Oregon  Zoo’s  vision  for  our  elephants     At  the  Oregon  Zoo,  we  give  careful  thought  everyday  to  providing  for  the  welfare  of  our  animals.  Here’s   your  opportunity  to  get  acquainted  with  the  zoo’s  philosophy  of  elephant  care  and  find  answers  to  your   questions  about  plans  for  their  future.       1) Why  are  herds  so  important?   Elephants  thrive  when  they  live  in  family  herds.  Under  natural  conditions,  female  elephants  spend   their  entire  lives  together.  Elephants  in  herds  spend  a  surprising  amount  of  time  in  physical  contact   with  each  other.  They  work  together,  foraging  for  food  and  raising  young.  The  Oregon  Zoo  is   committed  to  supporting  long-­‐term  stable  herds  as  an  elemental  part  of  our  animals’  wellbeing.     2) Why  does  the  zoo  breed  elephants?   There  are  two  primary  reasons.  First,  elephants  are  so  family  oriented  that  breeding  and  raising   young  is  essential  to  their  health.    Belonging  to  a  multigenerational  matriarchal  herd  and   participating  in  the  raising  of  young  stimulates  and  motivates  each  member  of  the  herd  physically,   emotionally  and  psychologically.    The  highly  evolved  social  structures  that  elephants  have  developed   over  millennia  serve  not  only  as  protection  against  predation,  but  as  the  shaping  force  in  their  social   and  emotional  development.    Preventing  them  from  acting  upon  these  natural  instincts  would  deny   them  the  ability  to  live  a  full  and  complete  life  and  ignore  one  of  their  most  basic  needs.       In  addition,  the  Oregon  Zoo  believes  it  is  important  to  maintain  a  healthy,  genetically-­‐diverse   population  of  Asian  elephants  in  North  America.  The  zoo  does  not  currently  import  elephants  and   accepts  elephants  from  other  facilities  only  on  a  case-­‐by-­‐case  basis.  Therefore  it  is  imperative  that   we  continue  our  role  as  leaders  in  elephant  breeding  so  that  we  help  maintain  a  healthy  population   of  elephants  in  North  America  into  perpetuity.   3) Why  do  we  need  sustainable  populations  of  elephants  in  zoos?   To  teach  people  and  inspire  action:  Zoos  provide  a  setting  in  which  people  can  see,  smell  and  hear   living,  breathing  wild  animals.  Zoo  visitors  can  gaze  into  the  eyes  of  a  12,000  lb  elephant,  listen  to  it   trumpet,  watch  it  manipulate  its  trunk  and  witness  the  amazing  connections  these  animals  have   with  one  another.  Visitors  can  talk  to  the  keepers  who  observe  and  work  with  the  animals  every  day.   This  helps  visitors  gain  a  deeper  understanding  of  the  unique  qualities  of  each  animal,  how  they   interact  with  other  members  of  their  species,  what  they  require  from  their  habitat.    These   experiences  move  people,  shape  their  perspectives  and  encourage  them  to  act  on  behalf  of   elephants  worldwide.       To  learn  more  about  elephants:  The  Oregon  Zoo  has  long  been  a  leader  in  elephant  husbandry  and   research.  Our  experience  and  daily  care  of  elephants  allows  us  to  gain  a  deeper  understanding  of   these  complex  animals:   • We’ve  pioneered  a  variety  of  methods  for  safely  and  humanely  providing  daily  care  and   medical  treatment,  even  to  adult  males.     • We  led  establishment  of  national  elephant  care  standards  and  professional  training  for  care   staff  for  all  Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquariums  member  facilities.  

