Oregon Zoo April 2004 Press Releases

April 30, 2004 - Oregon Safe Kids Invites Parents to a Day at the Zoo
April 29, 2004 - Wild Polar Bear Adventure on Canadian Tundra
April 29, 2004 - Five-Time Grammy Award Winner Mary Chapin Carpenter Kicks Off Summer Concert Series
April 28, 2004 - Large Scale Portland Artist Debuting in Pearl District Gallery
April 27, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Welcomes Second California Condor Egg
April 19, 2004 - Zoo & OMSI offer family adventure
April 15, 2004 - Zoo Celebrates Earth Day
April 9, 2004 - Elephantastic Features Packy and Historic Steamer!
April 9, 2004 - Oregon Zoo's Historic Steamer Train Rides Again
April 8, 2004 - Zoo Welcomes Renowned Marine Ecologist and Author Carl Safina
April 8, 2004 - Zoo Seeks Horticulture Volunteers
April 5, 2004 - Zoo Brick Sales Raise Record $100,000 for Family Farm Exhibit
April 5, 2004 - Bowlers Help Save Endangered Rhinos
April 2, 2004 - Dine and Discover Pacific Northwest Cuisine
April 1, 2004 - Public and Elephants Celebrate Famous Pachyderm's 42nd Birthday

OREGON SAFE KIDS INVITES PARENTS TO A DAY AT THE ZOO ON MAY 8

PORTLAND, Ore. - "Splash into Safety" is the theme of the annual Oregon Safe Kids at the Zoo event, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 at the Oregon Zoo. Prizes, hands-on activities and interactive display stations will teach children about water, poison, traffic, fire and helmet safety, and what to do in an emergency.

"This is a great way for parents and kids to have fun and learn how to be safe when playing in and around the water," said Adrienne Greene, coordinator for Oregon Safe Kids. "This year our focus is really geared toward drowning prevention, but we'll have other safety exhibits, too."

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among Oregon children ages birth to 14 years. Between 2000 and 2003, 28 children drowned and another 44 were hospitalized for injuries sustained while in the water, according to Greene.

"Sadly, these deaths could have been prevented," Greene said. "Educating families about water safety is vital to preventing future drowning and near-drowning incidents."

Greene said that most parents of children under age 14 seem to be knowledgeable about water safety, yet one in five swimmers between ages 8 and 12 admit to swimming without a lifeguard or adult present at least a few times.

Oregon law mandates that children under 12 years wear life jackets while boating. According to Randy Henry at the Oregon Marine Board, "life jackets are the greatest single protection against hypothermia and submersion."

The Oregon Zoo has hosted the Safe Kids Day at the Zoo for 6 years. "We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting this event annually in May as part of the National Safe Kids Campaign's Safe Kids Week promotion," said Krista Swan, events coordinator for the Oregon Zoo. "Oregon is famous for its summer recreation opportunities and we want children to have a safe and fun summer."

Sponsors of Safe Kids Day at the Zoo are: Oregon Safe Kids Coalition, Oregon Marine Board, Oregon Zoo, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Think First, American Red Cross, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Parks, American Medical Response, Oregon Poison Center, Acts Oregon, Portland Fire Bureau, Oregon Burn Center, Trauma Nurses Talk Tough, Operation Lifesaver and the ASK Campaign.

The Oregon Safe Kids Coalition is part of the National Safe Kids Campaign, dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury, the number one killer of children ages 14 and under.

Oregon Safe Kids at the Zoo event is free with regular zoo admission. More information about Oregon Safe Kids is on the Web at http://www.dhs.state.or.us/publichealth/safekids/index.cfm.

PORTLAND, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo, Polar Bears International and The Tundra Buggy Adventure have joined together to create Wild Polar Bear Adventure, a polar bear viewing trip in Manitoba Canada. Oregon Zoo's conservation scientist and polar bear expert Dr. David Shepherdson is guiding this excursion along with Dr. Don Moore of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Once a year for about two weeks, scores of polar bears converge on the shores of Hudson Bay to hunt for their favorite food, ringed seals. From October 20-26, 36 guests will have the chance to safely view this extraordinary migration. The cost of Wild Polar Bear Adventure is $4,500 per person and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future For Wildlife program.

