An African safari may be out of the question for most San Diegans, but a new experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park may be the next best way to get up close with one of Earth’s biggest creatures.

Portland’s favorite pachyderm, Tula-Tu, may be halfway to a ton — but she’s still certifiably tiny, at least by elephant standards. The trunked toddler, who turned 1 year old last month, has been ...