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We  collected  hormone  data  from  both  bulls  and  cows  for  25  years,  deepening  our  collective   understanding  of  the  reproductive  cycles  of  both  males  and  females.   • Discoveries  from  our  pheromone  (hormone  scent)  and  infrasonic  (low  frequency  sound)   communication  studies  are  applied  in  Asia  and  Africa  for  proactive  elephant  management   around  developed  areas,  reducing  conflicts  between  humans  and  elephants.   • Our  studies  of  the  female  elephant’s  estrus  cycles  are  the  foundation  for  research  in   artificial  insemination  and  contraception.         For  the  wellbeing  of  zoo  elephants:  Elephants  thrive  when  surrounded  by  family.  Babies  become  the   focus  of  the  entire  herd.  The  herd  collectively  protects  and  teaches  the  babies.  Babies  help  herd   members  define  their  respective  roles.    For  example,  when  Samudra  was  born,  as  RoseTu  took  on   maternal  responsibilities,  Shine  stepped  up  as  the  supportive  auntie  who  provides  him  with   attention  and  RoseTu  with  support.  Chendra,  an  orphaned  elephant  injured  in  the  wild,  is  not   related  to  the  other  elephants  and  was  not  initially  embraced  as  part  of  the  family  but  with  the   addition  of  Samudra,  Chendra  cemented  her  place  within  the  herd  as  an  active  playmate  to  the   baby.    Rose,  Shine  and  Chendra  grew  closer  as  the  baby  grew  and  with  the  recent  addition  of  Lily,   the  herd  relationship  has  been  solidified  in  a  harmonious  union  of  close  knit  females  playing   different  various  roles  to  help  raise  the  calves.         4) How  does  the  Oregon  Zoo  support  socialization  of  male  elephants?   Male  elephants  are  larger  and  more  powerful  than  females  and,  in  their  natural  habitats,  tend  to   live  apart  from  the  herd  much  of  the  time.  Because  of  the  size,  strength  and  solitary  tendencies  of   males,  few  zoos  provide  homes  for  them.  This  creates  challenges  for  breeding  elephants  in  North   America  because  chances  are  50  percent  of  offspring  will  be  male.       The  Oregon  Zoo  has  long  provided  opportunities  for  our  males  to  socialize  with  females.  In  addition,   the  zoo  is  exploring  possibilities  for  male  elephants  to  socialize  with  each  other,  whether  in   proximity  to  one  another  or  within  one  enclosure  as  a  bachelor  group.    Young  male  elephants  learn   from  male  role  models.  The  Oregon  Zoo  is  working  to  provide  opportunities  for  Samudra  and  future   male  offspring  to  spend  quality  time  with  their  fathers.  This  teaches  them  how  to  behave   appropriately  around  adult  males  and  provides  opportunities  for  them  to  observe  and  learn   appropriate  breeding  behavior.  It  will  help  them  better  navigate  an  adult  world.       A  potential  future  offsite  facility  could  supplement  our  current  space  with  additional  quality  habitat   in  which    young  bull  elephants  could  experience  the  rich  and  diverse  social  interactions  that  help   them  develop  into  well-­‐rounded  adults.       5) How  would  an  offsite  center  enhance  the  current  Oregon  Zoo  elephant  program?       An  offsite  center  would  increase  flexibility  for  caring  for  animals.  Conditions  change.  Like  our  own,   elephant  family  dynamics  change.  The  zoo  wants  to  be  prepared  for  changing  circumstances  which   include  new  babies,  rival  matriarchs  or  multiple  males.       Our  elephants  would  benefit  from  more  space  that  over  time  would  allow  our  herd  to  splinter  and   grow—this  is  a  dilemma  that  elephants  face  in  the  wild  where  habitat  is  fragmented  and  in  intense   •