Guests will stay in the famous Tundra Buggy Lodge, which is located on the tundra near the shores of Hudson Bay. Travelers will experience waking up in the lodge to see polar bears playing right outside their window. The cozy lodge is mobile and consists of five modular units on huge wheels connected by safe viewing platforms where guests can watch or photograph the bears. On clear nights, the spectacular Northern Lights give the tundra a unique glow. In addition to polar bears, Arctic foxes, snowy owls and snow rabbits may be seen throughout the wintry landscape. Smaller Tundra Buggies will provide transportation to and from the lodge for viewing and photographing excursions.

"This gathering provides the most amazing and up-close view of wild polar bears," according to Dr. Shepherdson. "Polar Bears International and the zoo have secured front row seats into the lives of these magnificent and powerful predators-this is definitely one of the top wildlife viewing experiences available today."

Dr. Shepherdson has spent years studying polar bear behavior in order to create more enriching zoo environments. He, and other wildlife biologists, will lecture about polar bears during the evenings.

The trip includes round-trip airfare from Winnipeg to Churchill, two nights in Winnipeg, one night in Churchill, three nights in Tundra Buggy Lodge, 13 meals, three Tundra Buggy excursions, visits to Eskimo Museum, Parks Canada Interpretive Centre and a dog sledding expedition.

FIVE-TIME GRAMMY WINNER MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER KICKS OFF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Wells Fargo Summer Concert series at the Oregon Zoo celebrates its 25th anniversary as Portland's longest running summer concert series. Along with a fabulous roster of premium musical acts, this year's outdoor series kicks off with five-time Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter on Wednesday, June 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale May 1 at the zoo.

Carpenter, who has just released her first album in three years, Between Here and Gone, defies categorization with her talented mix of country, rock, folk and blues music. Having taken a two year break from the studio, and witnessing first hand the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Carpenter's new album touches upon the greater emotions of life; tragedy, romance, peace of mind, and self searching. In addition to her collection of five Grammy awards, Carpenter has received two "best female vocalist" awards from the Country Music Association, and sold more than 12 million records and has ascended to the heights of popularity in country music.

Opening for Carpenter, Grammy-winner Jim Lauderdale will begin the evening with an acoustically charged blend of bluegrass and country. Lauderdale's most recent album Headed for the Hills was co-written with long time Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. After his `90s success as one of Nashville's most recorded and successful songwriters, Lauderdale has broadened his audience and received more attention for his own records and concerts.

The Wells Fargo Concert Series at the zoo offers music as diverse as the animals. Concerts are held during the summer months on terraced lawns near the Asian elephants who have been known to listen in on the tunes. 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."

The Oregon Zoo was the first zoo in the country to host summer concerts, and is featuring more than 20 shows this summer including the Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, David Byrne, Robert Cray, Cowboy Junkies, Lucinda Williams and John Hiatt. Performances will take place on the zoo's park-like concert lawn, Portland's premier outdoor venue for popular music since 1979.

"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 of the animals."

Tickets for Carpenter and Lauderdale's June 23 performance are available at the zoo May 1. Ticket price is $18. Tickets can be purchased at the zoo reception office with no service charge (no phone calls, please). Doors open at 4 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The front portion of the concert lawn is reserved for blankets only.

To learn more about the 25th anniversary summer concert series, or to find picnic information, go to the zoo's summer concert website. Concert picnics can be ordered by calling 503-525-4215. The Oregonian A&E provides media support.

PORTLAND, Ore.-Portland has been known to inspire artists of all mediums, but the latest art buzz is circulating around a brilliant painter who resides at the Oregon Zoo. Pachyderm painter Rama will be featured in the Portland area's first-ever elephant art show debuting at the Pearl District's Mark Woolley Gallery May 22-24.

Rama with one of his paintings. Rama will be signing his own exhibition contract with the Mark Woolley Gallery. He has perfected his "signature" by pressing the tip of his paint-soaked trunk against the canvas. Visitors are invited to celebrate with Rama as he seals the agreement Wednesday, May 5 at the elephant indoor viewing gallery at the Oregon Zoo.

Rama, a 21-year-old male Asian elephant, isn't the first painting pachyderm. Elephants in Asia have gone to "painting schools" but Rama appears to be a natural. He is the world's first elephant to utilize various techniques-combining the "trunk-spray" method and a paintbrush. His work has already sold for $1,300 at auction.

