February
February 27, 2004 - ZOO ANNOUNCES NEW $2.4 MILLION SUMMER EXHIBIT
February 24, 2004 - OREGON ZOO HOSTS FIRST EVER NORTHWEST CONSERVATION EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
February 17, 2004 - DEEP GREENING DAY AT OREGON ZOO, MARCH 4
February 17, 2004 - ZOO'S BRICK SALES REACH A RECORD $68,000
February 17, 2004 - MAKE A DIFFERENCE-LAST CHANCE TO BE A ZOOTEEN
February 13, 2004 - STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT ZOO JOBS DURING CAREER DAY
February 12, 2004 - PET A PACHYDERM BEHIND THE SCENES, FEB. 28
February 8, 2004 - WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER KENNAN WARD SPEAKS AT ZOO
February 8, 2004 - DINE & DISCOVER MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE AT THE OREGON ZOO
February 5, 2004 - CUPID DELIVERS TO THE OREGON ZOO
February 3, 2004 - MAKE A DIFFERENCE-BE A ZOOTEEN
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ZOO ANNOUNCES NEW $2.4 MILLION SUMMER EXHIBIT
Free-flying bald eagle shares exhibit with young kokanee salmon for the first time at any zoo
PORTLAND, Ore. - A bald eagle swoops down to a deep pool snatching at a kokanee salmon. Are you in a remote wilderness? No, you’re visiting Eagle Canyon, the Oregon Zoo's new 20,800 square foot, $2.4-million exhibit, just five minutes from downtown Portland. The summer exhibit's grand opening is May 29-30, 2004.
The only exhibit of its kind, Eagle Canyon marks the first time that free-flying bald eagles and salmon are featured together in a zoo exhibit.
Eagle Canyon explains how eagles and other species rely on salmon for their survival. The exhibit expands upon the existing Cascade building that displays local animals such as river otter, beaver and other native watershed species.
“ We’re constantly striving to educate the public about caring for local wildlife,” according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. “This new exhibit will focus on the plight of the salmon and other animals found in our own backyards.”
Visitors begin their journey near a stream where native trout, sturgeon, shiners and sculpin live. Newts, salamanders, frogs and native passerine birds are also residents of the streamside exhibit.
Nearby, a new conservation center gives visitors a peek at what goes on behind the scenes. The center highlights efforts to save local endangered animals, including western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon spotted frogs, Oregon silverspot butterflies and Fender's blue butterflies. Visitors glimpse daily activities like animal feeding and weighing, and can ask zookeepers questions during posted times.
Walking through the underwater viewing area, visitors walk behind a cascading waterfall where they see schools of shimmering salmon in a swift-moving stream.
“ There are more than 100 kokanee salmon swimming in deep pools, along with several rainbow trout and sturgeon,” says Michael Illig, a senior keeper. “Children can explore a large dome and get nose to nose with the kokanee,” he added.
As visitors walk further along the forest trail with old-growth trees towering above, they encounter cascading waterfalls. Children (and adventurous adults) can scramble up a hollow log, while intricate salmon sculptures beckon visitors to reach into the stream to touch them. Visitors move the salmon sculptures to and fro, giving them a clearer understanding of how perfectly streamlined these large fish are. A series of bridges span the trail including a covered bridge. The bridge's design was inspired by historic covered bridges found throughout Oregon.
Near the bridge is an interactive watershed model. Here visitors can “be a cloud.” The fun display teaches visitors how water travels from clouds to land and back again.
At the top of the canyon, visitors can stop and watch the bald eagle perched on a snag just 10 feet away. No netting or barrier separates visitors from this large predator with its impressive six-foot wingspan. Behind the viewing platform children can play in a giant eagle's nest and experience life as a bald eagle.
Several interactive displays can be found through out Eagle Canyon, including two video monitors with live-video feeds from a Cascades mountain site outside of Eugene, Ore. and a river site in the Columbia River Gorge, near Cascade Locks, Ore. The displays are designed to involve and educate people about healthy watersheds and native Northwest animals.
Eagle Canyon is an integral part of the zoo’s Great Northwest exhibit, the most complex, multi-species habitat ever planned at the Oregon Zoo.
