December
December 17, 2003 - Flying Reindeer: Science Fiction or Science Fact
December 16, 2003 - Last Minute Zoo Gifts Help Support Conservation and Education Efforts
December 16, 2003 - Last Chance for Zoolights
December 15, 2003 - Kid activities slated during winter zoo camp, ec. 22, 23, 29-31
December 11, 2003 - "You know who" visits Oregon Zoo for breakfast, Dec. 21
December 8, 2003 - Presents for primates
December 1, 2003 - "Santa's late" ride runs through Dec. 28
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FLYING REINDEER: SCIENCE FICTION OR SCIENCE FACT
Zoo director asks children around the world to e-mail their flying reindeer sightings
PORTLAND, Ore. - Flying reindeer expert and Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio is asking children around the world to e-mail their reindeer sightings by visiting www.oregonzoo.org. Vecchio has studied flying reindeer for nearly ten years and will talk about his theories during a book signing for the “Flight of the Reindeer” on Dec. 20 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the zoo’s Cascade Outfitters Gift Shop.
Vecchio is currently gathering new data to hone his theories on the elusive creatures.
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Tony Vecchio with cousin of Reindeer, the zoo's Roosevelt Elk
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“The science of reindeer flight continues to evolve as new data pours in every December 24th during their once a year migration,” said Vecchio. “I’m asking anyone who sees flying reindeer to e-mail me the details such as where they saw the reindeer, what time it was, how high they were in the sky.”
All reported sightings will be documented on a map located on the zoo’s Web site.
Vecchio first began studying reindeer flight when he was asked to theorize the concept for the book “Flight of the Reindeer” by Robert Sullivan.
“The book was a great starting point,” said Vecchio. “It was my first attempt to objectively look at the ‘how’ of reindeer flight.”
In the book, Vecchio offers his expertise alongside esteemed colleagues like former President George Bush, mountaineer and living legend Sir Edmund Hillary, weatherman of NBC’s Today Show Al Roker, and the famed Arctic explorer Will Steger.
In the book’s third chapter, Vecchio summarized his beliefs stating, “...the flying deer is just about the most astounding animal in the world. He should be believed in, he also should be looked up to. Santa’s team of eight—plus, of course, the one with the nose—they are perfect mammals. They are unique and beautiful, not to say miraculous. They’re the pinnacle of evolution.”
“Flight of the Reindeer” was written in 1996. Now, more experienced, Vecchio looks back at his proposed scenario of a flying reindeer’s life and remarks, “The more I learn, the more flying reindeer fascinate me and they haven’t failed my kids yet.”
During the month of December, the zoo hosts a variety of holiday-themed activities, including ZooLights, (through Dec. 28), Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 21 at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m.) and Winter Break ZooVenture day camps for kids four years of age through third grade (Dec. 22, 23, 29, 30-31).
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LAST MINUTE ZOO GIFTS HELP SUPPORT CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION EFFORTS
PORTLAND, Ore.- Tired of getting coal in your stocking every year? Why not try a brick instead? For $100 you can personalize a brick that will be a permanent part of the new Trillium Family Farm exhibit. The new exhibit, featuring pettable farm animals, will open next summer. Call 503-220-2493 for information or visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/FamilyFarmBrick.htm to buy a brick. 
Holiday shoppers can sponsor endangered animals through the ZooParents adoption program. For as little as $25, adopting "parents" receive a certificate, an animal fact sheet, and one-year of the ZooTracks newsletter. ZooParents supports the zoo's conservation efforts. All Zoo animals can be sponsored by calling 503-220-2493 or logging on to the zoo's website at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/zooparent.htm.
The zoo gift shop is a great place for holiday shoppers. Cascade Outfitters offers a variety of gifts, from intricate handmade animal ornaments to cuddly plush toys. Zoo admission is not required to shop at Cascade Outfitters. You can also visit the gift shop online at http://store.yahoo.com/oregonzoo-cascadeoutfitters.
Zoo memberships make great gifts-especially during ZooLights-and can be purchased online. Member benefits include free zoo admission for one full year, admission benefits at more than 100 zoos nationwide and discounts on zoo train rides. Memberships begin at $39. For further information, call 503-220-2493 or visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/memberinfo.htm.
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LAST CHANCE FOR ZOOLIGHTS
PORTLAND, Ore.- Oregon Zoo visitors have a little longer to see more than 500,000 lights that illuminate animated hippos, crocodiles, condors and the zoo train during ZooLights. This holiday tradition is presented by The Boeing Company and runs through Dec. 28 (closed Dec. 24-25).
