July
2003
July
31, 2003 - Zoo Welcomes Neko Case, August 15
July
29, 2003 - Beaverton School District
announces new fund at Oregon Zoo
July
25, 2003 - Camp Overnight at the
Oregon Zoo
July 25, 2003 -
Batty Over Babies at Oregon Zoo
July 23,
2003 - Living Legend Don Ho Performs
at Zoo, August 8
July 22, 2003 -
"Giraffe-Necked" Gerenuk Grace Oregon Zoo
July
22, 2003 - Robert Earl Keen, Dan
Hicks and the Hot Licks Perform at Oregon Zoo August 6 & 7
July
15, 2003 - AT&T Wireless Presents
Oregon Zoo Foundation Gala
July
10, 2003
- Aimee Mann with Pete Droge to Perform at Zoo
July
10, 2003
- Les Nubians and Zap Mamma Perform at Zoo
July
10, 2003 - Portland's Top Restaurants
Showcase Signature Cuisine at Zoolala
July 10, 2003 -
Zoo Adds Colorful Exotic Butterflies to Exhibit
July
9, 2002 - Endangered Turtles Released
in Columbia Gorge
July
8, 2003 - Suzanne Vega Performs at
Zoo, July 25
July
8, 2003 - Wendy's and Oregon Zoo
Team up for a Biggie Sized Fundraiser to Bring Condors Back to Oregon
July
8, 2003 - Accordionist Joaquin Diaz
and Reggae Band Culture Perform at Zoo, July 23-24
July
8, 2003
- Condor Construction to Receive Aid From Zoolala
July
8, 2003 - Abby the Wayward African
Stork Flies Again
July
8, 2003 - Afro Celts Play at the
Oregon Zoo, July 18
July
8, 2003 - Psychograss and Sonny Landreth
Perform at Zoo, July 16-17
July
3, 2003 - Zoo Animals Get a Patriotic
on Fourth of July
July
1, 2003 - Wolf Eel Introduced to
Kelp Forest Exhibit: Zookeepers Hope for "Love Connection"
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January
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| April | May
| June | July
| August | September |
October | November | December
July
29, 2003
BEAVERTON SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES NEW FUND AT OREGON ZOO
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo will be the backdrop as Beaverton School's
new superintendent, Jerome Colonna, announces a new fund to raise the
achievement level of under-performing and under-represented students
in the District on Wednesday, July 30 at 10:45 a.m.
"One of my top priorities over the next five years will be to narrow
the gap of academic achievement for these students." said Colonna. "This
can happen in many ways and this fund is just one vehicle. The fund
may help provide staff development and additional literacy materials.
I believe that as a concerned and caring school district, we must dedicate
ourselves to this challenge."
Colonna, who will seed the fund with a personal donation, will be joined
by nearly 180 Migrant Summer School students. The students, a.k.a. "budding
scientists," will be visiting the zoo as part of their lessons in scientific
inquiry. They will be practicing the skill of observation at the zoo,
observing animals to help ask and answer questions.
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July
25, 2003
CAMP
OVERNIGHT AT THE OREGON ZOO
PORTLAND, Ore. - If you've ever wanted to awaken to the sounds of Africa,
but can't afford the airfare, the Oregon Zoo has an opportunity for
you. Family Camperoo is your chance to spend the night on safari
without leaving Oregon.
Families are invited to set up camp on the concert lawn, enjoy games
and crafts and tour the zoo at night on August 2. A BBQ dinner,
snacks, behind-the-scenes tours and a nighttime safari through the zoo
are on the itinerary, before snuggling into sleeping bags for the night.
In the morning, campers are treated to a continental breakfast
and a private visit with the birds of the Discover Birds! show.
"It's just such a different way to experience the zoo. Combine
the fun of camping with the fun of going to the zoo, how can you go
wrong?" comments Rex Ettlin, education program coordinator
for the zoo.
Family Camperoo is designed for families. Cost for the safari experience
is $45 for zoo members and $53 for non-members. Pre-registration is
required. To register, or obtain additional information, call (503)
220-2781, or visit the zoo's Web site located at www.oregonzoo.org.
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July
25, 2003
BATTY
OVER BABIES AT OREGON ZOO
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo's bat exhibit has been bustling over
the past few months with the birth of 16 new babies. The infants are
straw-colored fruit bats, which are native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Senior Africa keeper Anna Michel said the babies, born between March
19 and July 13, are part of about 140 births since 1991 for this colony.
"Both mothers and babies are healthy and doing very well,"
Michel said.
Straw-colored fruit bats, which reside with Rodrigues bats, Egyptian
fruit bats and Jamaican fruit bats in the zoo's Africa Rain Forest are
the only bats to give birth this year. But according to Michel, the
Rodrigues bats may soon be adding to the zoo's bat population.
"Nineteen Rodrigues bats have been born at the zoo in the past,
but there has been a breeding moratorium for the last five years,"
said Michel. "We learned this month that five of our females are
recommended to breed with one of our males. We've set up that
group off exhibit and now we're just waiting."
The Egyptian fruit bats and Jamaican fruit bats are non-breeding groups
consisting only of males.
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July
22, 2003
" GIRAFFE-NECKED"
GERENUK GRACE OREGON ZOO
PORTLAND,
Ore. -Two male gerenuks, or "giraffe gazelles" as they are
known in Swahili, have been introduced into the Oregon Zoo's Africa
Savanna exhibit, which is also home to giraffes, ground hornbills and
marabou storks. But it seems a little conflict has sprung up between
the exhibit's fowl and the newcomers, making life on the savanna anything
but serene.
Seven-year-old
Red and two-year-old Batu arrived from San Diego Wild Animal Park in
May and after spending time in quarantine began a gradual introduction
to their new surroundings. The marabou storks, however, have been less
than welcoming. It seems the gerenuks are occasionally on the receiving
end of flapping wings as the storks chase them away.
"They're timid animals," explained keeper Ted Daehnke, "And
they're very, very frightened of the storks."
"The gerenuks are also afraid of the giraffes," added Daehnke.
"But what really gets them is when the storks stand up and flap
their wings."
Keepers hope that as the gerenuks spend more time in the exhibit, their
stork phobia will ease.
Gerenuk, which means "giraffe-necked" in the Somali language,
gets its name from its exceptionally long neck. It is also called "swala
twiga" or giraffe gazelle in Swahili.
Gerenuks will impress zoo visitors with their "upward mobility."
The gazelle-like antelopes stand on their hind legs to eat, reaching
leaves on the branches of trees as much as six-feet-high. They can even
walk short distances in this fashion, earning them the nickname "stilt-walkers."
As one of few antelope species that rarely eat grass, gerenuk stand
in this way to reach the leaves, shoots, and flowers that comprise their
diet.
"There were a number of reasons why we chose to add gerenuks to
our Africa exhibit," commented zoological curator, Chris Pfefferkorn.
"Space and compatibility were considerations, but their unique
behavior was a large factor. When visitors observe the unexpected, they
ask questions. When they ask questions, we can educate."
The gerenuk is native to Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya in Africa.
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July
15, 2003
AT&T
WIRELESS PRESENTS OREGON ZOO FOUNDATION GALA
PORTLAND, Ore. - An evening of elegance and entertainment is in store
for attendees at The Oregon Zoo Foundation's gala event of the year, "Zoolala
- Scavenger Soirée", on July 19. Zoolala is relied on to
help raise funds for the zoo's condor project. California condors are
one of the most endangered bird species in the world, and the addition
of the Oregon Zoo's new condor breeding facilities are very important
to the condors' survival.
The Oregon Zoo Foundation hosts this evening of fine dining, featuring
some of Portland's best culinary talents. Beaverton Bakery, Billy Reed's
Restaurant & Bar, Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, Espresso Volare!
Catering, Full Sail Brewing, Hoda's Middle Eastern Cuisine, Huber's,
New Seasons Market, Morton's, The Steakhouse, Oregon Zoo Catering,
Raccoon Lodge & Brew Pub, Ringside Restaurant, The Old Spaghetti
Factory, Salty's on the Columbia, Monteaux's Public House and Widmer
Brothers Brewing Co. are some of the participating restaurants and
breweries.
A silent auction will feature a weekend in Las Vegas, a trip to San
Francisco for a Giants game, 2 trips to Seattle for a Mariners game,
diamond earrings and a golf club membership for a year.
Join the pre-party Feathered Fête where guests can mingle and
mix with special animal guests and indulge in early festivities.
Swoon to the sounds of the Patrick Lamb Band, which will entertain
throughout the evening. There will also be a full complement of gourmet
desserts.
Zoolala is presented by AT&T Wireless and co-sponsored by Spirit
Mountain Casino, with media sponsors K103fm and 1190KEX. Sponsorship
packages are still available and include an invitation to the pre-gala
Feathered Fête. Tickets are $150 per person ($100 of each ticket
price is tax deductible). For reservations, sponsorship and ticket
information contact Kris Terich at 503-220-2492.
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July
10, 2003
PORTLAND'S TOP RESTAURANTS SHOWCASE
SIGNATURE CUISINE AT ZOOLALA
Featuring Wine and Beer from Willamette Valley Vineyards, Full Sail
Brewing
and Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
PORTLAND, Ore. - Twenty-six Portland-area restaurants recently submitted
their featured menus for The Oregon Zoo Foundation's fourth annual
fundraising gala, Zoolala. Menus for the event, which takes place on
Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m., include fresh Northwest ingredients, dishes
from around the world, and dangerously rich desserts.
"One of the reasons Zoolala is the zoo's most successful fundraiser
is because of these superb restaurants," said Tony Vecchio, director
of the Oregon Zoo. "Each year, I'm amazed by the creativity and
quality of the food that is served. It continues to attract new guests
and makes the evening a true culinary experience."
The signature Zoolala Chardonnay, which is specially produced for the
zoo by Willamette Valley Vineyards, will accompany the food.
Beer drinkers will not be left out with Full Sail Brewing, Widmer Brothers
Brewing Company, Raccoon Lodge, and Portland Brewing Company on site.
Full Sail Brewing has been a major supporter of Zoolala over the past
three years.
Showing off its culinary talents for the first time at Zoolala are
Portland favorites: Paragon Restaurant and Bar, Ringside Steakhouse,
Dan and Louis Oyster Bar, Orenco Station Grill and Bethany Village
Grill.
Several of last year's restaurants renewed their commitment to Zoolala
2003, including Reedville Catering, Monteaux's Public House, Salty's
on the Columbia, and Raccoon Lodge, while Morton's, The Steakhouse,
and Billy Reed's are entering their fourth year of participation. For
a complete list of restaurants, please visit the zoo's Web site at
www.oregonzoo.org.
The evening will also include dance music by the Patrick Lamb Band
and a silent auction of unique items.
All proceeds from Zoolala 2003 go toward the Zoo's Campaign for Condors.
The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo in the nation to become a member
of the California Condor Recovery Program and is currently constructing
a breeding facility away from zoo grounds. Condors, one of the world's
most endangered bird species, are expected to begin arriving this November.
While Oregon is part of the condors' natural range, no condors have
been seen in Oregon since 1904.
Zoolala is presented by AT&T Wireless and co-sponsored by Spirit
Mountain Casino, with K103FM and 1190 KEX as media sponsors. For more
information about the event, please contact Kris Terich at 503-220-2492,
or visit the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org.
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July
10, 2003
ZOO ADDS COLORFUL EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES
TO EXHIBIT
PORTLAND, Ore. - With a soft swish of wings and a flurry of festive
colors, ten new species of vibrant exotic butterflies are alighting
in the butterfly garden at the Oregon Zoo. The Winged Wonders exhibit,
sponsored by Meier & Frank, welcomes large and colorful foreigners
to the living butterfly collection, which already contained more than
20 North American species.
The new butterflies include the glittering blue Morpho from Nicaragua,
the orange-polka-dotted Grecian Shoemaker from South Brazil, and the
brilliant Royal Blue from Mexico. Other butterflies hail from Costa
Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, and the Amazon Basin.
This is the first time exotic butterflies have visited the zoo in its
116-year history.
"The new butterflies are larger and even more vibrant than the North American
varieties," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Visitors are always surprised
to be completely immersed in butterflies; it's a wonderful experience."
Exhibit designers are striving to make Winged Wonders as appealing as possible
both to those who flutter and those who stroll. For the insects, the gardens
are lush with flowers, nectar, and water features. Benches are scattered about
the exhibit for the benefit of the wingless, who can rest awhile and perhaps
experience becoming a butterfly's chosen perch for a moment.
The exhibit is meant to be interactive, even beyond feeling the tiny feet of
a jewel-like insect on skin. Different stations provide activities for learning
about how a butterfly transitions from egg to caterpillar to adult, how the
butterfly uses all its senses, and how those vivid colors can actually help
the butterfly
camouflage. Children can also explore the gardens and flap kid-sized butterfly
wings. Adults can look at the local plant species growing in the demonstration
for ideas on how to create a butterfly-friendly habitat in their own yards.