For more information about Eagle Canyon visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/GreatNW/EagleCanyon/index.htm.
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OREGON ZOO HOSTS FIRST EVER NORTHWEST CONSERVATION EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
Institutions from Bend, Boise, Eatonville, Newport, Seattle, Tacoma, Winston will be in attendance
PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Zoo will host the first Northwest Zoo Conservation Education Consortium on March 11 and 12. Eight northwest zoos and aquariums will be sending representatives to Portland. Participants include High Desert Museum, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Seattle Aquarium, Wildlife Safari, Woodland Park Zoo and Zoo Boise.
The consortium was conceived out of the need to share information about existing conservation and education programs of Pacific Northwest institutions. It is hoped that discussions will evolve into partnership efforts that will increase their collective conservation impact.
" Everyone knows the animals in the tropical rainforest are in trouble," say Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "Unfortunately, most people don't realize there are many endangered species right here in the Pacific Northwest. Our goal is to gather zoo and aquarium educators and scientists to develop strategies for informing our combined nearly five million annual visitors about the plight of animals in our own backyards."
Currently, the Oregon Zoo collaborative projects include efforts to help save California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies and western pond turtles.
During the program participants will go behind the scenes and tour the zoo's butterfly conservation lab and the western pond turtle rearing station.
Conservation projects at other Northwest zoos and aquariums include:
· Southern Idaho Ground Squirrel (Zoo Boise)
· Pygmy Rabbit (Northwest Trek Wildlife Park)
· Six-Gill Shark, Sea Otter, Rockfish of Puget Sound (Seattle Aquarium)
· Oregon Silverspot Butterfly, Western Pond Turtle rehabilitation, Seabird rehabilitation (Oregon Coast Aquarium)
· Western Pond Turtle, Silverspot Butterfly, Ferruginous Hawk (Woodland Park Zoo)
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DEEP GREENING DAY AT OREGON ZOO, MARCH 4
Zoo saves resources during twelfth annual clean up day
PORTLAND, Ore.-Oregon Zoo employees will prove that it IS easy being green on Thursday, March 4, as a part of the zoo's twelfth annual Deep Greening Day.
" As in the past, office supplies, used equipment, old paint, used furniture, toner cartridges, and paper will be collected for recycling or reuse," said Michael Weatherman, a member of the zoo's award-winning green team. "But, the focus is clearly on educating our employees on what changes we can make to generate less that needs to be recycled."
In that vein, a "Green Fair" for employees will be held on February 20.
" We'll all learn how to change old habits for new, green ones," said Weatherman.
Information regarding alternate transportation options, energy and water conservation, volunteer opportunities and "Working Paperless" will be available. Also highlighted will be Seafood Watch and a hybrid car demonstration and purchasing information.
" We're committed to animals and the conservation of their habitat. Deep Greening Day is an opportunity for us to walk our talk and help save our natural resources," said Oregon Zoo Director, Tony Vecchio.
Deep Greening Day is part of the zoo's ongoing Zoo Resource Conservation program that focuses daily on conservation efforts such as recycling, waste reduction, green purchasing, building design, transportation, and energy and water conservation.
Items of more than 30 different categories are removed from the waste stream each year as a result of the zoo's effort. The zoo recycles and/or composts approximately 1.5-million pounds of material each year. The amount of recycled materials has increased by 300 percent over the past five years with the help of the zoo's Green Team.
Besides setting a recycling example for zoo visitors to follow in their day-to-day lives, the zoo hopes that they will begin to care about the world beyond their own backyard. Exhibits such as Amazon Flooded Forest show how special and fragile that region is, and how daily decisions affect that part of the world.
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ZOO'S BRICK SALES REACH A RECORD $68,000
Oregon Zoo's Most Successful Year-End Campaign Ends March 5
PORTLAND, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo Foundation's sale of personalized bricks has reached $68,000, 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 mid-summer.
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.
Brick proceeds will help complete construction of Trillium Creek Family Farm, part of the zoo's Great Northwest Exhibit. The exhibit will include a traditional farmhouse and barn, housing rare pygora goats and Shetland sheep for visitors to interact with.
Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio said, " The bricks give donors a chance to leave a lasting message at the zoo and be recognized for their support."
The deadline for buying bricks is March 5. Once the exhibit is completed bricks can't be added to the exhibit. The tax-deductible bricks are still available for purchase by calling 503-220-2493 or visiting http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/FamilyFarmBrick.htm.
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE--LAST CHANCE TO BE A ZOOTEEN
Student from Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Milwaukie, Portland, Tigard and Troutdale go behind the scenes and come face to face with penguins, sea lions and elephants
Portland, Ore.- More than 60 high-school students from Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties will go behind the scenes and come nose to nose with sea otters, penguins, raptors and elephants during the zoo's free Career Day, Wednesday, February 18, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Students will learn about careers in animal and veterinary care, education, design, management, visitor services, marketing and development.
" During their time here, these kids will learn about the importance of continuing their education," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "They'll also discover what it takes to work at a zoo or other conservation organization, and how they can make a real difference in helping save endangered species by the choices they make."
From touring the animal care facilities to exploring how the zoo promotes its programs, students will discover a variety of job possibilities and what educational backgrounds are required for each position. Students will visit the zoo's animal hospital and go behind the scenes and view penguins, sea otters, elephants, wolves, and birds of prey.
Students will also talk to the zoo's director, learning how Vecchio got his start working in a zoo concession stand, how he worked his way up to become an animal keeper, and, eventually, a director of a major zoo. He will also discuss his commitment to animal conservation and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Career Day is a free program offered to local students. The zoo has offered the program for the past 17 years. Students must apply through their "school to work" coordinators to attend.
Each year the Oregon Zoo hosts more than 180,000 schoolchildren, teachers and families through 1,327 educational programs.
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STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT ZOO JOBS DURING CAREER DAY
Student from Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Milwaukie, Portland, Tigard and Troutdale go behind the scenes and come face to face with penguins, sea lions and elephants
Portland, Ore.- More than 60 high-school students from Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties will go behind the scenes and come nose to nose with sea otters, penguins, raptors and elephants during the zoo's free Career Day, Wednesday, February 18, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Students will learn about careers in animal and veterinary care, education, design, management, visitor services, marketing and development.
" During their time here, these kids will learn about the importance of continuing their education," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "They'll also discover what it takes to work at a zoo or other conservation organization, and how they can make a real difference in helping save endangered species by the choices they make."
From touring the animal care facilities to exploring how the zoo promotes its programs, students will discover a variety of job possibilities and what educational backgrounds are required for each position. Students will visit the zoo's animal hospital and go behind the scenes and view penguins, sea otters, elephants, wolves, and birds of prey.
Students will also talk to the zoo's director, learning how Vecchio got his start working in a zoo concession stand, how he worked his way up to become an animal keeper, and, eventually, a director of a major zoo. He will also discuss his commitment to animal conservation and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Career Day is a free program offered to local students. The zoo has offered the program for the past 17 years. Students must apply through their "school to work" coordinators to attend.
Each year the Oregon Zoo hosts more than 180,000 schoolchildren, teachers and families through 1,327 educational programs.
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PET A PACHYDERM BEHIND THE SCENES, FEB. 28
PORTLAND, Ore.-Did you know an elephant's skull is eight inches thick in some areas? Visitors will learn about Asian elephants, tour the barn, and hand-feed an elephant during the Oregon Zoo's Behind the Scenes Encounter, Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. There are only 15 available spots on the tour so visitors are encouraged to register early, and bring their cameras.
During the encounter, visitors will learn about the value of training and the purpose it serves to keep intelligent elephants mentally engaged. They will also learn how the zoo is playing a leadership role in Asian elephant conservation.
" Our elephants have become symbols for conservation," according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "We hope people come away from these encounters with the realization that elephants are a crucial part of the environment. People must connect with animals if they're to care about their future."
In the past, visitors have helped bathe and feed the elephants. "We are always trying to come up with new and interesting ideas so visitors come away with a unique experience," says Elephant Keeper Pat Flora.
The elephant tour is open to participants 16 years and older and requires pre-registration. The cost is $85 for members and $100 for nonmembers; price includes admission. A portion of the proceeds helps fund the zoo's conservation programs.