Oregon Zoo’s vision for our elephants

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demand.  An  offsite  facility  would  provide  additional  space  and  flexibility  to  accommodate  dynamic   family  relationships.     Would  you  study  the  elephants  at  an  offsite  center?   Yes.  Unlike  African  elephants,  much  less  is  known  about  the  behavior  of  Asian  elephants  in  the  wild,   especially  herd  dynamics,  because  they  are  harder  to  observe  in  the  rainforests  of  Asia  than  on  the   savannahs  of  Africa.    A  remote  elephant  center  would  open  opportunities  for  us  to  gain  knowledge   that  we  can’t  gather  in  their  range  countries.  What  we  learn  here  about  herd  dynamics,   reproduction  and  calf  rearing  can  be  applied  in  their  range  countries  to  help  minimize  human-­‐ elephant  conflicts.  This  is  the  best  hope  for  building  stable  populations  in  the  wild.       Is  there  an  urgent  need  for  a  remote  elephant  center?   No.  Prior  to  the  passage  of  the  zoo  bond  measure  and  completion  of  a  master  plan,  the  zoo   anticipated  the  possibility  of  moving  elephants  off  site  during  construction  of  Elephant  Lands.   However,  animal  care  staff  and  designers  later  determined  it  was  better  for  the  animals  to  keep   them  on  site  and  that  construction  could  be  carefully  phased  to  make  that  possible.  Throughout   construction,  our  elephant  herd  will  never  have  less  space  than  they  had  when  we  began.  They  are   moving  into  each  new  area  as  it  is  completed.  When  fully  completed,  Elephant  Lands  will  provide   our  elephant  family  ample  high-­‐quality  habitat  for  years  into  the  future.       Why  haven’t  you  purchased  property?   Selecting  the  right  property  to  support  a  home  for  elephants  is  challenging.  We  determined  from  an   initial  feasibility  study  that  our  ideal  site  would  be  within  one  hour  travel  time  of  the  zoo  and  at  least   140  acres.  Zoo  and  Metro  staff  have  visited  more  than  12  rural  properties  and  we  currently  hold  an   option  on  the  former  Roslyn  Lake  site  in  Clackamas  County.  Each  piece  of  property  we  have  visited   has  constraints  and  in  each  case  we  have  weighed  the  feasibility  and  cost  of  resolving  issues.   Considerations  include:   • Are  access  roads  adequate  for  transporting  a  13,000  lb.  animal?   • Does  the  site  offer  topography  (not  too  flat,  not  too  steep)  that  helps  keep  elephants  fit?   • Are  there  issues  with  the  site’s  water  table  and  stormwater  drainage?   • Are  there  existing  buildings  or  an  area  conducive  to  building  construction?   • Are  neighboring  uses  compatible?   • Are  the  neighbors  accepting  of  an  elephant  facility  in  the  neighborhood?   • Does  the  parcel  configuration  allow  for  a  variety  of  multi-­‐acre  enclosures?     • Is  there  an  ample  potable  water  supply?     Real  estate  transactions  are  never  simple.  This  one  has  unique  challenges  and  we  are  proceeding   with  caution,  purchasing  only  when  we  feel  we  have  found  the  right  location  for  a  long-­‐term  home   for  our  elephants  and  sustainable  funding.     What  is  the  timeline  for  building  the  center?   With  no  immediate  need  and  many  details  left  to  be  determined,  a  timeline  has  not  been   established.    The  zoo  continues  to  work  on  determining  the  feasibility  of  this  endeavor,  as  directed   by  Metro  Council.        

