June
June 27, 2003 - "Crown Princess of Nashville" Roseanne Cash Performs at Zoo, July 13
June 27, 2003 - Subdudes and Obo Addy Perform at Zoo, July 9 - 10
June 27, 2003 - Aloha Live! Perform at Zoo, July 6
June 26, 2003 - Lavay Smith and her Big Band Bring Recipe for Good Times to Zoo Concert, July 2
June 26, 2003 - Asleep at the Wheel Performs at Zoo, July 3
June 24, 2003 - Jazz Musician John Scofield Performs at Oregon Zoo
June 16, 2003 - PGE Helps California Condors Return to Oregon
June 13, 2003 - Zoo Hosts Plight of the Pandas Lecture, JUNE 26
June 13, 2003 - Packy Edges Out Competition for 2003 Zoo Father of the Year
June 6, 2003 - Oregon Zoo Launches New Behind the Scenes Encounters
June 5, 2003 - Spider-Man Swings into the Oregon Zoo
June 4 , 2003 - Dads Compete for Zoo Father of the Year
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"CROWN PRINCESS OF NASHVILLE" ROSEANNE CASH PERFORMS AT ZOO, JULY 13
PORTLAND, Ore.- Rosanne Cash, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter will reign over the Oregon Zoo as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series on Sunday, July 13 at 7 p.m. She will be performing with Iris Dement at the Oregon Zoo's concert lawn.
Rosanne Cash is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who has released ten albums over the last twenty years, charting eleven number-one singles and earning numerous accolades for songwriting and performance. This March she released Rules of Travel, her first studio album in ten years since 1993's The Wheel, apart from 1996's 10 Song Demo and 1995's Retrospective. For two and a half years her music career was completely dormant while she had a child and her vocal chords were shut down from a polyp. She bounced back by 2000 and resumed her ongoing project, Rules of Travel.
The contemporary release features guest tracks with Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Teddy Thompson and Jakob Dylan. In "September When it Comes," a song about facing up to the mortality of a parent, Cash sings with her father-the first time since the early 1980s that father and daughter have sung together on a record. Johnny Cash is 71 now, and has been ill for several years. His condition is reflected in his daughter's comeback album, which explores love and mortality in a folk-pop style and has received praise from the critics.
Also performing is Iris DeMent, a singer-songwriter on the country end of what is now called Adult Acoustic Alternative music.
A singer-songwriter based in Kansas City, DeMent's early influences included gospel, Loretta Lynn, Emylou Harris and Johnny Cash. She began to write her own songs when she was 25 and finally released her debut album at age 30. Her debut, Infamous Angel, was an acclaimed, acoustically based country folk set that mixed homespun reflection with charming and accessible lyrics.
Although she has a pure, evocative vocal style and heartfelt song craft, Dement's lyrics are fiercely political, tackling topics like sexual abuse, religion, government policy, and Vietnam. In 1999, she collaborated with country singer John Prine on his album, In Spite of Ourselves. Dement recorded four duets with Prine that earned her a Grammy nod the following year.
The Oregon Zoo has been bringing national music acts to its terraced lawn for the past 24 years and was the first zoo in the country to host summer concerts. The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series is Portland's longest running outdoor series. The zoo offers 26 shows this summer.
"The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
New to the concerts this year are gourmet, pre-packed picnics for concertgoers to pick up when they arrive.
"We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Concertgoers can also try the zoo's summer barbecue and nightly specials, then sit back and enjoy a diverse mixture of musical styles throughout the summer. Upcoming performances include Suzanne Vega, Aimee Mann, and Dark Star Orchestra.
The Wells Fargo Concert Series offers music as diverse as the animals that reside at the zoo. Concerts are held during the summer months on terraced lawns near the Asian elephants. The series helps financially support the zoo's mission of conservation and education.
"Through Wells Fargo's generous support, the zoo is able to bring renowned musicians to Portland," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "In addition to being a family-friendly series for the community, the revenue generated helps support a variety of endangered species, including ones found here in the Pacific Northwest."
Tickets for Cash's July 13 performance are on sale now. Ticket price is $19. Tickets can be purchased at the zoo reception office with no service charge (no phone calls, please). Tickets are also on sale at Safeway TicketsWest Ticket Centers, on-line at TicketsWest.com (service charges apply) or by calling 503-224-8499 or 800-992-8499. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The front portion of the concert lawn is reserved for blankets only.
