Africa VIP Encounter
Saturday, March 22

Monkeys, antelopes and crocodiles ... oh my! Join our keepers as you wander the wild lands of Africa. Visit the rhino barn and get a chance to meet Pete, the rhino. Trek over to the giraffe barn and feed a tall friend some tasty treats. Get a chance to learn from the people working with the animals every day and learn some of the challenges of managing such a diverse group of residents.

Steller Cove VIP Encounter
Saturday, April 26

Join the marine life staff for a training session with the sea otters and sea lions. Learn what "seat", "move-up" and "water" mean in marine mammal terms. See just who will work hard for a tasty squid treat. Wear your beach shoes, you might get wet.

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BEHIND-THE-SCENES ENCOUNTERS

Each one-hour program includes time with Zoo educators and keeper staff. Go behind the scenes and discover what it really takes to care for our animals.

Wild Life Live Encounter - CANCELLED
Sunday, April 6

Come meet the stars of the stage close up. Learn what it takes to be an animal celebrity at the Zoo. It is not all glamour and glitz. It takes a lot of work to keep those feathers pretty and those wings toned for that moment in the spotlight. You might even get to help with some of the daily routine.

Elephant Painting Encounter - FILLED
Sunday, April 20

What do Rembrandt and Rama have in common? They are both painters! Come watch a master in action. See how keepers are using painting as enrichment for our elephants. Watch as Rama creates a mural – you’ll even get to take a piece home (frame not included).

Penguins Encounter
Sunday, May 4

Spring has passed – the chicks have hatched. You'll have a chance to see some of the penguinarium's youngest residents. Find out why the Oregon Zoo has one of the most successful breeding programs for Humboldt penguins. Meet Mochica - the penguin with personality.

Wolf & Elk Encounter
Sunday, June 1

In preparation for Predators of the Serengeti, the wolves have moved to the Great Northwest exhibit. See predator/prey relationships up close. Learn how wolves and elk depend on one another in the wild, and how they are getting along living side by side at the Zoo.

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Penguin Family Encounter - FILLED
Sunday, March 16

Bring your family and learn how the penguins start their own family. It's once again time for penguin breeding season. Meet Mochica and some of the other residents as they prepare for nesting season. If you're lucky you may even get a chance to watch the penguins courting.

Elephant Family Encounter
Saturday, May 10

Join the herd! Discover first hand how a family of elephants is like a human family. Learn how they care for each other and how the adults teach the youngsters what it means to be an elephant.

Black Bear Ridge Family Encounter - FILLED
Sunday, May 18

Come and explore the Zoo's new exhibit. See the homes of the black bears and bobcats. Discover some of the secrets of their spots behind the scenes from the public areas. See how they get water and discover the best places to lay on a cold day. Get a chance to see things from the animals' point of view.

Cats Family Encounter - FILLED
Saturday, June 14

What do tigers and your cat Fluffy have in common? More than you might think. Join us as we discover how tigers, leopards and housecats share some common traits, and have some BIG differences. Help hide some treats around the exhibit and see how our cats play just like yours at home.

Pigs Family Encounter
Sunday, June 22

Meet Itchy and Scratchy, our babirusa pigs and their neighbors, the Visayan warty pigs. Discover how wrong some of the stories about pigs really are. You'll have a chance to hide some treats, then stand back and watch how they use their wonderful snouts to find them. In Charlotte's words, they are all 'Some Pig'.

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