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The  Metro  Council  has  granted  permission  to  the  zoo  to  purchase  property  but  only  move  forward   with  site  development  when  we  have  identified  long-­‐term  funding  for  the  operations  of  an  offsite   center.  The  zoo  is  currently  working  to  secure  a  steady  source  of  revenue.  We  anticipate  that  it  will   cost  more  than  $1.5  million  annually  to  operate  and  may  take  ten  years  or  more  to  accumulate  the   funds  necessary  for  stable  operation.       10) How  would  the  Oregon  Zoo’s  offsite  center  differ  from  a  sanctuary?   Our  intent  is  to  create  habitats  in  which  elephants  can  be  elephants  in  settings  in  which  they  thrive   doing  what  elephants  do.  This  includes  searching  for  food,  giving  birth  and  caring  for  young  as  a   family  herd.       Sanctuaries  serve  the  same  purpose  that  assisted  living  facilities  serve  for  humans.  They  are   retirement  centers  populated  by  older  unrelated  elephants.  While  they  may  serve  a  beneficial   purpose  for  some  elephants,  there  are  a  number  of  reasons  Oregon  Zoo  elephants  do  not  belong   there:     • Our  elephants  do  not  have  a  need  to  retire.    The  Oregon  Zoo  provides  a  setting  for  its   elephants  to  live  in  a  family  group  with  varied  ages  and  the  ability  to  collectively  raise  their   young.    The  elephant  populations  at  sanctuaries  are  comprised  of  unrelated,  often  geriatric   animals  with  no  opportunity  to  develop  family  ties  or  raise  their  young.         • We  answer  to  a  publicly-­‐elected  body.  Sanctuaries,  run  by  non-­‐profit  organizations,  lack  the   fundamental  financial  stability  we  have  as  part  of  Metro  and  they  are  not  subject  to  the   public  scrutiny  inherent  to  the  Oregon  Zoo’s  program.     • Unlike  most  sanctuaries,  we  are  accredited  by  the  Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquariums,  status   that  requires  that  we  meet  high  standards  for  animal  care  and  for  which  we  go  through  a   rigorous  application  and  inspection  every  five  years.     • We  have  learned  through  years  of  animal  care  that  quality  of  habitat  and  stimulating   surroundings  are  more  important  than  acreage  alone.  We  provide  daily  stimulation  and   challenge  for  our  animals  and  our  new  habitat  is  designed  from  the  ground  up  to  provide   high  quality  of  life  for  our  herd.       11) Didn’t  the  bond  measure  promise  a  reserve?   No.  The  bond  measure  itself  did  not  mention  an  offsite  elephant  facility.  The  Metro  Council   resolution  that  approved  sending  the  bond  measure  to  voters  noted:   “…the  zoo  is  exploring  the  feasibility  of  providing  an  off-­‐site  area  for  elephants.  Funds  are  set   aside  for  potential  capital  needs  of  off-­‐site  space.”     The  conceptual  plan  at  the  time  was  dependent  upon  acquiring  land  via  donation.    The  Metro   Council  allocated  $7.2  million  ($5.8  million  of  which  was  from  the  bond  and  $1.4  million  from   private  donors)  earmarked  for  feasibility,  due  diligence  and,  if  appropriate,  land  purchase  and   construction.  In  December,  2012,  The  Metro  Council  approved  use  of  bond  funds  for  the  land   purchase  with  the  stipulation  that  land  will  be  developed  only  after  a  long-­‐term,  reliable  source  of   operating  funds  has  been  identified.     The  Metro  Council  has  always  approached  plans  for  this  facility  with  caution,  recognizing  that  it  is  a   substantial  undertaking.  The  zoo’s  vision  for  the  facility  hasn’t  changed;  it  has  evolved  and  been  

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further  refined  as  we’ve  developed  more  specific  facility  plans  and  considered  a  number  of  rural   properties.       In  the  mean  time,  we  are  focused  on  completing  the  projects  identified  in  the  bond  measure.  In   addition  to  Elephant  Lands,  over  the  next  six  years  we  will  construct  a  new  educational  facility  and   new  habitats  for  polar  bears,  primates  and  rhinos.  Elephant  Lands  will  provide  excellent  living   conditions  for  our  elephants  for  years  to  come.         12) Which  animals  would  stay  at  the  zoo  and  which  would  move  to  an  offsite  location?   These  determinations  will  be  made  based  on  the  needs  of  each  animal  and  the  best  interests  of  the   herd  over  time.  It  is  likely  that  initially  some  of  our  males  could  reside  at  the  offsite  facility.    As  the   herd  grows  and  matures,  there  may  be  times  when  members  choose  to  split  and  establish  a  second   matriarchal  herd.  An  offsite  elephant  facility  would  allow  us  to  accommodate  these  herd  dynamics.