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SUBDUDES AND OBO ADDY PERFORM AT ZOO, JULY 9 -10
PORTLAND, Ore.-The Subdudes and Obo Addy entertain both four-footed and two-footed creatures at the Oregon Zoo as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, July 9 and Thursday, July 10, respectively. Both performances begin at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday night, concertgoers can lounge on the grassy terraces of the concert lawn and nibble snacks while the Subdudes merge acoustic, electric, and unique percussion sounds with New Orleans flavor. Known for highly entertaining stage performances, this lively group has been a crowd-pleaser for 15 years. Their blend of instrumental creativity and vocal harmonies is suited for all ages and musical palates.
"The whole family will enjoy the Subdudes," says Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Kids dance to their strong rhythms and parents appreciate their talent."
The Subdudes got together in 1987 for what they thought would be a one-time performance. The acoustic performance far exceeded expectations, and that night the Subdudes were born. After five well-received albums and several years of hard touring, the Subdudes called it quits in November 1996.
In the spring of 2002, three of the four original Subdudes decided to get back together. They called themselves the Dudes, but with or without the "sub," the music was still unmistakably the Subdudes. Today, the band is once again called by their original name, the Subdudes.
On Thursday, July 10, master drummer Obo Addy will present a taste of Africa that could make even the nearby Asian elephants swing to the beat. Addy combines the rigorous standards of the ritual music he learned from his father, a Wonche Priest, and the flashy, international pop music he performed as a young professional with bands in Accra, Ghana. A versatile magician of the drums, Addy embodies the past, present and future of Ghana's musical culture.
"Addy steps on stage as a prominent member of the first generation of African musicians to bring their traditional and popular music to Europe and America," said Swan. "He's an original and respected composer whose music reaches far beyond the boundaries of his birth."
Addy has a 20-year presence on the international performing arts scene and has become known for his ability to celebrate past traditions, while expanding to embrace new ideas and foreign influences.
"As a master in the traditional music and dance of the many cultures in Ghana, it is no accident that Obo Addy is a musical bridge between old and new, between Ghanaian and foreign," added Swan.
The Oregon Zoo has been bringing national music acts to its terraced lawn for the past 24 years and was the first zoo in the country to host summer concerts. The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series is Portland's longest running outdoor series. The zoo offers 26 shows this summer.
"The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
New to the concerts this year are gourmet, pre-packed picnics for concertgoers to pick up when they arrive.
"We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Concertgoers can also try the zoo's summer barbecue and nightly specials, then sit back and enjoy a diverse mixture of musical styles throughout the summer. Upcoming performances include Rosanne Cash, the Afro Celts, Suzanne Vega, and Les Nubians and Zap Mama.
The Wells Fargo Concert Series offers music as diverse as the animals that reside at the zoo. Concerts are held during the summer months on terraced lawns near the Asian elephants. The series helps financially support the zoo's mission of conservation and education.
"Through Wells Fargo's generous support, the zoo is able to bring renowned musicians to Portland," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "In addition to being a family-friendly series for the community, the revenue generated helps support a variety of endangered species, including ones found here in the Pacific Northwest."
Tickets for the Subdudes on July 9 and Obo Addy on July 10 are available at the zoo after 4 p.m the day of the show. Tickets are $9 and include zoo admission. The concerts are free for ZooMembers at the Plus level or higher. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The front portion of the concert lawn is reserved for blankets only.
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ALOHA LIVE! PERFORM AT ZOO, JULY 6
PORTLAND, Ore. -A breeze from the tropics is brushing through the grass on the Oregon Zoo Concert Lawn, in the form of Willie K. and Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom on their Aloha Live! Tour. Along with special guest Ernie Cruz Jr., Aloha Live performs on Sunday, July 6, during the Wells Fargo Summer Concert series.
The Willie K. and Amy Hanaiali'i pair has been something of a phenomenon lately in their native islands, receiving multiple music awards in Hawaii: Album of the Year, Hawaiian Album of the Year, Female Vocalist, and Song of the Year.
Both artists strive to blend their strong Hawaiian heritage with their interests in widely ranging varieties of music. Hanaiali'i sings in a classically trained Hawaiian voice, revitalizing the traditional ha'i falsetto music style. She has also received years of formal training in European classical music and musical theatre. Willie K., with a lifelong love of Hawaiian, Jazz, and R&B music, has been entertaining audiences for years and is noted for his spontaneity and creativity onstage.
