January
January 30, 2004 - Hedgehog Day at the Oregon Zoo
January 27, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Orangutan Poised to Pick Super Bowl Winner
January 23, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Announces New Exhibits and 2004 Calendar
January 23, 2004 - Mysteries of Behind the "Zoo" Scenes Revealed During Tour
January 16, 2004 - Travel Planners Receive Free Zoo Admission During Groupfun Expo
January 16, 2004 - Sea Otter Celebrates Belated Birthday, Jan. 16
January 9, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Digs Out and Reopens Saturday
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Hedgehog Day at the Oregon Zoo
PORTLAND, Ore. - Pennsylvania's "Punxsutawney Phil" and Canada's "Wiarton Willie" may be better known, but at the Oregon Zoo, it's the hedgehog that predicts a prolonged winter or an early spring.
Metro President, David Bragdon will oversee the hedgehog festivities in the zoo's entry plaza on February 2 at 10 a.m. Zoo volunteers will assist with the hedgehog's emergence. Will a shadow be cast, or will Portland enjoy an early spring?
"The groundhog is a relative new comer to the prognosticating game," commented Bragdon. "Historically the hedgehog was used in this centuries-old European tradition but immigrants to North America discovered there were no hedgehogs in their new homeland. They substituted the groundhog, but being purists, we're going back to the original critter."
Oregon 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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Oregon Zoo Orangutan Poised to Pick Super Bowl Winner
It's a battle of the jerseys as Inji tries to predict the outcome of Sunday's game
PORTLAND, Ore. - Inji, the matriarch of the Oregon Zoo's orangutans has the uncanny ability to pick the winner of football games. She will be put to the test again this year as the zoo's primate keepers give her official T-shirts from the opposing teams. The first one she chooses to wear is her pick as the winner.
In the past she has predicted the winner of two Civil War games and two Super Bowl games. Last year, she mistakenly predicted a Raider's victory.
Zookeepers are always looking for new and interesting ways to keep zoo animals engaged and active. Giving the orangs T-shirts and other interesting items serves as environmental enrichment. Oregon Zoo is internationally renowned for its environmental enrichment program, which is designed to keep animals engaged.
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Oregon Zoo Announces New Exhibits and 2004 Calendar
PORTLAND, Ore. - More than a million visitors come to the Oregon Zoo every year not only to view rare and exotic animals, but also to learn more about the zoo's residents through fun events and exciting educational experiences. This year the zoo opens two new exhibits and hosts a number of entertaining programs and special events.
Eagle Canyon
Eagle Canyon, which opens May 29, tells the stories of bald eagles and endangered salmon, while stressing the importance of forest streams and rivers.
As visitors walk along a wooded path, they will be drawn to the sounds of a gentle stream. Along the path, they'll see bald eagles gliding among the tall Douglas fir trees. A series of small footbridges span waterfalls and tributaries carved into the exposed bedrock. Along the way, visitors can stop on a covered bridge, spanning the canyon. Here a scenic view of a deep wooded ravine can be enjoyed. Nearby, children can climb into a monstrous artificial eagle's nest, which gives them a glimpse of what life as an eagle is like. Down the path, interactive displays tell the story of the salmon's struggle to survive.
Further along the trail, visitors come along a hollow log that kids scramble through as a shortcut to the salmon stream, while parents may chose to walk down an impressive boulder staircase or take a less steep stroll near the cascading stream. The sound of raging water hints to what comes next-a scenic waterfall. Visitors may place their hands in the rushing torrent to touch and move salmon sculptures to better understand the streamlining of the fish. Traveling further along, visitors entering a lava tube tunnel lush with plants and fallen logs above can view schools of shimmering salmon through an acrylic window.
Trillium Creek Family Farm
Building upon its national award-winning successes in youth development and informal education, the zoo will open Trillium Creek Family Farm, which will be run by kids for kids of all ages. Trillium Creek Family Farm, part of the zoo's multi-feature Great Northwest exhibit, will be an exhibit where millions of visitors can personally connect to farms, farm living and farm-related issues. Animals will include sheep, goats, chickens, as well as many of the zoo's education program animals that visit schools throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors will hear about what farming was like in Oregon in the mid-1800s, about how there were produce farms within Portland's city limits as recently as the 1950s, or how modern technology helps boost farm productivity on today's farm. Farm experts, including youth with rural backgrounds, will demonstrate activities such as composting, sheep shearing, or putting up vegetables. The exhibit will open July 10.
Programs
Education remains a strong focus at the zoo. Throughout 2004, the zoo will offer Behind the Scenes Encounters, which allow visitors an opportunity to enter "staff only" areas around the zoo and see exhibits from the other side of the railing.
Zoo day camps are held during school breaks throughout the year, the most popular of which is summer camp. The programs fill quickly with eager learners from four years of age through eighth grade. Campers learn about animals, endangered and threatened species and participate in activities involving conservation and stewardship issues through tours, stories, games, crafts and songs.
Family programs include Zoo Experience, which features such program titles as "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" and "Never Smile at a Crocodile," and Camperoo, a chance for families to pitch their tents on the zoo lawn and spend the night one spring and one summer evening.
The zoo, in cooperation with The Audubon Society of Portland, is bringing back the Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series. The series of four lectures feature some of the most renowned wildlife professionals in the world.
Oregon Zoo Foundation's July 17 fundraiser, Zoolala 2004: Whiskers A Go-Go, will raise funds to bring cougars and bobcats to the zoo. Last year's Zoolala 2003:: Scavenger Soiree netted more than $136,000 to build a breeding facility for the critically endangered California condor. This first-class event features such top rated restaurants as Hall Street Grill, Huber's Restaurant, Jazz De Opus & Opus Too, Morton's of Chicago and Wild Abandon.