The opening party at the gallery will be a mesh of Portland traditions. Although the artist himself will not be attending the premier, zoo patrons, Pearl District art aficionados, and local elected officials will be perusing the paintings. The festivities will include fine cuisine, wine, beer and a belly-dancing troop.

PORTLAND, Ore.- Just 48 days after laying Oregon's first California condor egg in a century, Tama, who arrived in Oregon with 11 other endangered condors last November, laid a second egg today at the Oregon Zoo's new Condor Creek Conservation Facility. Tama and her mate, Mandan, had not produced a fertile egg for two years prior to their move to Oregon.

Zookeepers had to immediately retrieve the egg because Mandan was showing aggression towards Tama and her egg.

"We weren't planning on retrieving this second egg, but we had no choice," according to Joe Burnett, assistant condor curator. "Mandan could have easily cracked the egg; even though we got to the egg early, it may have sustained some damage-we just don't know. We'll know more in five days after we candle it to check for fertility," he added.
The arrival of this new egg challenges the zoo to complete fundraising for the construction of the off-site condor-breeding center.

"When Tama laid her first egg, we were somewhat surprised," according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "The condors had recently arrived in Oregon and we believed it would take a year for them to acclimate to the colder Oregon climate. "We thought we'd have time to finish fundraising in order to build the second phase. We're thrilled that Tama threw us a curve, but the pressure is on for us to raise the final $500,000 to build the flight nursery for the chicks," he added.

The zoo has just received a $52,000 donation from Banfield, The Pet Hospital, which moves the facility one step closer to completion. Banfield's donation to fund a condor veterinary hospital will provide a wide assortment of veterinary supplies and equipment, including x-ray and anesthesia machines.

"We're very excited to be able to help Banfield's hometown zoo with the success of such an important project-saving condors from extinction," said Kregg Hanson, Banfield President and COO. "The condor breeding facility needed a veterinary hospital, and we're happy to help make it a reality."

"Banfield's donation is a step in the right direction," according to Vecchio. It will help ensure that all of Oregon's condors get the care they need to give them the best chance for survival. Banfield's leadership is providing a great boost to our fundraising campaign-we hope this gift will inspire others to step forward."

In the past two months, the zoo has received challenge grants from Murdock Charitable Trust and Spirit Mountain Community Fund that must be matched in order to secure the funds. The remaining $500,000 will help build the training facility and nursery, both of which are critical for teaching young condors survival skills. The zoo's goal is to house 16 breeding pair producing up to 32 young a year. Completing the facility will double the amount of holding and breeding space.

The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo in the nation invited to join the California Condor Recovery Program. With the first phase of the breeding facility completed last November, twelve condors arrived from Program members at the Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise.

The condor facility is located in Clackamas County on Metro-owned open space. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain, in southwest Oregon. Condors held out a little longer in California, but in 1987, there were only 17 left in the wild. In an attempt to save the species, biologists decided to place all the remaining condors into a captive breeding program. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the California condor was one of the original animals included on the list. Today there are 215 California condors in captivity and the wild.

Condors have a long history in Oregon. Archeologists have unearthed nine thousand year old condor bones from Native American middens. The condor was a common design motif of the Wasco people, who lived along the Columbia River from The Dalles to Cascade Locks-the condor was considered a helper to the native peoples and a key character in many myths.

Once construction of the off-site breeding facility is complete, zoo officials plan to build a $1 million condor exhibit at the zoo.

Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1955, Banfield is committed to giving pets the same quality of care that human family members receive. With more than 370 full-service hospitals across the country and two in the U.K., Banfield hospitals help extend the lives of more than 2.5 million pets each year.

PORTLAND, Ore.-Oregon Zoo, OMSI and La Quinta Inn are teaming up this spring to provide a low cost package that includes lodging and tickets.

Between now and the end of May, a night's lodging for four plus four tickets to either the Oregon Zoo or OMSI is $99, taxes and parking included.

Oregon Zoo is beautiful in the spring. The blooming trees and flowers are almost as much of an attraction as the animals. Animals are more active on cool spring days than they are in the heat of summer. The zoo's spring events include the Dino Island thrill ride, which runs through May. Other zoo events include Safe Kids Day on May 8 and Celebrating Wildflowers on May 15. The new Eagle Canyon exhibit, featuring bald eagles and shimmering salmon, trout and sturgeon opens May 29. The popular steam engine makes its summer debut May 29, while the Zooliner train runs on sunny days in April and May.