Both performers have respected solo careers, but found critical notice of the pair was dramatically increased when they produced an album together in the late 1990s.
Ernie Cruz Jr. is also an award-winning Hawaiian artist. He combines traditional Hawaiian instrumentation with modern styles ranging from jazz to rock.
The Oregon Zoo has been bringing national music acts to its terraced lawn for the past 24 years and was the first zoo in the country to host summer concerts. The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series is Portland's longest running outdoor series. The zoo offers 26 shows this summer.
"The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
New to the concerts this year are gourmet, pre-packed picnics for concertgoers to pick up when they arrive.
"We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Concertgoers can also try the zoo's summer barbecue and nightly specials, then sit back and enjoy a diverse mixture of musical styles throughout the summer. Upcoming performances include Roseanne Cash, the Afro Celts, and Suzanne Vega.
The Wells Fargo Concert Series offers music as diverse as the animals that reside at the zoo. Concerts are held during the summer months on terraced lawns near the Asian elephants. The series helps financially support the zoo's mission of conservation and education.
"Through Wells Fargo's generous support, the zoo is able to bring renowned musicians to Portland," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "In addition to being a family-friendly series for the community, the revenue generated helps support a variety of endangered species, including ones found here in the Pacific Northwest."
Tickets for the Aloha Live, July 6 performance are on sale now. Ticket price is $14. Tickets can be purchased at the zoo reception office with no service charge (no phone calls, please). Tickets are also on sale at Safeway TicketsWest Ticket Centers, on-line at TicketsWest.com (service charges apply) or by calling 503-224-8499 or 800-992-8499. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The front portion of the concert lawn is reserved for blankets only.
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LAVAY SMITH AND HER BIG BAND BRING RECIPE FOR GOOD TIMES TO ZOO CONCERT, JULY 2
PORTLAND, Ore.- Elephant trunks will be swaying and human feet will be tapping when Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers come for the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, July 2 at 7 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo's concert lawn.
"Lavay evokes a sensuous era of jazz queens while adding her own modern feminist twist," said Krista Swan, Oregon Zoo event coordinator. "She looks the part, like the broad who double-crosses the gangster in an old movie."
Lavay performs classics with a singing style influenced by Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Bassie, Bessie Smith, and Little Esther Phillips, while also singing some original tunes. She has become known as the Diva of the swing scene, a cross between Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page.
Lavay's big, bluesy voice, exciting stage personality, and glamorous approach, has resulted in multiple recognitions and awards for the band. The band has been named "Best Blues Band" in the San Francisco Weekly Reader's Poll, "Best Band" in the San Francisco Bay Area, and #10 on the Billboard Jazz charts for her 2000 CD, Everybody Talkin' 'Bout Miss Thing.
The Oregon Zoo has been bringing national music acts to its terraced lawn for the past 24 years and was the first zoo in the country to host a concert series. The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series is Portland's longest running outdoor series. The zoo offers 26 shows this summer.
"The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
New to the concerts this year are gourmet, pre-packed picnics for concertgoers to pick up when they arrive.
"We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Concertgoers can also try the zoo's summer barbecue and nightly specials, then sit back and enjoy a diverse mixture of musical styles throughout the summer. Upcoming performances include Aloha Live, Rosanne Cash, and the Afro Celts.
The Wells Fargo Concert Series offers music as diverse as the animals that reside at the zoo. Concerts are held during the summer months on terraced lawns near the Asian elephants. The series helps financially support the zoo's mission of conservation and education.
"Through Wells Fargo's generous support, the zoo is able to bring renowned musicians to Portland," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "In addition to being a family-friendly series for the community, the revenue generated helps support a variety of endangered species, including ones found here in the Pacific Northwest."
Tickets for Lavay Smith's July 2 performance go on sale at the Oregon Zoo 4 p.m. the day of the show. Tickets are $9 and include zoo admission. The concert is free for ZooMembers at the Plus level and higher. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The front portion of the concert lawn is reserved for blankets only.
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ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL PERFORMS AT ZOO, JULY 3
PORTLAND, Ore.- Nine-time Grammy winner Asleep at the Wheel will set ears a-tingling at the Oregon Zoo as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 3 at 7 p.m.
