PGE Presents Wild Life Live

Shows run May 24 to Labor Day on the concert lawn and are free to zoo visitors!

The PGE Wild Life Live! show at the Oregon Zoo gives the audience a chance to witness majestic birds up-close and in action. Spectators come within literally a few feet of the birds, and sometimes closer, as they swoop between perches and make dramatic take-offs and landings. A dedicated staff of bird handlers and volunteers orchestrates the show, but the real stars are the birds themselves. They perform daily starting May 24 with the PGE Wild Life Live! Day at the Oregon Zoo. Shows start at 11 a.m, 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. each day on the concert lawn and are free to zoo visitors.

Come see birds like Chinook, a Bald Eagle who was born in the wild in Alaska. The tissue in her left shoulder was virtually destroyed by an infection, which means that though she can still fly, she can't fly well enough to be released into the wild. Instead, she wows audiences with the majestic sight of her fully extended wings as she glides overhead and lands on stage.

Another star is Sonora, a Harris Hawk who was raised in captivity in Idaho. Her acrobatic tricks include catching a mouse in midair as she flies overhead. Audiences also love Clyde, a turkey vulture, who was found abandoned in the wild near Kalama, WA. Clyde thrills spectators by flying so low that her wings sometimes brush against those sitting on the grass.

While these birds excite audiences, an equally important part of Wild Life Live! is to educate the public about bird preservation. After the show, audience members can get a closer look at some of the birds and learn more about them. These include birds like Luna, a Great Horned Owl. Luna was found in Bend after being hit by a car. She can't be released because she won't feed herself in the wild. Instead she has found a home with Wild Life Live!

Luna is one of two new birds who recently joined the program. The other new bird is Pele, a colorful macaw. Although he’s not trained to fly, he can say hello, laugh, kiss, show his wings, wave, shake hands, and fall backwards on command.  To find biographies on Chinook, Sonora, Clyde, Luna, Pele and all of the birds, visit our bird profiles.

The program depends on the generous support of Portland General Electric, which makes Wild Life Live! possible. PGE has supported Wild Life Live! since 1986 and paid for the Zoo's energy efficient and environmentally friendly bird mews, where the birds are housed. To find out more about the mews and how the birds are trained, visit our Behind the Scenes page!

Wild Life Live! will be performing at the Oregon Zoo until Labor Day weekend. But it is also available for special appearances at schools and community organizations throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. In addition, individual birds are available to make appearances. If you are interested in bringing Wild Life Live! to your school or organization please visit our education page. It is a great way to learn more about these majestic creatures up close!