Dinosaurs are back in Portland! At OMSI's latest exhibit, T. rex on Trial, explore the evidence and decide for yourself if T. rex was a predator or scavenger when it selected the hapless Triceratops for a meal. The exhibit features robotic dinosaurs, rare fossils, and hands-on activities for the whole family. At OMSI through May 9th.

Accommodations at La Quinta Inn include an indoor pool and free breakfast. Upon check-in, families also receive a free gift bag..

For reservations, call 800-531-5900 or visit La Quinta's web site at www.lq.com. For more information about the zoo and OMSI, go to www.oregonzoo.com and www.omsi.edu.

PORTLAND, Ore - The Third Annual Earth Day Fun Park is slated for Sunday, April 25 at the Oregon Zoo. The Earth Day Fun Park features more than 20 local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies providing earth-friendly information, activities, product innovations and samples. The focus of this year's event is on watersheds and animal habitats. The Earth Day Fun Park is free to the public after zoo admission.

"It's an honor to host Earth Day," according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Environmental stewardship is critical to the zoo's mission and we're deeply committed to the conservation of wildlife. Earth Day helps enlighten and inspire people about how they make a difference-all while having a great day at the zoo."

This year's Fun Park highlights activities throughout the zoo with an earth-friendly theme. The animals are even joining the fun with the elephants receiving recycled beer kegs, while polar bears try their paws at tug-of-war using recycled car-wash strips. The zoo's popular "Birds of Prey" show will perform on the concert stage, and visitors can "boogie-down" with Recycle Man and the Dumpster Divers, a band with environmental attitude. For kids, Portland General Electric's performance titled "You Ooze, You Lose" promises to surprise and delight. The Fun Park also features progressive organizations that will demonstrate how they are making an environmental difference right here in our community through fun, earth-friendly activities.

Some of the day's activities include face painting, fish painting, frog-bracelet making, wildlife games, and the opportunity to win prizes. Other highlights include:

The Earth Day Fun Park follows Portland's Fifth Annual Race to Stop Global Warming, produced by the Green House Network. The race, which starts at 8 a.m., serves as a high profile forum for people across the country to raise awareness and promote action regarding global warming. Other cities participating include New York, Seattle, and Denver. Portland had over 1,200 participants in last year's race.

The race, which consists of an 8k run and a 5k walk around Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum, begins at the World Forestry Center and finishes inside the zoo. Alberto Salazar, a three-time New York City Marathon winner, will lead the race.

Little racers will have their own chance to run (or crawl) for global warming during a non-competitive event, immediately following the 9:30 a.m. adult race. Children age 2 and under are invited to participate in the Toddler Tot and Diaper Dash at 9:45 a.m. on the main stage lawn.

For more information regarding the race, including how to register, visit http://www.racetostopglobalwarming.org.

Sponsors of the Fun Park include: Columbia Sportswear; City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services (BES); Evans & Associates; Stormwater Management. Many organizations will be providing exhibits and presentations including: Portland General Electric, Celilo Group/Salmon Nation, World Forestry Center, Oregon Trout; ReDirect Guide, Friends of Outdoor School, Portland Rain Barrel, Oregon Garden, Bonneville Power Administration and Oregon Department of Energy. The City of Portland's BES and Endangered Species Program's exhibit will tell visitors about salmon, trout, NW water insects, and the overall health of rivers and streams as part of a city-wide River Renaissance initiative.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Elephantastic is a zoo celebration in honor of Portland's favorite pachyderms. Oregon Zoo visitors are invited to sing "Happy Birthday" to Packy and take part in other fun activities April 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In honor of Elephantastic, and thanks to a generous grant, the "Oregon Steamer," the zoo's steam-powered locomotive will be conducting its first excursion in almost two years.

Packy, the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in more than 45 years, was born on April 14, 1962 making international news. Zoo patrons have been partying every April for the past 42 years to honor the prestigious pachyderm. However, many felt Packy's birthday would be an even greater celebration if they honored every member of the Oregon Zoo's elephant herd.

"Everyone knows and loves Packy; and his birthday party is always a fun event," says Event Coordinator Krista Swan. "All of our elephants are special and enjoy extra attention, so we wanted to expand the celebration to include them."