Asleep at the Wheel is considered America's premier Western Swing band. The band has been playing continuously since the early 1970s, when they got their start in West Virginia as a straightforward country band. Later in the decade, the group got its first hit with the single "The Letter that Johnny Walker Read."
Asleep at the Wheel has recorded with industry greats like Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins, Brooks & Dunn, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks. The band has even gone on tour with Bob Dylan.
The Oregon Zoo has been bringing national music acts to its terraced lawn for the past 24 years and was the first zoo in the country to host summer concerts. The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series is Portland's longest running outdoor series. The zoo offers 26 shows this summer.
"The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals."
New to the concerts this year are gourmet, pre-packed picnics for concertgoers to pick up when they arrive.
"We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Concertgoers can also try the zoo's summer barbecue and nightly specials, then sit back and enjoy a diverse mixture of musical styles throughout the summer. Upcoming performances include Aloha Live, Roseanne Cash, and the Afro Celts.
The Wells Fargo Concert Series offers music as diverse as the animals that reside at the zoo. Concerts are held during the summer months on terraced lawns near the Asian elephants. The series helps financially support the zoo's mission of conservation and education.
"Through Wells Fargo's generous support, the zoo is able to bring renowned musicians to Portland," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "In addition to being a family-friendly series for the community, the revenue generated helps support a variety of endangered species, including ones found here in the Pacific Northwest."
Tickets for Asleep at the Wheel's July 3 performance are available at the zoo after 4 p.m. the day of the concert. Tickets are $9 and include zoo admission. The concert is free for ZooMembers at the Plus level or higher. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The front portion of the concert lawn is reserved for blankets only.
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JAZZ MUSICIAN JOHN SCOFIELD PERFORMS AT OREGON ZOO
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Zoo concertgoers can jam with the elephants as John Scofield kicks off the much-anticipated Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series on the zoo’s concert lawn, Sunday, June 29. The jazz guitarist will play a musical set characteristic of his engaging live shows.
Scofield, a renowned jazz guitarist, has toured extensively with Miles Davis. He picked up his guitar at age 11 and hasn’t set it down since, accumulating a long list of albums along the way. His recent release überjam was nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in the 2003 Grammys.
The Oregon Zoo has been bringing national music acts to its terraced lawn for the past 24 years and was the first zoo in the country to host a concert series. The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series is Portland's longest running outdoor series. The zoo offers 26 shows this summer.
“The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland,” said Krista Swan, event coordinator. “Whether it’s a romantic evening or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all the animals.”
New to the concerts this year are gourmet, pre-packed picnics for concertgoers to pick up when they arrive.
“We’re making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing dinner on the lawn,” according to Swan. “People can just come to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting.”
Concertgoers can also try the zoo's summer barbecue and nightly specials, then sit back and enjoy a diverse mixture of musical styles throughout the summer. Upcoming performances include Suzanne Vega, Aimee Mann, and Dark Star Orchestra.
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PGE HELPS CALIFORNIA CONDORS RETURN TO OREGON
PGE ANNOUNCES MAJOR GIFT DURING OREGON ZOO'S DISCOVER BIRDS! SHOW WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
PORTLAND, Ore. – The largest native birds in North America are returning to Oregon after a 99-year absence, and Portland General Electric (PGE) is making a major contribution to The Oregon Zoo Foundation to help the cause of saving the majestic condor. The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo to become a member of the California Condor Recovery Program and will make major contributions to this conservation effort, beginning with construction of an important breeding facility. Construction is underway, with condors arriving this November.
PGE announces its contribution to The Campaign for Condors on Wednesday, June 18 at 11:45 a.m. on the Zoo concert lawn. The announcement occurs prior to the presentation of Discover Birds! at 12 p.m. PGE also sponsors this educational 30-minute show that features birds of prey and other winged animals.
“PGE and the Oregon Zoo have both been serving our community for almost 115 years and share a commitment to preserving the environment,” said Peggy Fowler, CEO and president of PGE. “We are delighted to be part of this project, and PGE’s contribution to The Campaign for the Condors fits with one of our core values of sustainability.”
Valued at $80,000, the majority of PGE’s contribution to The Campaign for Condors comes in the form of in-kind labor by PGE line crews, services and supplies (including a line extension to the site, trenching, conduit and transformers) to help create the Condor Creek Conservation Facility.
