Adorable Asian elephant Tula-Tu named Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade grand marshal
Published 10:50 am Thursday, May 22, 2025
Here's what the Alaska Airlines float with the larger-than-life Tula-Tu model will look like in the Grand Floral Parade on June 7. (Courtesy Image: Rose Festival)
Tula-Tu, the 2025 Grand Floral Parade grand marshal, plays with roses at the Oregon Zoo. (Courtesy Photo: Rose Festival)
A model of Packy, the late Oregon Zoo Asian elephant, rode atop a float in the 2012 Grand Floral Parade. (Courtesy Photo: Rose Festival)
Harkening back to when Packy rode in the 2012 Grand Floral Parade — a huge model on a float — the Rose Festival named Oregon Zoo Asian baby elephant Tula-Tu as its Grand Floral Parade grand marshal.
Tula-Tu won’t ride on a float in the parade on June 7, but her larger-than-life model will be on an Alaska Airlines float.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation and Oregon Zoo made the announcement Thursday, May 22 at a gathering at the zoo.
“This year’s theme, ‘All Together Now,’ is about joy, unity, and celebrating what brings us together,” said Marilyn Clint, CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. “Tula-Tu is the perfect grand marshal for this moment — she symbolizes the wonder of new beginnings and the magic of shared experiences. She brings smiles to everyone she meets, and now she’ll bring that same joy to the parade.”
“We’re thrilled that Tula-Tu is being recognized in this way,” said Heidi Rahn, director of the Oregon Zoo. “She has quickly become a symbol of hope and connection — not only for our zoo community, but for the entire region. Having her represented in the Grand Floral Parade is a joyful nod to the importance of wildlife, conservation, and coming together.”
Alaska Airlines, a longtime partner of the Portland Rose Festival, is bringing the grand marshal to life through an imaginative float design inspired by Tula-Tu’s playfulness and charm.
“As a company that connects people and places, we’re honored to help share Tula-Tu’s story with the community,” said Contesa Diaz-Nicolaidis from Alaska Airlines. “Our float celebrates joy, togetherness, and the wonder of discovery — everything this baby elephant represents. We can’t wait for paradegoers to see her come to life in such a magical way.”
The Grand Floral Parade takes place on Saturday, June 7 and is the centerpiece of the Portland Rose Festival. With elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, equestrian units, and this year’s unforgettable grand marshal, the event continues to be a highlight of the Pacific Northwest’s summer season.
More: rosefestival.org.
