2004 Events Calendar
For more information: call 503-220-3687 (recording) or 503-226-1561 (general zoo information)
Dates are subject to change. Information on classes and camps can be found in our Education Section.
January / February / March / April / May / June / July / August / September / October / November / December
January
 Join us as we celebrate the third birthday of our world-famous sea otter. Oz, who was the first Southern sea otter to be conceived, born and raised by his mother in captivity, will receive special ice treats, while zoo visitors nosh on cupcakes. |
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GroupFun Expo for Youth Group Leaders at Oregon Zoo
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Saturday, January 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cascade Crest Banquet Center
Expo admission and parking are free.
For more information, or to pre-register, visit the GroupFun Expo Web site at www.groupfun.net or contact Bob Vinatieri at 503-620-5576.
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 Are You Ready For Some Football?
The zoo's orangutans will be given T-shirts from the opposing Super Bowl teams. It is said that whichever team's T-shirt the orangs wear first will be the winner. Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
February
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February 2nd, 2004, 10 a.m.
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Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil and Canada's Wiarton Willie may be more well known, but at the Oregon Zoo, it's the hedgehog that predicts a prolonged winter or an early spring. The hedgehog was used in this centuries-old European tradition until immigrants to North America discovered there were no hedgehogs in their new homeland. The groundhog, believed by Native Americans to be "a wise and sensible animal," became a hedgehog substitute. |
 Environmental Enrichment - Be My Valentine
February 14th, 2004
Sea otters and river otters will receive shiny, red heart-shaped frozen seafood enrichment treats, while swamp monkeys and elephants are handed heart-shaped enrichment boxes filled with fruits and vegetables (all their favorites!). Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
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I Love the Zoo - Overnight
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| February 14th-15th, 2004, 5 p.m. - 9:30 a.m. |
AGE 7-13
Celebrate Valentine's Day at the zoo. Experience the nighttime wonder of the zoo with guided tours, animal visitors, behind-the-scenes peeks, enrichment projects and more. Dinner, evening snack and continental breakfast included in the $40 per child fee. For further information, or to register call 503-220-2781 or go here |
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February 18th, 2004, 6:30 p.m.
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Middle Eastern Cuisine
The zoo's own chef Paul Warner will delight your palate with a culinary tour representing exotic lands through a multi-course feast prepared especially for you. $75 per dinner, or reserve your seat at all four dinners for $250. Tables of eight available for $500. Limited seating by reservation only. Age 21 and over, please. Proceeds go toward Future for Wildlife program. For further information call 503-220-2492. |
March
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Environmental Enrichment- The Luck of The Irish
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March 17th, 2004
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 Green ice treats filled with seafood will be given to Steller's sea lions, Julius and Gus, while the polar bears will find their windows decorated with shamrock shapes drawn with green ketchup. Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
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Bear Fair
Presented by Haggen
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March 20th, 2004, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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 Come out of hibernation just in time for spring break and learn why bears don't really hibernate! All are invited to bring their teddy bears and other stuffed buddies to visit the zoo's bear exhibits and activity stations. Activities include a Repair-A-Bear vet station, games, storytelling, a Teddy Bear Picnic area, and a virtual panda exhibit, featuring never-before-seen footage of panda babies in China. Free with regular zoo admission. For further information, call 503-226-1561.
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 Spring Zooventure Day Camp
March 22-26th, 2004, 9 a.m-4 p.m..
Spend spring break having fun at the zoo! Meet the animals and visit their exhibits. Games, crafts and stories with zoo animal themes allow kids age 4 years to 3rd grade to experience a different part of the zoo each camp day. For further information call 503-220-2781. |
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State of the Zoo Address: Director's Luncheon
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April 14, 2004, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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| Join Tony Vecchio, zoo director as he delivers his annual State of the Zoo address. For reservations or information, call 503-220-5734 |
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Rabbit Romp
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April 10, 2004, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
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 Rabbit Romp is a celebration of spring for all ages. Candy egg hunts occur every 20 minutes for children ages 2-10. Learn about the zoo's conservation efforts to protect our regional endangered pygmy rabbits. Games, petting zoo, puppets, whimsical displays and more. Free with regular zoo admission. For further information, call 503-226-1561. |
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Packy's 42nd Birthday Party
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April 17th, 2004, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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 Help Portland's famous elephant celebrate his 42nd birthday! Sing "Happy Birthday" and watch Packy eat his cake. Games and birthday cake for all. Birthday song and cake at 2 p.m. Free with regular zoo admission. For further information, call 503-226-1561. |
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Dine and Discover
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April 21st, 2004, 6:30 p.m.