“We’re pleased that PGE has joined us in this historic conservation effort,” said Tony Vecchio, director of the Oregon Zoo. “Lewis and Clark wrote in their journals about condors flying high above the Columbia River between The Dalles and Astoria — through PGE’s efforts we may someday see condors again soaring above the cliffs of the Columbia.”
The Condor Creek Conservation Facility, located on Metro-owned property, is isolated to ensure minimal noise and limited human contact, necessities for fostering condors.
“It is important that the condors not get used to people, and pains will be taken so the condors don’t bond or associate with humans,” Vecchio said. “If they become unafraid of humans, they put themselves in jeopardy when released into the wild.”
Total cost for this project is $3 million: $2 million to build the Condor Creek Conservation Facility and $1 million to create a naturalistic condor exhibit that debuts at the Zoo during the summer of 2005.
“ It is an honor for the Oregon Zoo to participate in one of the greatest conservation successes of our time,” said Walt Pollock, member of The Oregon Zoo Foundation Board of Trustees, chairman of The Campaign for Condors and former senior vice president of Power Supply of PGE. “I’m thrilled that PGE is part of the team working toward the goal of removing the California condor from the endangered species list and assuring a brighter future for this magnificent bird that once soared in the skies above the Columbia River and the mountains of the Northwest coast,” he said.
The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain, and by 1982 only 22 California condors were left in the world. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the California condor was one of the original animals included on the endangered list.
PGE has supported the Oregon Zoo’s conservation, education and community programs since 1980.
For more information about the Oregon Zoo’s Campaign for Condors, please visit www.oregonzoo.org/Condors.
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ZOO HOSTS PLIGHT OF THE PANDAS LECTURE, JUNE 26
JOIN GLOBIO'S GERRY ELIS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY OF BABY PANDAS
PORTLAND, Ore.-A lecture titled Giant Pandas: A Journey Into China will be presented by GLOBIO (the Foundation for Global Biodiversity Education for Children) at the Oregon Zoo on June 26 at 7 p.m.
"GLOBIO is bringing the plight of pandas to Portland," said Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "Our goal is to convey the importance of conservation for all species, especially those that are highly endangered, through charismatic animals such as pandas."
Pandas, the subject of GLOBIO's newest Wild Orphans project, follows two infant pandas born last fall through their first toddling footsteps in the bamboo forests of Wolong Nature Reserve. The multimedia evening will explore what it is like to live and work with one of the most rare and most lovable animals on earth through Gerry Ellis' still photographs and video. Images will transport the audience into the lush mountain forests, glimpse into the private birthing chamber of a mother panda and behind the scenes in the state-of-the-art nursery where keepers tenderly work to insure every panda baby has a chance at survival. The evening will also offer a hands-on display of the digital technology GLOBIO's team is using to bring this amazing story to life.
"Our hope is to offer people a rare glimpse at pandas in China and an even rarer glimpse into the extraordinary lives of people working to save this incredible creature from extinction," said Ellis, professional photographer and GLOBIO Executive Director/Founder.
Pandas are critically endangered, despite substantial international support and intense effort by researchers at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in the Wolong Nature Reserve.
Giant Pandas: A Journey Into China is hosted by Oregon Zoo and the Forest Discovery Center, and sponsored locally by Pro Photo Supply and Nikon. Tickets are $15 general admission, or $10 for members of the Oregon Zoo, Portland Chinese Classical Garden or Forest Discovery Center and are available at the door (subject to capacity) or in advance at the zoo or any TicketsWest ticket outlet. Proceeds from the event will go to support GLOBIO's panda project and the Oregon Zoo's field conservation programs.
For more information on the evening event, visit the Oregon Zoo Web site at www.oregonzoo.org and for more about GLOBIO's panda project visit www.globio.org/projects/wildorphans/wolong/index.shtml.
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PACKY EDGES OUT COMPETITION FOR 2003 OREGON ZOO FATHER OF THE YEAR
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland’s famous pachyderm was voted Zoo Father of the Year for 2003. Perceived as the front-runner going into the competition, Packy, received a serious challenge from Eddie the Southern sea otter and it looked as though the cute little sea otter would upset the largest Asian elephant in the United States. But when the voting ended, Packy prevailed with 41 percent of the vote. Eddie and the other challenger, Devon the swamp monkey received 39 percent and 20 percent respectively.