The Elephantastic celebration, free with zoo admission, will be a full day of activities. Visitors will witness a training session for Packy with his keepers from 10 a.m. to noon. All that hard work pays off at 2 p.m. when the "girls" (Pet, Rose-Tu, Sunshine and Chendra) trunk-deliver Packy his birthday cake and presents. The "girls," will also be receiving special treats later in the day.

Elephantastic also celebrates Rama, the zoo's resident artist, who turned 21 on April 1. Full Sail Ales will be at hand commemorating Rama's 21st with a beer garden featuring a special beer, "Rama Red." Rama is best known for his unique style of painting where he blows nontoxic, egg-based paint across a canvas with his trunk. Art critics have described Rama's artistic style as being akin to Jackson Pollock. Visitors will have an opportunity to view a painting demonstration and learn how to "Paint like Rama" in the main activity area.

The social event of the animal kingdom highlights activities throughout the day: photo opportunities with the elephants; games; prizes; puppet shows; and craft workshops where kids can make their own elephant ears and trunks for later display during the Pachyderm Parade at 12 p.m. The ZooTeens, a group of animal-loving teen volunteers, will be providing a Pachyderm Playground where kids can finally play like elephants. The zoo's costumed elephants Eliza and Elliot will be hanging out to meet the kids. Also, visitors can witness the ZooDoo canning process. ZooDoo, the secret ingredient of the zoo's beautiful blossoms, is genuine elephant-fortified fertilizer. Visitors can take part of the zoo home to their own gardens-ZooDoo is available for purchase from gift kiosks.

Packy's cake, concocted by the Oregon Zoo Executive Chef Paul Warner, is a 40-pound whole-wheat confection topped with peanut butter frosting, apples, carrots, and celery. After Packy has finished his cake, everyone is invited to stop by the Thriftway canopy and enjoy a piece of the "people" cake-a beautiful cake large enough to feed all of Packy's two-legged friends.

10 a.m.     Metro President David Bragdon launches Oregon Steamer back into service after a two-year absence.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.   Keeper talks and training with Packy and the girls
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.   Games, crafts and prizes in the main activity area
12 p.m.         Pachyderm Children's Parade around concert lawn
1:50 p.m.       Birthday ceremony and sing "Happy Birthday"
2 p.m.       Packy gets his birthday cake in front elephant yard
2:30 p.m.       The "girls" get their cake at the elephant overlook
2:40 p.m.       Indoor viewing of Rama getting his cake

PORTLAND, Ore.-In honor of Packy's birthday, and thanks to a generous grant from Oregon Zoo Station Manager Ben Harris, the Oregon Steamer will ride again. The Oregon Steamer, a steam locomotive patterned after 19th century steam engines, has been out of operation since August 2000 due to budget restraints. The Steamer was originally designed to commemorate the Oregon centennial in 1959. Oregon Zoo's historic steamer rides again.

Oregon Zoo's historic steamer rides again.

Harris, a devoted fan of steam trains, donated the $5,000 necessary to help keep the train running and maintained for special occasions. Harris will be presented with a certificate of appreciation from Metro President David Bragdon during a 10 a.m. ceremony just prior to the train's first excursion. The Steamer will return to service and power through the Zoo Loop-a one-mile route around the perimeter of the zoo grounds.

"It costs many times more to run and preserve a steam train than to run the other two trains," says Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "Although our other two trains are popular, there are many steam train enthusiasts who really love our Steamer. We're very pleased to bring it back."

In addition to Packy's birthday celebration, the Oregon Steamer will be running on the following weekends this summer: Memorial Day; June 19th (the Steamers birthday); the 4th of July; and Labor Day. The trains cost an additional $2 for the Zoo Loop and $3 for the four-mile journey through Washington Park.

PORTLAND, Ore.- Dr. Carl Safina, one of Audubon Magazine's Top 100 Conservationists of the Twentieth Century, will present Oregon Zoo guests with a bird's eye view of the changing ocean in a lecture titled The Eye of the Albatross on Tuesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. Safina's lecture, which is sponsored by Pro Photo Supply with support from Portland General Electric and Southwest Airlines, will highlight marine sustainability as part of the zoo's Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series.