Become first to see zoo's newest exhibit: Eagle Canyon, Feb. 29
Oregon Zoo is presenting a sneak preview of its newest exhibit, Eagle Canyon on Sunday, Feb. 29, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A part of the Great Northwest exhibit project, Eagle Canyon will highlight how bald eagles and kokanee salmon play an integral role in a healthy ecosystem.
The new exhibit features underwater salmon viewing and tree canopy viewing of free-flying eagles. Connecting the two areas is a covered bridge modeled after historic covered bridges in Oregon. The bridge spans 40 feet and offers views into the forested ravine above and the stream below.
The Eagle Canyon tour is open to participants 12 years and older and requires pre-registration. The cost is $34 for members and $40 for nonmembers; price includes admission. A portion of the proceeds helps fund the zoo's conservation programs.
For Eagle Canyon information visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/GreatNW/EagleCanyon/index.htm or call 503-220-2781. Gift certificates for Behind the Scenes Encounters are also available.
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WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER KENNAN WARD SPEAKS AT ZOO
PORTLAND, Ore.- Wildlife photographer Kennan Ward will share images and conservation concepts from his book "The Last Wilderness, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," at the Oregon Zoo on February 24, at 7 p.m. Pro Photo Supply sponsors the lecture with support from Portland General Electric.
A world-renowned wildlife photographer, Ward explores remote regions of the world to capture rare forms of nature on film. Ward's lecture is the first of the 2004 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series, hosted by the Oregon Zoo and The Audubon Society of Portland.
Through his wildlife photography, Ward is striving to protect the pristine wilderness of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "We must continue to work toward permanent protection of this national treasure, the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," says Ward.
According to Tony Vecchio, zoo director, "Ward's photographs do more than just capture uncommon wildlife, they educate people about the need to preserve the wild. His photographs help inspire people to protect special places such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge."
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is home to moose, beaver, loons, caribou, wolves and grizzly and polar bears. According to Ward, oil and gas development threatens this land that should be permanently protected for its natural value.
"For 20 years, development interests have spent millions in an attempt to open this special place to oil and gas development, and year after year the will of a majority of the American people has stopped them," says Ward. "If there is any place deserving of being declared a wilderness it is the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," he added.
Ward's presentation will feature photographic images used for his book "The Last Wilderness" taken over the last 13 years.
Photographic assignments have taken Ward to Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, Greenland, Russia and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. However, Ward's primary interests take him to wilderness areas and National Parks such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Ward's images have been published in magazines including, Alaska, National Geographic World and National Wildlife, book publishers such as Scholastic, Scientific American and The Nature Company. His photographs have been featured in calendars by the Sierra Club, Amber Lotus and Portal Publications. Ward has worked with distinguished clients such as The Ansel Adams Gallery, Alaska Airlines and Patagonia.
The Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series 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, call 503-226-1561.
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DINE & DISCOVER MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE AT THE OREGON ZOO
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo Foundation invites the public to immerse themselves in the culture and cuisine of the Middle East Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. in the Skyline Room at the Oregon Zoo.
The evening begins with appetizers and drinks with live Middle Eastern music followed by a multi-course feast prepared by Oregon Zoo's Executive Chef Paul Warner. The four-course menu includes exotic fare such as B'Stilla Royale (filo pastry filled with ground chicken, almonds and egg), Tah-Dig (crispy rice topped with savory beef stew), Djedjad (roasted chicken with apricots), Imam Bagildi (vegetarian stuffed eggplant) and Baklava with pistachios and walnuts. Complimentary wine is also included courtesy of Gallo Vineyards.
Zoo Director, Tony Vecchio will engage guest during dinner with one of his specialty studies, the hamadryas baboon, which is native to Ethiopia, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
"This is sure to be a memorable night for our guests, as Tony has suggested his presentation will be 'interactive'," said Kim Freed, The Oregon Zoo Foundation development director. "If you've never heard our zoo director speak, you're in for a treat."
The cost for Dine and Discover is $75 per person, or $500 per table of eight. Net proceeds benefit the foundation's Future for Wildlife program.
