Just the Facts
| Size |
64 acres |
| Annual attendance |
999,243 in 1998 |
| Parking & Transportation |
Free Parking. 960 spaces, 17 disabled person spaces. A shuttle runs from the next freeway on busy days. Tri-Met Light Rail Service (MAX) stops 200 feet from the Zoo entrance. |
| Animal collection |
About 1,029 specimens representing 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Of these, 21 species are endangered and 33 are threatened. The zoo is currently active in 21 Species Survival Plans. |
| Exhibits |
Our zoo has nine major exhibits, representing various geographic areas of the world. For more information and pictures, go to the Our Exhibits section. |
| Volunteers |
The Oregon Zoo has the largest zoo volunteer program in the country. More than 2000 individuals volunteer more than 125,000 hours per year. For more information, or to find out how you can join in the fun, jump to the Volunteer section. |
| Director |
Tony Vecchio |
| Address |
4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon 97231 |
| Phone |
(503) 226-1561 |
| Directions |
The zoo is located 5 minutes west of downtown Portland on Highway 26. Watch for the signs. The zoo is the first exit from this highway. For more detailed information go to the Visitor Information section |
| Economic Impact |
The Oregon Zoo is a major contributor to the region's economy and annually generates nearly $42 million in benefits including $23.9 million in gross domestic product and $18 million or 675 FTE in labor income, In addition, The Great Northwest project is projected to add $48.2 million in economic benefit (including labor income and spending) to the region over the next four years. |
History
 The Washington Park Zoo, as it was then called, celebrated its 100th birthday in 1987. From its humble beginnings in the back of a pharmacy in downtown Portland to its prominence as the leading paid attraction in the state of Oregon, the zoo has seen a multitude of changes. In 1887, Richard Knight, a local pharmacist who collected animals as a hobby, officially presented his menagerie to the city and the zoo was created. Having previously occupied two other Washington Park locations, the zoo moved to its present site in 1959. For more information, take a look into our past.
Future
The zoo is committed to providing the best possible facility for its animals as well as the community. A comprehensive plan, "A Great Zoo: Framework for the Future," examines the entire zoo, and incorporates the vision, "Caring Now for the Future of Life," into each department's goals for the next 25 years and beyond. The building master plan balances animals, natural habitats, native culture, technology, plantings, and innovative architecture. As always, the zoo will continue to be a source of discovery and fun that allows visitors to understand and experience the natural world and our place in it. Fore more information, see what we have planned for the future.
Programs
Education Programs
The zoo offers programs for zoo visitors, schools and other institutions, special programs for senior citizens and handicapped persons, and classes for adults, children and families. Volunteers and keepers deliver animal talks, tours and presentations, and a professional staff presents living history, birds of prey, reptile and other animal shows. All outreach programs seek to educate people about wildlife and habitat issues.
Volunteers
More than 1,500 volunteers contribute over 125,000 hours per year in conservation research, events, promotions, on and off-grounds education programs, and our Zoo Teen program. Volunteers add the equivalent of up to 60 full-time staff members to our work force.
Events
Yearly events include summer concerts (ten weeks) and the month-long Zoolights Festival during the holiday season. Senior Safari and Packy's Birthday are just two of the many annual one-day special events. For a schedule, jump to the Event Calendar.
Zoo Outpost Traveling Exhibit
The Zoo Outpost outreach program visits shopping malls, community events, trade fairs and other gatherings throughout Oregon. Safari-clothed volunteers use live animals and teaching activities to educate and entertain children and adults. This program is not available in the summer.
Amenities
Washington Park and Zoo Railway
An authentic steam engine leads one of three trains that take visitors through the zoo and the wooded hills of Washington Park. The 5/8 size replica follows a four-mile course to a depot near Portland's International Rose Test and Japanese Gardens. It is the last operating railway with an authorized postal cancellation and receives requests from around the world for its series of unique postal cancellations. For more information, go to the Railway section.
Membership
The Oregon Zoo Foundation is a non-profit membership organization that offers special benefits, including free admission to the zoo and 125 reciprocal zoos across the country. The Foundation supports the zoo through continuous membership drives, fund-raising activities, promotions, the ZooParent sponsor program and special projects. For more information, jump to the Join! section.
Funding
Income is derived from a tax base through the Metropolitan Service District, zoo admissions, concessions, contributions, special promotions, theOregon Zoo Foundation and grants. Budgeted amount for fiscal year 96-97 is $14,826,000 for operating costs. For more information, visit Metro.
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