Safina, a nationally recognized ecologist and author, will discuss ideas from his latest book, Eye of the Albatross: Visions of Hope and Survival, which won the John Burroughs Medal for 2003. Safina highlights the mysterious albatross-a large seabird that spends 95 percent of its life without seeing land and flying unimaginable distances every day. He believes that the life of the albatross can provide great insight. Carl Safina studies an Albatross.

"Forged in the elemental world of wind, water, weather, and other wildlife, the albatross inhabits a realm that has come to encompass everything from fishing boats to human-caused climate changes," says Safina. "Everything people are doing to oceans, albatrosses feel."

Throughout his career Safina has been the recipient of many prestigious awards and honors involving conservation, ecology and literature. Safina has received the Lannan Award for Literature as well as the International Game Fish Association, Conservation Award. His first book, Song for the Blue Ocean received literary honors including being named a New York Times Notable Book and a Los Angeles Times Best Nonfiction selection. In addition, Safina has served as vice-president for marine conservation at Audubon Society, and is currently president of Blue Ocean Institute-a non-profit organization that is dedicated to marine conservation.

"Dr. Safina's proactive history as a marine conservationist makes him an excellent addition to our conservation lecture series." says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "His expertise concerning sustainable fishing and how seafood choices can affect marine life should be especially insightful."

Safina has been enamored with the ocean all of his life. His academic career focused on environmental preservation leading him to a Ph.D. from Rutgers University in ecology. After observing a notable decline in sea turtles, white marlin, sharks, and tuna, Safina became a voice for conservation-and for the restoration of life in the oceans.

This is the third lecture of the 2004 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series, which is sponsored by Pro Photo Supply, with support from Portland General Electric and Southwest Airlines. The series, hosted by Oregon Zoo, Audubon Society of Portland and Xerces Society, will be held in the Oregon Zoo's Cascade Crest Banquet Center. Cost for each lecture: $10 general admission, $8 for members of host organizations, students and seniors. Series Tickets: $32 general admission, $25 for members of host organizations, students and seniors. For more information, visit the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-226-1561.

"Our lecture series features pioneering environmentalists and defenders of the natural world," says Vecchio, "People who have devoted their lives to preserving wildlife. Communicating stewardship messages to residents of the Northwest is an important part of our mission."

The final speaker in this year's lecture series is Stephen L. Buchmann, an expert in pollinators, who will be presenting Tuesday, May 25. Stephen will show us how his new program is helping conserve traditional Mayan beekeeping using native stingless bees of tropical forests.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Do you have a green thumb, enjoy outdoor work, and want to learn more about plants? Are you interested in native plants, exotic plants, or creating a garden that is attractive to wildlife? The Oregon Zoo's ZooGuide program is offering an orientation and training for volunteers to work with zoo horticulturists this spring.

* Maintaining geographic gardens;
* Enhancing animal environments;
* Building new exhibit garden features; and
* Plant conservation and education.

Oregon Zoo's Horticulture Department is a member of the Association of Zoological Horticulture, and as a member is dedicated to the promotion of plant and animal conservation and the advancement of horticulture throughout the region.

ZooGuide Gardeners must be over the age of 18 and commit to 16 hours per month between 6 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The greatest need is during weekdays. ZooGuide Gardeners have an opportunity to make a difference in the community by supporting the zoo's efforts to educate the public about plant and animal conservation. Volunteers meet people who share similar interests and values, receive free zoo admission and can participate in unique training opportunities only available at the zoo.

ZooGuide training is a prerequisite for horticulture volunteers. A mandatory orientation session is being held Tuesday, April 20, 10 a.m. to noon. Five Saturdays of required training will follow April 24 through May 22. For more information, call 503-226-1561 Ext. 5654.

PORTLAND, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo Foundation's sale of personalized bricks has surpassed $100,000, making it the most successful year-end campaign in zoo history. The bricks will become a lasting part of the zoo's new Trillium Creek Family Farm exhibit opening July 10, 2004. The deadline for purchasing a brick has been extended to April 15. A young girl pets a duck.

Brick sales have more than doubled the previous all time record for a special appeal. The previous record was $50,000.

According to Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio, "When the opportunity arose for community members to help us build this unique exhibit, they rose to the challenge. We can't thank them enough for their involvement-their support is vital to our success."