“ We couldn’t be prouder,” said April Yoder, senior elephant keeper at the zoo. “He’s certainly a prolific father, having sired seven calves, including 20-year old Sung-Surin (“Sunshine”) and 20-year old Rama, both of whom still live at the zoo with their dad.”
Oregon Zoo Director, Tony Vecchio viewed The Zoo Father of the Year vote as an opportunity to educate the public about Asian elephants, Southern sea otters and swamp monkeys, which are either threatened or endangered.
“Once people makes an emotional connection with an animal, they’re much more likely to care about the future of that species,” said Vecchio. “This on-line vote has helped bring attention to the plight of these animals.”
The public cast their votes on the zoo's Web site. An on-line ballot featured photos and short biographies of the three candidates.
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OREGON ZOO LAUNCHES NEW BEHIND THE SCENES ENCOUNTERS
PORTLAND, Ore.-The Oregon Zoo unveils its new Behind the Scenes Encounters program that takes people in backstage areas to experience a number of unique animal activities and habitats. Beginning June 14, visitors can go on behind the scenes encounters three times during the day, seven days a week.
The zoo has designed three different tour levels, including One Paw, Two Paw and Three Paw tours.
The One Paw Tours are daily tours designed to promote interest and appreciation for animals and the care the zoo provides them.
"Visitors will see firsthand what it really takes to give our animals the best possible care and keep the zoo running," according to Charis Henrie, education program coordinator. "Our One Paw Tours take you to a number of zoo areas, including the animal kitchen for the mountain goat exhibit, as well as the giraffe and rhino barns," she added.
One Paw Tour tickets are available for purchase on the same day of the encounter. A variety of different tours will be offered on a rotating basis. "There a lot of different tours," according to Henrie. "And you don't even need to call ahead to get on board!"
While exploring behind the scenes with the zoo's education staff, participants of all ages engage in a variety of unique activities.
"On one of the tours, visitors will get the chance to taste real monkey chow," said Henrie.
Each of the One Paw tours provides a learning experience about the habitats, as well as valuable information regarding the animals and their status in the wild. The zoo also foresees these tours providing an insightful look into many species conservation initiatives.
"We anticipate that people will like going behind the scenes to see firsthand what only a select few zookeepers get to experience," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director.
Later in the summer, the zoo will unveil its Behind the Scenes Encounters' Two Paw and Three Paw Tours. These tours provide visitors direct contact with zoo animals. One Paw Tours are $9 for members, and $10 for non-members.
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SPIDER-MAN SWINGS INTO THE OREGON ZOO
PORTLAND, Ore.-Marvel Comics' Spider-Man makes an appearance at the Oregon Zoo Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Spider-Man will pose for photos with his fans, and visitors can learn more about the superhero-and spiders in general-at various activity stations.
"Kids will discover the adaptations Peter Parker acquired after being bitten by a radioactive spider and compare those to real life arachnids," said Charis Henrie, education program coordinator.
Visitors can also learn about the zoo's own arachnids at the Insect Zoo, where they can watch a tarantula feeding and participate in a spider web game. They will also discover how spiders are real life heroes and learn about their importance in controlling pests.
Other activities include spider puppets that enhance visitors' up close, hands-on experience with spiders. Kids can also get their faces painted with spider-themed creatures, and visit a HomeStreet Bank spider-activity station.
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DADS COMPETE FOR ZOO FATHER OF THE YEAR
PORTLAND, Ore. - It's time for dads to take center stage and the Oregon Zoo wants your help in choosing the Zoo Father of the Year for 2003. Devon the swamp monkey, Eddie the southern sea otter and Packy the Asian elephant are this year's honored contenders. An on-line ballot posted on the zoo's Web site located at www.oregonzoo.org features photos and short biographies of the three candidates.
"We just finished a campaign for zoo mother of the year, and found it was a fun way to initiate a relationship between the public and the highlighted animals," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "As the public reads about the nominees, which are either threatened or endangered, we hope they'll come to understand and care about the challenges facing these species and others."
On-line votes will be accepted through Thursday, June 12, 5 p.m. The zoo will announce the 2003 Zoo Father of the Year on Friday, June 13.
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