Oregon Zoo Education: Classes for Adults

Classes For Adults

Animal Encounters | Breakfast with the Beasts

Animal Encounters

All programs are held from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meet an Oregon Zoo Animal Management staff member for a behind-the-scenes tour of featured animal exhibits. Ages 16 and up.

Zoo Members: $15 - Non-Members: $19

Registration Form

To sign up, or for more information, call the Education Registrar at 220-2781 or e-mail

Sunday, September 22 2002	WILDLIFE REPRODUCTION Species Survival Plans for endangered animals depend a great deal on successful courtship and mating. Find out all the details on a behind-the-scenes tour where endangered Black Rhinos are featured. FOR ADULTS ONLY!
Sunday, October 19 2002	ASIAN ELEPHANTS Learn about the international connection between our elephants and the elephants of Southeast Asia. You'll get a close-up look at our elephants during your behind-the-scenes tour.
Saturday, November 16 2002	FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE Learn about the Zoo's work with local frogs, turtles and butterflies. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the breeding and rearing of indigenous animals that will be released in the wild.
Sunday, November 24 2002	THE SPICE OF LIFE - FULL Treats, scents, toys, plants and structures enrich animals' lives in the Zoo. You'll be taken into an exhibit, given treats to hide and then retreat to a safe observation area to watch what the animals do.
Sunday, December 8 2002	FLOODED FOREST FEATURE Get a close-up look at the Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit. Go on a guided tour of the saki and howler monkeys, emerald tree boas, agouti, anaconda, and many more amazing animals. (For human and animal safety the tour will be limited to public viewing areas).

Breakfast with the Beasts

All Breakfast programs are from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. An opportunity to meet and talk with a keeper, take a guided exhibit tour, and enjoy a continental breakfast. Enrollment is limited. Ages 16 and up.

Zoo Members: $14 - Non-Members: $17

Registration Form

To sign up, or for more information, call the Education Registrar at 220-2781 or e-mail

Saturday, September 21 2002	PHOTO EDITION - FULL Michael Durham, the Zoo's photographer, will present his favorite photos during breakfast. Then you'll had out to the Zoo with Michael to get the inside scoop on how to get great shots of zoo animals. Bring you camera with a moderate to strong photo lens.
Saturday, October 12 2002	STELLER COVE Get a close-up and personal view of the behind-the-scenes areas of the Steller Cove exhibit. Learn about all the challenges of caring for 1,000 lb. sea lions and 2oz. sea urchins.
Sunday, October 27 2002	BAGEL & BATS Visit the Zoo's colony of African fruit-eating bats. Learn about the facts and myths surrounding these flying mammals. (Human and bat health concerns may not allow behind-the-scenes tour).
Saturday, November 2 2002	EARLY MORNING ELEPHANTS - FULL The Zoo's famous elephants will host your visit to the Zoo this morning. Tour the state-of-the-art elephant facility, learn about the latest improvements in this popular exhibit, and meet Oregon's herd. The elephant care staff will give you the inside scoop on taking care of a 14,000 lb. herbivore.
Sunday, November 17 2002	BIG CATS - BREAKFAST WITH A BITE An insider's look at the beauty and power of these endangered predators. Learn about tigers and leopards and discover how Zoo staff provide opportunities for these cats to express natural behaviors seldom seen in captivity.
Sunday, December 8 2002	COMMISSARY It takes an amazing amount of material and supplies to keep the Zoo running. Tour the Zoo's commissary where all animal and people food is received and distributed. Then head over to the Vollum Aviary to help prepare bird meals.
Sunday, December 15 2002	BEARS: LARGE AND LITTLE - FULL From little sun bears to giant grizzlies, bears have developed unique ways of getting by in the world. This session will fill you in on all the bear basics and includes a behind-the-scenes visit to some of the bears.