Many new silhouettes can be found throughout the zoo. Three life-sized, three-dimensional hippos graze near a river of lights on the zoo's concert lawn. The meandering river of LED lights is 180 feet long and 16 feet wide. Two life-sized, three-dimensional crocodiles closely watch the hippos as they graze; one crocodile has a motorized mouth that opens when visitors tap a switch. Just below the river of lights are submerged hippos and crocodiles. Nearby, an African fish eagle swoops down and scoops up a fish from the river. At Butterfly Way there is a caterpillar that turns into a chrysalis, before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Inchworms have also been added to butterfly way. Lastly, three California condor silhouettes have been added to help celebrate the zoo's participation in the California Condor Recovery Team.
The zoo's popular costumed characters and elves are on hand to greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer will be joined by Honey Bear, Nate the Eagle, Rock E. Goat, Sandy Sea Otter and Titus Tiger. Visitors can also see some of the zoo's resident animals, including tigers, polar bears, leopards, bats, mountain goats and elephants.
Favorite light displays from previous years will also return, including trumpeting elephants, tobogganing polar bears and swinging monkeys. Lions can be seen chasing a herd of impalas, while a giraffe grazes nearby. An ostrich gets startled and runs away, hiding its head in the sand. Flying macaws fly from tree to tree. A 35-foot-long dragon mysteriously floats above the walkway. Close by are white swans that swim in a garden pond and penguins that dive in arctic waters. A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother's pouch and begins to hop around. And darting red and green amphibians play a lively game of leapfrog.
For last minute shoppers, the zoo's gift shop is bursting with animal-related gifts. The Artist's Market features recycled, animal and earth friendly art. The zoo's Cascade Grill offers a nightly holiday buffet.
ZooLights hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday through Thursdays. The lights and other activities will continue for one hour past the gate closing time. ZooLights is closed Dec. 24 and 25.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
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Kid activities slated during winter zoo camp, ec. 22, 23, 29-31
PORTLAND, Ore.--Winter break at the zoo is sure to be an adventure for kids four years of age through third grade when they attend Winter ZooVenture Day Camps December 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31. The Oregon Zoo's winter camp program is designed and led by the same professional staff that oversees the summer program. Proceeds help fund the zoo's conservation and education programs.
Each day's activities focus on a unique animal theme. During "How Do They Do That?" children discover how animals climb, fly, glide, dive and survive in the wild world. "Some Like It Cold" has campers examining how animals (like polar bears) are built for winter. During "Short Days, Long Nights" campers discover the differences between nocturnal animals (tigers and bats) and diurnal animals (elephants, zebras, and monkeys). The camp titled "Let The Rumpus Begin" gives campers an insider's view of how different kinds of animals play, hunt, socialize and interact in groups and on their own. Campers will also find out what happens when the zoo puts different kinds of animals in one exhibit. Lastly, campers discover how animals are celebrated in different cultures and countries through crafts, stories, legends and songs during "Wow! Wildlife of the World."
Camp activities include guided trips through the zoo that allow kids to explore various areas in detail. In addition, touchable animals are on hand to make special visits to campers each day. Games, crafts and stories with zoo animal themes add to the daily experiences.
Children may attend one day, a few days or all five days. Half-day sessions for four-year-olds and kindergartners take place from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Full-day sessions for first, second and third graders begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.
For registration or more information about Winter ZooVenture Day Camp visit www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2781.
Other holiday-themed activities include ZooLights, which runs through December 28. ZooLights has become a family tradition, featuring more than a half million lights, including life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train.
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"You know who" visits Oregon Zoo for breakfast, Dec. 21
PORTLAND, Ore. - Children can have Breakfast with Santa during his annual visit to the Oregon Zoo on December 21 at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds help support the zoo's conservation and education programs.
Though Santa's usual holiday fare is cookies and milk, he also loves to share a big breakfast with friends. The big, jolly man and his guests will get in the holiday spirit as they visit over a hearty breakfast that includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, Danish and fruit.
Children can also share their Christmas wishes and take pictures with Santa.
The cost for Breakfast with Santa is $10 for adults (12+), $7 for children (3-11) and free for children under two. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. To register, please call 503-525-4299.
Other holiday activities include ZooLights, featuring more than half-million holiday lights. ZooLights has become a family tradition with life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train. Costumed characters and elves greet visitors when gates open at 5 p.m. daily. In addition, the event features eco-friendly artists market, seasonal culinary treats, holiday shopping in the zoo's Cascade Outfitters, and hundreds of music and dance groups. The zoo's Cascade Grill also offers a nightly holiday buffet for $12.50 (adults) and $7.50 (children). ZooLights hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. ZooLights runs through Dec. 28 (closed Dec. 24-25).
