl_9aC2Mj8
  9. Flynn, Suzanne, Elizabeth Wager, Kristin Lieber, and Kathryn Nichols. Oregon Zoo Capital Construction Audit. Portland, OR: Metro, November 2009. https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/oregon-zoo-capital-construction-audit
  10. “Going Rogue Each Week.” Willamette Week, November 17, 2009. https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-11327-going-rogue-each-week.html
  11. Jaquiss, Nigel. “Zoo Audit Due Tomorrow: Two Staffers Scram.” Willamette Week, November 11, 2009. https://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-3011-zoo-audit-due-tomorrow-two-staffers-scram.html
  12. Jaquiss, Nigel. “Metro is About to Dump its Plans for an Off-Site Elephant Reserve.” Willamette Week, January 19, 2016. https://www.wweek.com/uncategorized/2016/01/20/metro-is-about-to-dump-its-plans-for-an-offsite-elephant-reserve/
  13. Jaquiss, Nigel. “Oregon Zoo Audit Shows Employee Discontent, Stagnant Attendance.” Willamette Week, February 23, 2017. https://www.wweek.com/news/2017/02/23/oregon-zoo-audit-shows-employee-discontent-stagnant-attendance/
  14. KOIN 6 News. “After Years, Oregon Zoo’s Elephant Lands Opens.” YouTube video, 2:44. December 15, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMxjD-OI9d0
  15. KOIN 6 News. “The Elephant in the Room with Oregon Zoo Bond.” YouTube video, 6:30. March 12, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vzsxSppP7E
  16. KOIN 6 News. “Oregon Zoo Defends Bond Money Expenditures.” YouTube video, 2:49. February 5, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69l1gLJRx74
  17. “Last Call for Hippos: Poppy and Bubbles Move to Texas.” OregonLive, March 13, 2018. https://www.oregonzoo.org/news/last-call-hippos-poppy-and-bubbles-move-texas
  18. Mesh, Aaron. “12 Mammals that Matter to the Oregon Zoo.” Willamette Week, May 28, 2014, pp. 12-19.
  19. Mesh, Aaron. “Tusk, But Verify.” Willamette Week, December 11, 2012. https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-20023-tusk-but-verify.html
  20. “Metro: Off-Site Elephant Range Never Promised in Bond Measure.” KGW News, January 22, 2016. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/metro-off-site-elephant-range-never-promised-in-bond-measure/283-20061550
  21. Mortensen, Eric. “Audit Shows Cost Overruns and Mangled Management of Oregon Zoo Projects.” Oregon Live. November 13, 2009. https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2009/11/audit_shows_cost_overruns_and.html
  22. Muldoon, Katy. “Oregon Zoo Prepares to Celebrate Half a Century with its Most Beloved Elephant, Packy.” OregonLive. April 8, 2012. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2012/04/packy_oregons_renowned_elephan.html
  23. Muldoon, Katy. “Oregon Zoo Goes to Work on Elephant Lands, it’s New $53 Million Exhibit.” OregonLive, June 10, 2013. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2013/06/oregon_zoo_goes_to_work_on_ele.html
  24. Muldoon, Katy. “Oregon Zoo Sees High Staff Turnover, Culture Shift.” OregonLive, June 18, 2012. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2012/06/oregon_zoo_sees_high_staff_tur.html
  25. Multnomah County Elections Division. November, 4 2008. Measure No. 26-96: Shall Zoo Protect Animal Health and Safety; Conserve, Recycle Water; Issue $125 million in General Obligation Bonds; Require Independent Audits?
  26. “Oregon Zoo Director Vecchio Leaving for FL Job.” KGW News, September 17, 2009. https://www.kgw.com/article/entertainment/oregon-zoo-director-vecchio-leaving-for-fl-job/283-90341849
  27. Scottwork47 “Metro Hearing on the Offsite Elephant Preserve” YouTube video, 8:58. January 29, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qILVeBtGbxY
  28. “Oregon Zoo Polar Bear Tasul Dead at Age 31.” OregonLive, November 18, 2016.
  29. “Oregon Zoo Polar Bear Tasul Dies at Age 31.” KATU News, November 18, 2016. https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-zoo-polar-bear-tasul-dies-at-age-31
  30. O’Rourke, Ciara. “A Closer Look at the Oregon Zoo’s Elephant Breeding Program.” Portland Monthly, April 1, 2020. https://www.pdxmonthly.com/travel-and-outdoors/2020/04/a-closer-look-at-the-oregon-zoo-s-elephant-breeding-program
  31. Preusch, Matthew. “Metro Names New Director of Oregon Zoo.” OregonLive. December 29, 2009. https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2009/12/metro_names_new_zoo_director.html
  32. “Two Senior OZ Employees Step Down.” Willamette Week, November 1, 2009.