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Pacific Northwest Cuisine
The zoo's own chef Paul Warner will delight your palate with a culinary tour representing exotic lands through a multi-course feast prepared especially for you. $75 per dinner, or reserve your seat at all four dinners for $250. Tables of eight available for $500. Limited seating by reservation only. Age 21 and over, please. Proceeds go toward Future for Wildlife program. For further information call 503-220-2492. |
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Bowling for Rhinos
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April TBD, 2004, noon -3 p.m.
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 Join Oregon Zoo zookeepers for a fun-filled event that raises funds for rhino conservation efforts in Africa and Asia. Call 503-226-1561 X5255 or X5275 to register and receive pledge forms. |
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Race To Stop Global Warming and Earth Day Expo
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April 25th, 2004, 8 a.m.
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 Celebrate Earth Day with the Oregon Zoo as we host The Greenhouse Network's fourth annual Race to Stop Global Warming. The race will be followed by a kid's fun run and an interactive Earth Day Expo at the zoo. Proceeds from the race benefit the zoo and The Green House Networks public education campaign about the effects of global warming and what citizens can do about it. For more information, or to register visit www.greenhousenet.org |
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Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series:
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Eye of the Albatross
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| April 27, 2004, 7 PM with Carl Safina |
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Presented in cooperation with the Xerces Society
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May
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Oregon Safe Kids Day
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May 1st, 2004, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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 Join the Oregon Safe Kids Coalition to kick off National SAFE KIDS Week. Oregon SAFE KIDS Day will feature exhibits, prizes, safety tips and hands-on activities for children and parents. National SAFE KIDS Week is an annual event that highlights prevention of childhood injuries. Free with regular zoo admission. For information, call Oregon Safe Kids Coalition at 503-373-1540, ext. 277. |
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Environmental Enrichment- Mother of The Year
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May 7th, 2004
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 One of the zoo's moms will be chosen as Zoo Mother of the Year and receive a special Mother's Day treat. Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
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Mother's Day Brunch at The Oregon Zoo's Cascade Grill
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May 9th, 2004, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
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 Buffet includes seasonal fruits, assorted pastries and muffins, scrambled eggs, potatoes O'Brien, bacon and sausage, omelets, French toast, penne pasta primavera with vegetables and sun-dried tomato pesto, smoked salmon tortellini with lemon caper cream, spinach salad, bay shrimp and cucumber salad, fresh asparagus, and oh, the desserts...
$15.95 Adults (12 and older) $ 7.95 Youth (ages 3-11) Does not include zoo admission. Reservations highly recommended, call 503-525-4299. |
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Celebrating Wildflowers
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April 15 2004, 10 a.m - 5 p.m.
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 Join the Bureau of Land Management at the Zoo for this fun and beautiful celebration of native wildflowers in the Northwest. Fun for everyone includes interesting exhibits, children's activities and craft projects, information about nature-scaping your garden in order to attract wildlife, and scenic tours of the zoo's native plants. Free with zoo admission. For more information, call 503-226-1561. |
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Legomania In The Elephant Museum
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TBA, April 2004, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
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| An annual event by Oregon Episcopal School. Students show off their amazing electronic and computer-controlled creations. |
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Eagle Canyon Exhibit
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May 29 and 30, 2004, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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| Grand Opening |
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Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series:
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Forgotten Pollinators
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| May 25, 2004, 7pm with Stephen L. Buchmann |
| Presented in cooperation with the Xerces Society |
June
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Environmental Enrichment- Zoo Father of The Year
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June 18th, 2004
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 One of the zoo's dads will be chosen as Zoo Father of the Year and receive a special Father's Day treat. Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
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Wells Fargo Summer Concerts At The Oregon Zoo
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June, July and August
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Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series on Wednesdays and Thursdays feature a variety of jazz, folk and ethnic music. Visitors picnic on terraced lawns in the outdoor amphitheater. The concerts are $9 general admission, which includes zoo admission. Complete concert schedule available early June at www.oregonzoo.org. Wells Fargo Summer Concert Premium Series
Tickets ($14 - $22 each) are available at the zoo. Dates and information available at 503-226-1561. |
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Summer On-Grounds Programs
June 12-September 6
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Summer Camp at the Oregon Zoo
June 14-September 3rd, 2004. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
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 Early care: 8 a.m.
Late care: until 6 p.m. Summer Camp at the Oregon Zoo
Children four years of age through seventh grade age level can spend five exciting days at the zoo learning about various endangered species. Camp includes daily lunch breaks and instruction from the most experienced animal keepers. Call 503-220-2781 for registration information. |
July
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Environmental Enrichment- Celebrate The Red, White And Blue!
