Imagine what the zoo would be like without plants! The landscaping here is not merely meant to please the eye; it sets a unique scene in each exhibit area.

As you enter the zoo and step into the Great Northwest, alpine plantings near the mountain goat exhibit reinforce the feeling of the goats' natural habitat. Along Black Bear Ridge and into Cascade Canyon, you encounter trees and plants native to the cool, misty forests of Oregon. And stepping out of the forest, you approach Trillium Creek Family Farm, featuring heirloom plants of the sort grown on a typical Oregon farm in the early 1900s. Winding through the Pacific Shores and Steller Cove exhibits, you are surrounded by plants and animals native to the dramatic Oregon coast.

From there, your zoo journey takes you around the world. As you travel, pay attention to the landscape. Notice how the carefully chosen plants remind you that you are in the Pacific Northwest one minute and a lush African rain forest the next.

One challenge for horticulture staff is to find plants that have the look of a faraway place, but thrive in the unique climate of the Willamette Valley.