Events at the zoo are plentiful. From Bear Fair in March to ZooLights in December and The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series in between, there's always something fun planned. Visitors have been known to plan their trip to Portland to coincide with Packy's Birthday, Rabbit Romp, World Animal Festival, or another favorite zoo event.
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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Mysteries of Behind The "Zoo" Scenes Revealed During Tour
Visitors can feed sea lions and an elephant seal during rare tour
PORTLAND, Ore.-Did you know that the northern elephant seal can stop breathing for up to 25 minutes while sleeping? Oregon Zoo keepers will introduce Mira the blind elephant seal and two Steller sea lions, Julius and Gus, during the zoo's Behind the Scenes Encounter Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the tour visitors will get to toss fish-filled ice treats to Mira, Julius, and Gus.
" Behind the Scenes Encounters offer amazing experiences with exotic animals," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Having the chance to feed them is an incredible moment; something people will never forget."
Visitors will tour the exhibit from the inside and learn about training techniques, the importance of conservation efforts for seals and sea lions, and animal enrichment techniques and benefits. The zoo uses enrichment as a tool to keep animals mentally stimulated to encourage natural hunting and foraging behaviors.
Behind the Scenes Encounters are held three times per month. These tours are open to participants 16 and older and require pre-registration. The cost is $85 for members and $100 for non-members; price includes admission.
The next tour is the Elephant Encounter slated for Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to help the keepers hand feed the elephants. They will also learn about a typical day for zookeepers and how they feed, train, and care for the elephants.
For more information, visit the Oregon Zoo's web site located at www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2781. Gift certificates for Behind the Scenes Encounters are also available.
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Travel Planners Receive Free Zoo Admission During Groupfun Expo, Jan. 24
PORTLAND, Ore.-Adults who plan, organize and operate youth outings can visit the Oregon Zoo for free during the GroupFun Expo for Youth Group Leaders on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The expo, sponsored by Oregon Zoo, allows group planners to investigate fresh ideas for the upcoming year.
"Planners of youth outings will find this comprehensive expo saves them time and assists in future planning," said expo organizer Bob Vinatieri. "It's designed for adults who plan from one to 30 youth group outings. It's an invaluable free resource for gathering information, and talking with local experts on everything from in-town sports and recreation venues to multi-day wilderness trips," he added.
Currently, more than 35 representatives from regional attractions, venues and events will be at the expo to meet one-on-one with adult youth leaders. Exhibitors include Oregon Zoo, Metro Parks and Greenspaces, OMSI, Children of the Sea, Destination Wilderness, Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire, Oregon Garden, Oregon Tilth, ComedySports, Willamette Jetboats, and many more.
Adult travel planners will receive free admission. If travel planners choose to bring a guest or family member, each guest will receive 20 percent off regular admission.
The Oregon 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.
Zoo parking is free, however expo attendees are encouraged ride MAX or take TriMet bus #63. Call TriMet Customer Service, 238-RIDE (238-7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information. For further 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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Sea Otter Celebrates Belated Birthday, Jan. 16
PORTLAND, Ore. - Ozzie, the Oregon Zoo's famous sea otter, didn't get to celebrate his third birthday as planned on Jan. 2 because of Portland's winter storm. Well-wishers can still help celebrate the sea otters birth by attending a "make up" party slated for Friday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m.
"We were disappointed that we had to postpone Ozzie's party," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "We know people were looking forward to the annual affair so we're throwing Ozzie a belated birthday bash."
In honor of his birthday, Ozzie will receive a special ice treat while zoo visitors sing Happy Birthday. After the birthday boy receives his treat, children will receive birthday cupcakes (while supplies last) donated by Haggen Food & Pharmacy in Tanasbourne. Zoo visitors can also meet and get a hug from Haggen Food & Pharmacy's costumed otter, Splash.
The zoo's restaurant, The Cascade Grill, will also be celebrating Ozzie's birthday by offering a seafood special, which will include Clam Strips, Halibut, Shrimp with Fries and Coleslaw for $6.95.
Ozzie's birth received international media attention in 2001 because he was the first Southern sea otter to be conceived, born and raised by his mother at a zoo or aquarium. Other southern sea otters have been born in zoos or aquariums but none have survived.
"Visitors, as well as zoo staff are particularly fond of Ozzie," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "From the start, he has been a healthy and active sea otter."
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Oregon Zoo Digs Out And Reopens Saturday
Relieve Cabin Fever with a trip to the Zoo!
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland-area residents plagued with cabin fever can experience a guaranteed cure with a trip to Oregon Zoo this weekend. After closing for an unprecedented six days in a row, the zoo will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004.
"It really hurts to close the zoo," Zoo Director Tony Vecchio said earlier this week. "Our visitors rarely get to watch the animals in the snow. It's beautiful up here now and is truly a missed opportunity."
Oregon Zoo, which is a service of the regional government Metro, is getting assistance clearing snow and ice from Metro's Regional Park and Greenspaces department. Metro parks staff brought equipment normally used at Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks to the zoo to help clear the grounds and the parking lot.
"The collaboration is a perfect example of how Metro departments work together to serve the 1.3 million people in our region," said Metro Council President David Bragdon. "Getting the zoo open in order to provide a recreational opportunity for people who haven't had a chance to get outside this week is important," he added.
The zoo closed for the first time in five years on Tuesday, Dec.30. It has only opened three of the last 10 days, closing early one day out of those three.
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