Elephant Lands

Elephant Lands is an animal habitat within the Oregon Zoo that provides Asian elephants with outdoor spaces featuring sand-covered ground, water features, and feeding areas. The site connects multiple zones and includes Forest Hall, an enclosed indoor section for year-round use.

The Oregon Zoo was founded in 1888 and is the oldest zoological institution west of the Mississippi River. Elephant Lands represents the facility's evolution toward modern, naturalistic habitats for large mammals.

The elephant care team accumulates 140 years of combined experience, implementing training methods based on verbal signals and positive reinforcement.

The area is easily accessible with viewing points positioned for clear observation of elephants during their natural activities. Visitors should remain flexible since the animals may not always be at the same locations throughout your visit.

Forest Hall allows the elephants to swim during Portland's cold winter months when outdoor water activity would be impossible. This means the animals can engage in this important behavior year-round.

Location: Portland

Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, USA

GPS coordinates: 45.50867,-122.71127

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:21