Classes For Adults
Animal Encounters,
Breakfast with the Beasts
Animal Encounters
All programs are held on Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
Meet a member of the Oregon Zoos Animal Management staff and take a behind the scenes tour of featured animal exhibits.
For adults only, you must be 16 years old or older to attend, limited to 15 participants to ensure good views on your behind the scenes tour.
Zoo Members: $15 per session
Non-Members: $19 per session
For more information or to register, call the Education Registrar at 220-2781 or e-mail
Saturday, March 9, 2002
Chris Pfefferkorn, Animal Collection Manager presents: “Animal Training”
How do you get a 6-ton elephant to lift its foot? This is something important that animal care staff does to keep the Zoo’s population healthy. Animal training makes it possible; the animal’s stress is reduced, the husbandry is easier and it adds enrichment to their day. Play a game where you become the trainee.
Sunday, April 21, 2002
Jan Steele, Zoological Curator presents: “Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Langurs and Lemurs"
Zoological Curator Jan Steele will cover the intimate details of caring for these highly intelligent and very social animals. Jan will lead a guided tour of the primate exhibit. Learn about the fascinating behaviors these magnificent animals exhibit in the wild and at the Zoo.
Saturday, May 4, 2002
Tony Vecchio, Zoo Director presents: "Bird Watchers' Gold Mine"
Get out your "life lists" and be prepared to impress your friends. The Zoo is home to an amazing collection of birds from around the world -- from Southeast Asian lorikeets to the tundra's snowy owl. Get a global perspective of the diversity of bird forms as you tour some of our major avian exhibits including behind-the-scenes areas.
Sunday, May 19, 2002
Dr Blair Csuti, Conservation Program Coordinator presents: “Where Have All the Grizzlies Gone?”
An in depth look at how humans influence wildlife populations. Grizzly bear, wolf, and bighorn sheep have all been forced out. Beaver and mountain goats have been brought back in and new animals like nutria, opossum and starlings have been added. Learn about Oregon’s present wildlife and how it has changed over time. Behind-the-scenes tour included.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Note special time: 10:00AM - 12 noon
Dr David Shepherdson, Program Scientist Presents: “Polar Bears”
As our own behavioral scientist, Dr. Shepherdson has been traveling throughout North America studying polar bears in zoos. One of his major questions is: “why do bears pace?” He hopes to answer this question through the observation of bear behavior in many different zoos and the measurement of their stress levels. Find out more about this magnificent beast and how zoos are working to create the best possible environments for them. A behind-the-scenes tour of our polar bear exhibit is included.
An opportunity to meet and talk with a keeper, take a guided exhibit tour, and enjoy a continental breakfast. Enrollment is limited. Ages 16 and up.
Zoo Members: $14
Non-Members: $17
All Breakfast Programs are from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. To sign up, or for more information, call the Education Registrar at 220-2781 or e-mail
Sunday, February 24, 2002
BREAKFAST WITH THE BOSS
The curator oversees the entire collection of the Zoo. Learn the latest animal updates, changes with new exhibits and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the curator's favorite animal.
Saturday, March 2, 2002
ZOO VET SATURDAY
Keeping all the Zoo animals healthy is a giant challenge. Find out what keeps our vets busy. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the Zoo's own private hospit6al.
Sunday, March 10, 2002
TUNDRA TALK
Wolves, grizzly bears, musk oxen, lemmings and snowy owls all eke out an existence in an unforgiving corner of our planet. Discover their strategies for survival, how their populations cycle together, and how the Zoo tells their story with an outstanding exhibit.
Saturday, April 16, 2002
EXHIBIT DESIGN
The challenges of designing and building natural looking animal exhibits that keep animals in and enriched will be explored. Learn design and construction secrets while touring some new exhibits with design staff.
Sunday, April 21, 2002
EARLY MORNING ELEPHANTS
The Zoo's famous elephants will host your visit to the zoo this morning. Tour the state-of-the-art elephant facility, learn about the latest improvements in this popular exhibit, and meet Oregon's herd. The elephant care staff will give you the inside scoop on taking care of a 14,000 lb herbivore.
Saturday, May 11, 2002
GARDENING BREAKFAST
Tour the grounds and behind-the -scenes areas for a look at the wide variety of plants Zoo gardeners care for. Learn unique gardening techniques and methods of our own horticulture staff.
Saturday, May 18, 2002
SAVANNA SUNRISE
From Critically endangered rhinos and humorous hippos in the Africa Savanna exhibit provide the perfect backdrop for a morning safari. Talk with animal care staff and learn about what it takes to care for these very diverse creatures as you go on a behind the scenes tour.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
EARLY MORNING ENRICHMENT
A fascinating look at the use of treats, toys, scents, plants and structures to enrich the lives of zoo animals. You’ll go into an exhibit, set out enrichment treats, and then watch what the animals do.
Saturday, June 22, 2002
MORNING WITH THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
The Cascade Crest exhibit displays these magnificent creatures and their amazing adaptations to a very challenging habitat. The exhibit itself is filled with outstanding natural and manufactured features. Join animal care staff for a behind-the-scenes view.