Seating is limited to those with reservation. To make reservations, call 503-220-5770. Guest must be twenty-one years of age or older.
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CUPID DELIVERS TO THE OREGON ZOO
Kids and Animals Celebrate Valentine's Day at Oregon Zoo
PORTLAND, Ore. - Animals at the Oregon Zoo will receive Valentine's Day treats from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13.
Tasty, heart-shaped ice treats filled with Valentine's delicacies will be given to sea otters' Thelma and Eddie at 10 a.m. The female elephants will each receive a valentine gift from their favorite keeper at 10:30 a.m. The heart-shaped boxes-once filled with chocolate-will contain apples and other fruit and vegetables. Lastly, the swamp monkeys will receive heart-shaped boxes of Valentine's surprises at 11 a.m. Their boxes will contain raisins, grapes, bananas and seeds.
This is the fourth year that the special Valentine's Day enrichment treats have been handed out to zoo residents. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, which mentally stimulate the animals, and provide them with the opportunity to play, hunt and forage.
Valentine's Day overnight for kids gives parents a night out
Children can also enjoy Valentine's festivities at the zoo. While their parents enjoy an evening of romance, kids can experience the nighttime wonders of the Oregon Zoo during the "I LOVE the Zoo" overnight, Saturday, February 14.
Kids seven to 13-years of age will receive special guided tours, animal visitors and behind-the-scenes peeks. They will also create enrichment items the animals will receive the following day. Dinner, an evening snack and continental breakfast are included in the $40 per child fee.
"Valentine's Day is an especially appropriate time to teach kids to care about animals and their habitat," said Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "By educating them in a fun environment, we empower them to respect and protect the world around them."
For further information or to register, please call 503-220-2781
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE-BE A ZOOTEEN
Teens from Astoria to Hood River, Longview to Salem, educate the public about animal conservation
PORTLAND, Ore. - Teens looking for something wild and exciting to do this summer should consider becoming a ZooTeen at Oregon Zoo. Students entering 9th through 12th grade this fall may apply now through February 17 for this award-winning volunteer program.
ZooTeens present animals to visitors, help keepers with the care and feeding of pettable animals, go on a behind-the-scene tour with keepers, and manage the pygmy goat kraal-solely run by teens. Some ZooTeens, with additional training, will also be able to work in the Insect Zoo, give animal presentations, and serve as a junior camp counselor at zoo day camps.
"We are the only zoo in the nation that has teenagers supervising teenagers," said Mia Reager, zoo youth volunteer coordinator, "This allows the teens to create a unique environment where they feel they belong; it's a kind of family."
ZooTeens gain an insider's view of the zoo and its animals, make new friends, develop leadership skills, gain public speaking skills in a fun environment, handle zoo education animals, and explore career possibilities. ZooTeens apply and go through an interview process, which teaches valuable career skills and prepares them for future job interview situations.
"It is an extremely rewarding experience to know that you are a part of something really great that helps so many people to better understand the lives of all these wonderful animals," said Zoë Shipley, ZooTeen Team Leader, Leadership Corps Vice-President and three-year veteran of the program. "Through Zoo Teens I have gained not only an enormous amount of animal knowledge, but also various other useful skills that I didn't necessarily expect to obtain coming into the program. My ability to speak with the public; interact with strangers, as well as fellow ZooTeens; act as a leader and give directions, as well as follow directions; even the ability to make new friends."
ZooTeens work 11 hours a week, split into two 5 1/2 hour shifts, with two weeks vacation. They receive 30 hours of background training. Fifty to 70 ZooTeens may be invited to participate in the winter volunteer program, and 35 of these have the opportunity to become "Team Leaders." These select teens help lead the program on a daily basis.
The Team Leader program has received Mutual of Omaha's Wildlife Heritage Center's Award of Excellence twice for youth leadership involvement.
Each summer ZooTeens contribute 30,000 hours to the zoo. The program, which is in its 26th year, has participants from as far away as Astoria, John Day, Longview and Salem.
Additional ZooTeen information can be obtained by visiting the zoo's web site at www.oregonzoo.org, under the heading Get Involved/Volunteer or by calling 503-220-2449.
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