In addition to ZooLights, the zoo's Cascade Outfitters will offer handcrafted porcelain Tewksbury ornaments for sale (signed by the artist) on Dec. 23 from 6-8 p.m. Winter Break ZooVenture day camps are popular adventures for kids four years of age through third grade and are slated for December 22, 23, 29, 30, and 31.
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Presents for primates
Chimps, orangutans and mandrills enjoy the holiday season at the Oregon Zoo
PORTLAND, Ore.-Primates at the Oregon Zoo will celebrate Christmas a little early this year when Santa's elves (primate keepers) present food gift boxes to the zoo's chimpanzees, orangutans, mandrills and L'Hoest on Thursday, December 11 at 10 a.m.
Zoo volunteers solicited boxes, while keepers and zoo veterinarians planned the contents. Treats include dry cereal, raisins and other dried fruit. The gift boxes were wrapped with paper made of non-toxic materials and non-adhesive tape was used.
Enrichment activities, such as these gift boxes, are used to encourage natural hunting and foraging behaviors. This is the third year that the primates have received boxed and wrapped food items for the holidays, but providing enrichment is a routine task for zookeepers. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, and zoo staff anticipates lots of playful, predatory and otherwise interesting activity from the animals.
The other primates (zoo visitors) can enjoy the holiday season during the zoo's 16th annual ZooLights, which runs through December 28. Decorated with more than half-million holiday lights, ZooLights is a family tradition, featuring life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train. Gates are open from 5-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with costumed characters and elves greeting visitors. In addition to the light displays, the event features eco-friendly artists market, seasonal culinary treats, and hundreds of music and dance groups. The zoo's Cascade Grill also offers a nightly holiday buffet for $12.50 (adults) and $7.50 (children).
Other holiday-themed events include special treats for elephants and polar bears Dec. 16; Breakfast with "You Know Who" (Santa), Dec. 21 at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m.; and a book signing by zoo director and reindeer flight expert, Tony Vecchio for the book Flight of the Reindeer, Dec. 20 from 6-7 p.m. The artist that handcrafted porcelain Tewksbury ornaments will sign their artwork Dec. 19 from 6-8 p.m. and Dec. 23 from 6-8 p.m. Winter Break ZooVenture day camps for kids four years of age through third grade run December 22, 23, 29, 30, and 31.
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"Santa's late" ride runs through Dec. 28
Proceeds help fund Oregon Zoo's conservation and education programs
PORTLAND, Ore.- Santa's overslept and has only five-minutes to finish his appointed rounds or Christmas will be ruined. Oregon Zoo invites ZooLights visitors to join the jolly old elf as he and his eight fastest reindeer race around the world in the zoo's holiday simulator feature, Santa's Late. The simulated sleigh ride, which is produced by SimEx-Iwerks, runs now through Sunday, December 28. Revenue from the ride helps fund the Oregon Zoo's many conservation and education programs.
Riders enter Santa's Visitor Center at the North Pole and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Santa's workshop, Communication Center and Reindeer Stables. Everything appears normal for December 24, except it's 11:51 p.m. and Santa's nowhere to be found. The elves and Mrs. Claus work frantically to locate him-his last recorded position was near Hawaii.
Meanwhile, Santa is snoring in a comfy chair inside an apartment, having just finished a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. The waiting reindeers are concerned about the time and stomp on the roof to wake him-but it's no use. The little Christmas Tree struggles to wake Santa, and the stockings also do their best. Can they wake Santa in time?
" Santa's placed himself in a real time crunch this year," said Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "The reindeer are clearly the heroes of this feature as they careen over Hawaii's volcanic islands, through snowy canyons, glaciers, and up into the Arctic. It's a pretty frantic pace, but taking advantage of shortcuts along railroads and highways, they deliver Santa to the North Pole Village, just in the nick of time."
Santa's Late is the zoo's latest simulator ride. The simulator premiered in May with Deep Sea, which according to Vecchio was a "tremendous success." Proving to be even more popular is Dino Island, which debuted in August and will return to the simulation theater on December 29.
Santa's Late plays in the SimEx simulation theater located on the former entry plaza directly across from the Amur Tiger exhibit, close to the Zoo Railway Station. In addition to regular zoo admission, a $2 ticket is required. Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able to experience the ride.
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