Brick proceeds will help complete construction of Trillium Creek Family Farm, part of the zoo's Great Northwest Exhibit. The exhibit features a traditional farmhouse and barn, which will house rare pygora goats and Shetland sheep that visitors can interact with.
For $100, donors will have a personalized brick installed at the new exhibit. Larger bricks are available for $300 and donors of $1,000 will be recognized on an engraved horseshoe.

Bricks must be purchased by April 15. Once the exhibit is completed, bricks can't be added. The tax-deductible bricks are available for purchase by calling 503-220-2493 or visiting http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/FamilyFarmBrick.htm.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Hundreds of bowlers will hit the lanes Saturday, April 24 to save the world's endangered rhinos. Bowling for Rhinos, an annual fundraiser in its 15th year takes place at Beaverton's Brunswick Sunset Lanes in two afternoon sessions beginning at noon and 3 p.m. The Portland Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers sponsors the event.

Bowling for Rhinos is a national program that has raised more than $1.9 million since its inception. Portland bowlers have raised more than $157,000 of that amount, more than any other city in the country. Money raised goes directly to three specific rhino conservation projects working to protect three of the world's five species of rhinos.

Bowlers raise funds by collecting tax-deductible pledges. The Portland event features door prizes and a raffle for a variety of items. Nationally, the top two fundraisers win a two-week trip to Kenya, and will be the guests of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Lewa was the first rhino program supported by the bowling event. Two additional Indonesian programs now receive funds - Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java, a tropical lowland rainforest area home to the reclusive Javan rhino; and Bukit Barasan Selatan National Park, on the island of Sumatra. Bukit Barison is home to the rare Sumatran rhino and other endangered animals, including Asian elephants, tigers, clouded leopards and Malayan sun bears.

Michael Illig, a senior keeper and local coordinator for Bowling for Rhinos, noted that globally, all rhino populations are low.

"There are less than 2,700 black, only 300 Sumatran and less than 60 Javan rhinos left in the wild," said Illig. "While populations of white rhinos (estimated to be 10,400) and Indian rhinos (estimated to be 2,400) are more stable, they too are considered threatened. Saving all species of rhinos is important, but the most critically endangered species drive our efforts."

Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio is pleased that the zoo's keepers and the greater zoo community have done so much to save rhinos.

"The primary mission of the Oregon Zoo is conservation," said Vecchio. "It's gratifying to see that our staff believes so strongly in that mission that they've devoted much of their own time and resources to this important effort."

Registration forms for both bowlers and sponsors are available on the zoo's web site. Individuals and teams are encouraged to register early, but walk-ins are welcome. Additional information is available by calling the zoo's Michael Illig at 503-226-1561, extension 5275, or by e-mail at .

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo Foundation invites the public to rediscover the culture and cuisine of the Pacific Northwest, Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. in the Skyline Room at the Oregon Zoo. This is the final event in this season's four-part series of Dine & Discover.

The evening begins with appetizers and drinks-accompanied by live music from a Native American flutist-and is followed by a multi-course feast. The four-course menu features a bounty of fresh Northwest ingredients culminating in imaginative dishes prepared by Two grizzly bears lounge in the sun.

the zoo's Executive Chef Paul Warner. The menu includes Gingered Flan with Dungeness Crab Meat Sauce, Wild Mushroom Bisque with Roasted Onion Crostini and Grilled Wild Salmon with Roasted Pears, Pacific Northwest Ravioli and a Hard Cider, Sage and Dried Cranberry Beurre Blanc. Complimentary wine is also included courtesy of Gallo Vineyards.

Oregon Zoo Conservation Program Coordinator Dr. David Shepherdson will be on hand to present guests with an insider's view of the bears of the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Dr. Shepherdson is recognized as a leader in the field of captive animal enrichment and has worked extensively with polar bears.

"David's expertise with bears extends well beyond his work at the zoo," according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "He's an avid outdoorsman and his personal encounters with wild black bears should make for a lively lecture."

The cost for Dine & Discover is $75 per person, or $500 per table of eight. Seating is limited to those with reservations. To make reservations, call 503-220-5770 by April 14, 2004. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.

Future for Wildlife annually offers grants to support projects that directly contribute to the survival of animal populations in the wild. Projects funded in the past include repairs to the perimeter wall of the Humboldt penguin reserve in Punta San Juan, Peru; development of an environmental education program on Rodrigues, Maurituius; and a survey of endangered turtles in Hainan, China.