Kari & Gary Johnson, Owners of Have Trunk Will Travel

Kari and Gary Johnson, owners of Have Trunk Will Travel (rebranded as The Preserve), were at the center of controversy involving the Oregon Zoo’s baby elephant Lily. The extent of elephant leasing contracts was largely unknown to the public until the Johnsons attempted to take ownership of Lily for their elephant promotion business, sparking widespread media attention. Videos later surfaced showing the mistreatment of elephants in their care, prompting public outcry. The Oregon Zoo initially denied the existence of an agreement with the Johnsons until the contract was leaked to the press. Backed into a corner, they admitted it was all true and purchased the elephants for $400,000 to resolve the dispute.

Viewer discretion is advised. This video contains content depicting the mistreatment of elephants that viewers may find distressing.

Additional Sources on Kari & Gary Johnson

  1. Animal Defenders International. “Elephant Training at Have Trunk Will Travel.” YouTube video, 9:54. March 21, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1AvNGWAkCY&list=PL8816EFB830EF16AC
  2. Cole, Jim. “Miller-Johnson Circus 1972.” Buckles Blog, March 31, 2008. https://bucklesw.blogspot.com/search?q=smokey
  3. Lewis, George “Slim,” and Byron Fish. I Loved Rogues: The Life of an Elephant Tramp. Seattle: Superior Publishing Company, 1978.
  4. Mesh, Aaron. “12 Mammals that Matter to the Oregon Zoo.” Willamette Week, May 28, 2014, pp. 12-19.
  5. Protect All Wildlife. “Animal Trainers Abuse at Have Trunk Will Travel.” YouTube video, 1:00. July 3, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwB5xU66ODc
  6. Sheridan, Tom. “The Elephants Not in the Room: As Culture Shifts from Using the Creatures in Circuses and Elsewhere, Family’s Livelihood Uncertain.” The Orange County Register, May 15, 2015. https://www.ocregister.com/2015/05/15/the-elephants-not-in-the-room-as-culture-shifts-from-using-the-creatures-in-circuses-and-elsewhere-familys-livelihood-uncertain/

The Elephant Packy

Packy was born at the Oregon Zoo, the first elephant birth in a U.S. zoo in 44 years, making him a landmark figure in captive elephant history. Below is a compiled list of sources documenting his life and significance.

More Sources on The Elephant Packy

  1. Alexander, Shana. “Belle’s Baby 225 Pounds and All Elephant.” Life Magazine, May 11, 1962, pp. 104-120.
  2. Alexander, Shana. The Astonishing Elephant. New York: Random House, 2000.
  3. ArnicaCreative. “Packy and Me.” YouTube video, 3:00. February 28, 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWpfwSJvAdo
  4. “Belle and Her Baby Set New Record at Portland Zoo.” Skagit Valley Herald (Mt. Vernon, Washington), April 23, 1962, p. 1.
  5. Bozarth, Cliff. “Everybody Has a Story: Working on Woodland Elephant Farm was Unusual Job.” The Columbian News (Vancouver, Washington), April 2, 2023. https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/apr/02/everybody-has-a-story-working-on-elephant-farm-was-unusual-job/
  6. “Elephant Gives Birth in Oregon Zoo.” The New York Times, April 15, 1962, p. 52.
  7. Federman, Stan. “Packy Comes of Age for Grand Birthday Party.” The Oregonian, April 7, 1983, p. C1.
  8. Maberry, Matthew, Patricia Maberry, and Michelle Trappen. Packy & Me. Beaverton, Oregon: Maberry Press, 2011.
  9. Muldoon, Katy. “Oregon Zoo Prepares to Celebrate Half a Century with its Most Beloved Elephant, Packy.” OregonLive, April 9, 2012. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2012/04/packy_oregons_renowned_elephan.html
  10. Patterson, Rod. “Formal Dedication of New Elephant Facilities at Washington Park Zoo.” The Sunday Oregonian, May 4, 1980, p. 2.
  11. “Portland Belle Fund Passes Goal.” Skagit Valley Herald (Mt. Vernon, Washington), May 17, 1962, p. 1.
  12. “Portland Takes Its New Baby Elephant Very Big.” St. Cloud Times (St. Cloud, Minnesota), April 19, 1962, p. 11.
  13. “Precocious Pachyderm Puts Portland on Map.” The Oregonian, April 13, 1963, p. 16.
  14. “Reluctant Belle Puts on Weight.” Skagit Valley Herald (Mt. Vernon, Washington), March 9, 1962, p. 1.
  15. Richards, Leverett. “Elephant in Waiting Getting Mail…Across the Nation.” The Oregonian, January 23, 1962, p. 1.
  16. Richards, Leverett. Elephants Don’t Snore. Vancouver, Washington: Rose Wind Press, 1996.
  17. Richards, Leveret. “Belle Loses Her Temper.” The Oregonian, January 23, 1962, p. 1.
  18. “Stork on Way for Elephant.” Skagit Valley Herald (Mt. Vernon, Washington), January 15, 1962, p. 1.