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July 2nd, 2004
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 Various animals will receive red, white or blue star shaped ice treats. Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
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Trillium Creek Family Farm Exhibit
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July 10 and 11, 2004
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Grand Opening
Building upon its national award-winning successes in youth development and informal education, Trillium Creek Family Farm will be run by kids for kids of all ages. Join us as we celebrate the exhibit's grand opening with fun activities for the whole family. |
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Zoolala
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July 17th, 2004, 7 p.m.
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 Celebrate the Great Northwest at the Oregon Zoo Foundations annual fundraising gala, Zoolala. Come spend an elegant evening at the zoo sampling food from some of Portland's finest restaurants and dancing under the stars. Discover a treasure trove of fabulous items as you explore the silent auction and meet some of the zoo's amazing birds of prey. For more information call 503-220-2492. |
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Family Camperoo
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August 2004, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 a.m.
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 Bring the whole family for a night's stay on zoo grounds. Your family will set up camp on the concert lawn and take part in fun events and activities, including games, snacks and a private showing of the Discover Birds! show. For registration information, call 503-220-2781. |
September
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Zoofari
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September 17th, 2004
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 Become an Oregon Zoo ZooParent and join us for our annual behind-the-scenes tour night. Choose from a group of featured animals and get a chance to meet the keepers, see the animals up close and learn more about their care. You might learn how fast a black rhinoceros can run or why polar bears don't eat penguins. For information call 503-220-5738. |
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Senior Safari
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September 21st, 2004, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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| A special day of free admission and train rides for seniors and their companions. Refreshments, petting zoo, animal talks, live music and entertainment by seniors. For information, call 503-226-1561. |
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World Animal Festival
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September 18, 19 &25th, 2004, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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| This multi-cultural celebration is an exciting showcase of how various cultures around the world revere and celebrate animals. Local cultural groups will present animal folklore to zoo guests in a variety of ways, including performance art, craft making, educational activities and art exhibits. Free with regular zoo admission. For information, call 503-226-1561. |
October
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Teacher In-Service Day At The Oregon Zoo
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October 8th, 2004
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| Teachers can go on behind-the-scenes tours and take home FREE curriculum. For information call 503-226-1561. |
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Environmental Enrichment- Annual Squishing of The Squash
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October 29th, 2004, 10 a.m.
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 Our herd of Asian elephants will receive a HUGE pumpkin. Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
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Howloween At The Zoo
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October 30- 31st, 2004, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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 Most kids love trick-or-treating, and the Oregon Zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this traditional Halloween activity. Trick-or-treaters will complete an intriguing scavenger hunt leading them to activity stations around the zoo and goodie bags filled with candy and prizes will be given out for completed hunts at the zoo's exit. Free with regular zoo admission. For information, call 503-226-1561. |
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Environmental Enrichment- Happy Halloween Birthday!
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October 31st, 2004
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 Our Amur tigers, dressed in Halloween colors, will celebrate their sixth birthday with special treats. Great photo opportunity. Bring your camera! |
November
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Turkey Trot
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November 25th, 2004, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
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 Get ready for Thanksgiving dinner by joining the Oregon Road Runners Club on a four-mile run/walk through Washington Park and the zoo. Registration fee includes zoo admission. For further information, call ORRC (503-646-7867). |
see another month
December
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Zoolights Member Preview Reception
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December 2nd, 2004, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
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 Become a zoo member and get a sneak peek of a holiday tradition, ZooLights. Call 503-220-2493 for membership information. |
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Zoolights Festival
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December 3rd, 2004
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 Sunday to Thursday -5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday to Saturday- 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The zoo comes alive as you walk-through this winter wonderland of more than a half-million lights. This winter festival includes our lighted zoo train, choral and ensemble music, puppet shows, model train display, and an Artist Market. Closed Dec. 24 and 25. For information, call 503-226-1561.
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Environmental Enrichment- Presents For Primates
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December 9th, 2004
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The chimpanzees, orangutans, mandrills and other primates receive early holiday gifts from Santa's elves (primate keepers)! Great photo opportunity - Bring your camera!
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Breakfast With You Know Who At The Oregon Zoo
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December 19th, 2004, 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
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 Have breakfast in the zoo's Cascade Grill with the big, jolly man himself. Call 503-226-1561 for more information.
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Winter Zooventure Day Camps
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December 20-23rd & 27-31st, 2004
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 Winter break at the zoo is sure to be an adventure for kids in kindergarten-third grades. Each day focuses on a new animal theme, such as "Some Like it Cold," which explains how some animals adapt to the frigid temperatures of winter. For registration, call 503-220-2781.
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New Year's Eve Zoosnooze
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December 31 2004- January 1st, 2005
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Kids can party with the animals during the zoo's New Year's Eve ZooSnooze.
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see another month
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Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series:
Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series: