Oregon Zoo Great Northwest Exhibit

The Great Northwest Exhibit

Goat Sea Lions

Taking you from the Crest of the Cascades . . . to the Pacific Coast!

Why a Northwest Exhibit?
Community members and zoo staff involved in this project saw a tremendous opportunity for the zoo to shape the future of the region. The sustainable future of healthy river and forest ecosystems depends upon the wisdom of human decisions. The zoo has an established track record in providing quality educational experiences for children and is well-positioned to help Oregonians make the necessary connections between awareness and responsible action.

Artist's Rendering of The Great Northwest Exhibit
Exhibit Map

Cascade Crest
Your journey through the Northwest's ecosystems will begin just past the zoo's new entrance plaza with mountain goats in an alpine meadow setting. You can learn about the Cascade mountains, who lives there, and how they survive through the harsh winters.

Steller Cove
This exhibit is home to Steller's sea lions, sea otters and a variety of ocean fish. There are both above and under-the-water views for both species. Exiting this area, you encounter a large tide pool, sea stars, sea anemones and other creatures.

Eagle Canyon
Eagle Canyon, opening in spring 2004, tells the stories of bald eagles and endangered salmon, while stressing the importance of forest streams and rivers. The exhibit also highlights the integral role in Northwest ecosystems. Visitors will walk through a wooded ravine to get a bird's-eye view of majestic bald eagles and come nose to nose with salmon and aquatic reptiles and amphibians.

Trillium Creek Family Farm(Opens July 2004)

The Trillium Creek Family farm - including a small farmyard, barn, farmhouse,chicken coop, orchard and garden - will feature domesticated, pettable animals while telling the story of the region's agricultural roots and continuing rural vitality. A two-story barn, based on a traditional Willamette Valley farm, will be a center of activity. Six indoor stalls and three outdoor yards will house livestock and offer chances for children to meet farm animals such as sheep, chickens, and cows including registered rare breeds. Outbuilding exhibits will display several species of wildlife common to Northwest farms (e.g. racoon, barn owl, skunk, fox).

Cascade Canyon
The final component in the Great Northwest project, Cascade Canyon Trail, winds its way down from the mountains to the sea. When completed, the exhibit will allow visitors to walk within a few feet of a bobcat den. From a nearby treetop aviary they'll hear native forest song birds. Farther along the trail, American black bear, cougar, brown bear, wolf, and lynx will have unique habitats as part of the forest area.

Follow these links for news and more information on how you can support this exhibit- The Great Northwest - Capital Projects

Community involvement
The zoo recognized the importance of involving outside experts as well as zoo visitors in the messages and focus of the new exhibit. Participation included the following federal, state, and private partners:

United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Bureau of Land Management
United States Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station
Bonneville Power Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon Department of Water Resources
Oregon Department of Forestry
Nature Conservancy, Oregon Chapter
Oregon Trout
Defenders of Wildlife
Portland Audubon Society
1,000 Friends of Oregon
Oregon Forest Resource Institute
United States Geological Survey
A Citizens Advisory Committee, composed of members of the community and
Members of the Oregon Zoo.