Helping Elephants: Oregon Zoo Foundation Announces $1 Million Endowment

The Oregon Zoo Foundation, which supports the Oregon Zoo with millions every year, has established a $1 million endowment fund to support Asian elephant conservation.

It's the fifth $1 million endowment established by the Foundation.

The previous ones were to benefit animal welfare, conservation, and education, as well as one that helped establish the Predators of the Serengeti exhibit.

HAVE PATCH EMAIL YOU ALL THE LATEST NEWS

The zoo, which has won international acclaim for its Asian elephant program as well as some criticism, has had two baby elephants born there in recent years.

"This is a huge step in our long-term commitment to protecting Asian elephants," said Oregon Zoo Director Dr. Don Moore, according to Metro, which operates the zoo.

"This is a species that desperately needs our help."

Metro says that by establishing the fund, the zoo won't have to do things like they did earlier this year when they took $10,000 from the foundation's Endangered Species Justice Fund to buy milk replacer for orphaned elephant babies.

To contribute to the Asian elephant conservation endowment or learn about other ways to get involved, call 503-914-6029.