Ocelot Exhibit

Overview:
The exhibit, which opened August 2006, is a component of the Fragile Forests complex, a multi-phase renovation of the Primate Building, which began with the Amazon Flooded Forest. The exhibit replicates a lush South American rainforest with real and artificial plants, vines, logs and roots, and includes a waterfall and small pond. Artificial rocks with ledges provide a lounging place for the ocelots which live in the exhibit. The visitors' side has a spongy faux-forest-floor treatment, with natural leaves embedded in the terrain, and features a wall of glass for viewing the cats.

Animals:
Ralph and Alice were born in 1993 at zoos located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and were transferred to the Phoenix Zoo in 1996, where they produced three offspring. The pair arrived at the Oregon Zoo on April 12, 2006. Their son, Rio, was born on Sept. 14, 2006.

Exhibit Information:
Designed in-house, the exhibit was designed specifically with breeding the ocelots in mind. Off-exhibit holding space for an expecting mother and her kittens was provided, as well as the flexibility to separate the adult cats when required.

Construction Photos:
Click the links below to see photos of the Ocelot Exhibit as it was built.

Click here to learn more about ocelots.

Oregon Zoo Exhibit:
South American Forest