A Journey of Art and Soul for the Earth
by Rama the Elephant and Calley O'Neill
RAMA: AMBASSADOR FOR THE ENDANGERED ONES
Speaking Passionately on Behalf of Those who Cannot Speak
The Rama Team
Rama
MIKE KEELE, Director of Elephant Habitats, Oregon Zoo Mike Keele is one of the leading Asian elephant experts in North America. He works with the American Zoological Association’s Species Survival Plan for Asian elephants. It coordinates breeding efforts and tracks reproductive status among zoos across the country. Mike has played a key role in the Elephant Planning Initiative, which established standards for elephant management and care. Internationally, he is a member of the World Conservation Union’s Asian Elephants Specialist Group. Mike began his career as an elephant keeper at the Oregon Zoo in 1971 and now oversees the exciting expansion of the elephant habitat at the zoo by four fold, and directing the development of 200 plus acres of new elephant habitat.
MICHAEL DURHAM, Oregon Zoo PhotographerUsing unconventional techniques and specially designed equipment, internationally published photographer Michael Durham explores the hidden side of nature. So much of the web of life that connects everything is unseen by the naked eye. Born in 1964 in Oregon, Michael started his career in commercial photography and turned to natural history and journalism. His work has been published in books and magazines in Europe and North America, including Nature’s Best, National Wildlife, Sierra, Defenders, Nature Conservancy Magazine, BBC Wildlife and National Geographic for Kids. Working closely with researchers, zoologists, and biologists, Michael contributes his skill with the camera and his knowledge of light and composition. Michael quotes biologist E.O. Wilson, ‘Every kind of organism has reached this moment in time by threading one needle after another...against nearly impossible odds.’ It is my intention that my images reflect this reality..
Julia Fairchild, Web Weaver, and so much more for The Rama Exhibition
Chris Moench, Master Ceramics Sculptor, and creator of prayer wheels for The Rama Exhibition
Margaret Horwatt, Executive Director of The Rama Tree, the non-profit organization of The Rama Exhibition
DANA OLAND,  Graphic Artist,
Oregon Zoo
Phillip Jones, Psychotherapist/Cosmologist and Creator of the Endangered Species Animal Wheel, the centerpiece of the Circle of Life Action Room
Dr. Thomas Hohl, Master Wood Turner and creator and Director of the Rama Exhibition Wildlife Prayer Wheels
KIM SMITH, Director, Oregon ZooZoo Director Kim Smith has cared for elephants and many other endangered species throughout her 25-year zoo career. She says that Calley’s life-changing experience when she first saw Rama is an example of how people are inspired and can take positive action after experiencing animals in accredited zoos. The connection between people and animals and between nature and art is life changing. Zoos like Oregon Zoo play a significant role in our communities. They keep people in touch with the natural world. Committed to innovative animal care and global species conservation, Kim says she and her team feel privileged and honored to care for endangered elephants at the Oregon Zoo, where they inspire people to care about these magnificent animals and to take action to keep them in the world’s future.
Lamar Yoakum, Master Stained Glass Artisan and Creator of The Grotto of Hope Stained Glass Biodiversity Windows
Chris Pfefferkorn, General Curator Chris Pfefferkorn has more than 20 years of experience working in zoos with elephants and has a strong background in animal management. He worked with elephants as a keeper for three years, and helped design and reconstruct an elephant barn at the San Antonio Zoo. Pfefferkorn came to the Oregon Zoo in 1997. As general curator, he manages the animal collections and care staff. In 1999, he helped bring Chendra, an orphaned Borneo elephant, to the zoo. He currently serves on the AZA’s World Conservation Committee, which oversees and reviews Species Survival Plans for animals in North America.