Oregon Zoo Elephant History & Controversies

While researching Elephant Mountain, I spent years tracking down primary sources, public records, and documented accounts that were, in many cases, difficult to find. What I uncovered about the Oregon Zoo’s history with elephants was far more extensive than I imagined. This page collects those sources, organized by topic, for readers who want to explore the documented record themselves.

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Oregon Zoo Historical Controversies

Four-Part Investigative Series on the Oregon Zoo Elephant Practices

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

KOIN 6 investigative news segment titled Coping in Captivity showing an Oregon Zoo elephant behind a fence, part of a four-part series by journalist Carla Castano.

This report examines the challenges faced by Oregon Zoo elephants in captivity, including concerns surrounding elephant health, stress, and premature deaths at the Portland zoo. Download the video transcript here.

KOIN 6 investigative news segment titled Elephant Breeding showing Oregon Zoo elephants, part of a four-part investigative series by journalist Carla Castano.

An investigation into the history of elephant breeding at the Oregon Zoo, including controversy over inbreeding, elephant welfare, and management practices. Download the video transcript here.

KOIN 6 investigative news segment titled A Dangerous Practice showing a bullhook used in Oregon Zoo elephant training, part of a four-part investigative series by journalist Carla Castano.

This investigative report explores a major court case involving Oregon Zoo elephant Rose-Tu and raises questions about historical elephant handling practices and animal welfare standards. Download the video transcript here.

KOIN 6 investigative news segment titled Broken Bond Promise showing an Oregon Zoo elephant behind steel rope, part of a four-part investigative series by journalist Carla Castano.

Learn about the 2009 Oregon Zoo bond measure controversy, including debate over the promised elephant preserve and public concerns about zoo leadership decisions. Download the video transcript here.

Potential Consequences for Reporting on Captive Elephants

After Carla Castano’s 4-part investigative series on the Oregon Zoo elephant practices aired (see above), she unexpectedly stopped appearing on air and has not returned to reporting since. While no official explanation was ever given, the circumstances echo the experience of Leslie Griffith, the former San Francisco news anchor. She stated that she was fired following the airing of her investigative report, “Horrors Under the Big Top,” which exposed circus elephant practices. The circumstances surrounding both news investigations raise questions about editorial independence and possible external pressures when reporting on elephant welfare.

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. 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.

Oregon Zoo Elephant Inbreeding History

While researching Elephant Mountain I found these records scatted across multiple sources. This section brings them together in one place.

KOIN 6 investigative news segment showing two Oregon Zoo elephants intertwining trunks, part of a four-part investigative series on elephant inbreeding by journalist Carla Castano.

An investigation into the history of elephant breeding at the Oregon Zoo, including controversy over inbreeding, elephant welfare, and management practices. Download the video transcript here.

  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, many of whom are central to the story told in Elephant Mountain.

  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 Final Moments: What the Records Actually Show

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 Elephant and the Oregon Zoo: The 2000 USDA Case

In April 2000, Rose-Tu, an elephant at the Oregon Zoo, was subjected to an incident involving 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 documented in court records, yet keepers did not alert the veterinarian while attempting a cover-up until Rose-Tu collapsed. The case drew widespread attention, lawsuits, and media coverage, resulting in the maximum fine issued by the USDA for elephant welfare violations.

KOIN 6 investigative news segment titled A Dangerous Practice showing a bullhook used in the Rose-Tu elephant case, part of a four-part investigative series by journalist Carla Castano.

This investigative report explores a major court case involving Oregon Zoo elephant Rose-Tu and raises questions about historical elephant handling practices and animal welfare standards. Download the video transcript here.

  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.

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 away from the promised reserve. 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.

KOIN 6 news segment titled Elephant Lands Opening showing an Oregon Zoo protester. Part of an investigative series on the Oregon Zoo bond measure controversy

KOIN 6 reporter Amy Frazier covers the long-delayed opening of Elephant Lands at the Oregon Zoo, revisiting the controversy surrounding the voter-approved bond measure and the years of public scrutiny over how those funds were ultimately used. Download the video transcript here.

KOIN 6 news segment title Fact Check showing an elephant outdoors at the Oregon Zoo, part of an investigative series on the Oregon Zoo bond measure controversy.

When Oregon voters approved a bond measure to build an off-site elephant preserve, they took the zoo at its word. This KOIN 6 report by Jessica Mokert captures what happened when the public discovered the money had been spent elsewhere. Download the video transcript here.

KOIN 6 investigative news segment titled Broken Bond Promise showing an Oregon Zoo elephant behind steel rope, part of a four-part investigative series by journalist Carla Castano.

Explore the 2009 Oregon Zoo bond measure controversy, including the debate over the promised elephant preserve and growing public concerns about how voter-approved funds were spent. Download the video transcript here.

Public testimony at a Portland Metro Council hearing on the Oregon Zoo bond measure showing a citizen speaking at the microphone.

Recorded public testimony from a Portland Metro bond hearing, where community members voiced their concerns over the redirection of voter-approved funds that were widely understood to be designated for an off-site Oregon Zoo elephant preserve. Download the video transcript here.

Public testimony at a Portland Metro Council hearing showing a citizen passionately speaking at the microphone during the Oregon Zoo bond measure controversy.

Recorded public testimony from a second Portland Metro bond hearing, as community members continued to press for answers over the redirection of voter-approved funds intended for an off-site Oregon Zoo elephant preserve.

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. Mesh, Aaron. “12 Mammals that Matter to the Oregon Zoo.” Willamette Week, May 28, 2014, pp. 12-19.
  18. Mesh, Aaron. “Tusk, But Verify.” Willamette Week, December 11, 2012. https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-20023-tusk-but-verify.html
  19. “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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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?
  25. “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
  26. Scottwork47 “Metro Hearing on the Offsite Elephant Preserve” YouTube video, 8:58. January 29, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qILVeBtGbxY
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. “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.

Kari Johnson standing with a bullhook in front of four elephants at Have Trunk Will Travel.

Kari Johnson, co-owner of Have Trunk Will Travel (now known as the Preserve in Fredericksburg, Texas), holding a bullhook alongside four elephants. Click the image to view documented footage of the training practices that sparked public outcry and drew national attention. Viewer discretion is advised.

  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.

Morgan Berry standing next to an elephant at the Oregon Zoo in 1962, featuring the elephant Packy in a KGW8 interview called Packy & Me with Dr. Matthew Maberry.

Morgan Berry, alongside the elephant Pet, in 1962, just as she was about to give birth to the first baby elephant (Packy) born in captivity in forty-four years. Click the image to watch Doc Maberry’s KGW8 interview, Packy & Me, featuring rare historical footage. Download the video transcript here.

  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.