Portland, United States - February 28, 2025 Tula-Tu, a month-old elephant calf, stepped into the sunshine for the first time on Thursday afternoon. She joined her mother, Rose-Tu, in a private outdoor area at the Oregon Zoo’s Elephant Lands. Born on February 1, Tula explored the outdoors as warm weather greeted the region. Zoo official Steve Lefave said they waited for the right conditions. “We needed it warm and dry for a calf Tula’s age to play outside,” he explained. Once temperatures climbed above 60 degrees, Tula followed her mom out the door with confidence. Rose-Tu munched on fresh bamboo. Meanwhile, Tula rumbled and grabbed small branches with her trunk. “Her trunk dexterity is impressive,” Lefave said. “She’s definitely precocious for her age.” For now, Tula stays behind the scenes. Visitors can see her inside Forest Hall. Lefave added that Rose will decide when Tula explores the larger public areas. “We’re following their timeline,” he said. Warm weather and Tula’s comfort will soon have her romping across Elephant Lands. Tula’s birth has sparked national buzz. She appeared twice on NBC’s Today show, which called her the “cutest animal of 2025.” Experts see her fame as a boost for wild elephants. Professor Stephanie Preston from the University of Michigan noted, “More exposure makes people care about conserving elephant habitats.” Asian elephants face dire threats in the wild. Habitat loss, human conflict, and disease endanger them. Only 40,000 to 50,000 remain, scattered from India to Borneo. Their range overlaps with 20% of the world’s human population. The Oregon Zoo aids these efforts. “We’re not just caring for Tula,” Lefave said. “In Borneo, our Wildlife Rescue Unit partnership protects rare calves and reunites them with families.” The zoo’s 60-year elephant care program includes a $1 million fund for Asian elephant conservation. It also works with Borneo locals to replant forests and promote peaceful coexistence.