"You have to think in terms of plants that will attract butterflies in all
stages
of their development," remarked Linda Coady Richardson, the zoo's horticultural
supervisor. "The caterpillar's plant needs are different from the pupae's,
which are different from the butterfly's."
The Winged Wonders exhibit is important in raising funds for the Oregon
Zoo's field conservation efforts at saving the highly endangered Oregon
silverspot butterflies and Fender's blue butterflies. An interactive
display within the exhibit describes the life cycle of these wild butterflies
and then explains what the zoo is doing to raise these rare creatures
in captivity.
The Oregon Zoo and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) have
joined 34 zoos and aquariums from around the country to form the Butterfly
Conservation Initiative. The Initiative is designed to bring together
government and non-government agencies to aid in the recovery of imperiled
North American butterflies.
The Oregon Zoo and AZA are committed to butterfly conservation. A portion
of the proceeds from the Oregon Zoo's butterfly exhibit helps support
the zoo's butterfly education and conservation efforts.
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July
9, 2003
ENDANGERED TURTLES RELEASED IN
COLUMBIA GORGE
Oregon Zoo helps save endangered turtles, returning them to the wild
PORTLAND, Ore.-The Oregon Zoo will release 35 endangered western pond
turtles-a species on the verge of extinction in Washington a decade
ago-in the Columbia River Gorge east of Vancouver, Wash. on Wednesday,
July 16.
Working collaboratively with Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), the Oregon Zoo "head-starts" newly hatched
turtles gathered from wild sites. The turtles are nurtured at both
zoos for about 10 months until they grow large enough to avoid being
eaten by non-native bullfrogs and large mouth bass.
"
iving young turtles a head-start during the first months of their
lives, gives them a real edge," explains Dr. David Shepherdson,
Oregon Zoo conservation program scientist. "Woodland Park Zoo
and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been working to
save Washington's western pond turtles for 13 years. We're glad that
we could provide additional assistance in helping save these highly
endangered turtles."
The turtles are in trouble due to habitat degradation and disease.
The biggest threat, however, is bullfrogs. Found east of the Rockies,
this non-indigenous frog has thrived throughout the west, driving pond
turtles and a host of other small, vulnerable aquatic species to the
brink of extinction.
The newest releases bring the total number of head-started turtles
to more than 700. Scientists tracking the released turtles estimate
that 95 percent of the turtles released back to the Columbia Gorge
have survived.
Some of the juvenile turtles are equipped with radio transmitters before
release so biologists can learn more about post-release dispersal,
habitat use during active and hibernation periods, and, ultimately,
their survival rate.
Each year since the head-starting project was launched, recovery workers
take to the field under the supervision of pond turtle expert Kate
Slavens to count, trap and fit transmitters on adult female western
pond turtles. The female turtles are monitored every two hours during
the nesting season in order to determine where they nest. The nests,
which the female digs in the ground and then covers after depositing
her eggs, are protected with wire "exclosure" cages that
help prevent predators from eating the eggs. The eggs are then allowed
to incubate naturally, and the hatchlings are collected in the fall.
The hatchlings are about the size of a quarter when they are removed
and taken to the zoo facilities, where they can grow in safety. After
about 10 months, when the juvenile turtles have grown large enough
to avoid being eaten by pond predators, they are returned to their
birthplace.
Three years ago, one of the first female turtles released in 1990 in
the Columbia Gorge laid eggs. The pond turtle, which can live up to
50 years in the wild, takes about 10 years to reach sexual maturity.
In the past few years, the cooperative efforts have brought the pond
turtles' numbers in Washington up from a low of 150 in 1990 to nearly
800 today. Now listed as an endangered species in Washington state
and a sensitive species in Oregon, the western pond turtle was once
common from Baja, California to Puget Sound. The Oregon Zoo's participation
in the western pond turtle project is funded through The Oregon Zoo
Foundation's Future for Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro. The Zoo is committed to conservation
with a number of projects aiding local species.
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July
8, 2003
WENDY'S AND OREGON ZOO TEAM UP
FOR A BIGGIE SIZED FUNDRAISER TO BRING CONDORS BACK TO OREGON
PORTLAND,
Ore.-The Oregon Zoo and Wendy's restaurants in the Portland metro
area are working together to bring back condors
to Oregon by raising funds for The Campaign for Condors.
From July 7 through August 10, customers at Wendy's in the greater
Portland Metro area can donate $1 and receive a Condor Comeback Pin-up
to show their support.
While at Wendy's, customers can also enter to
win a trip to San Diego to see the California Condors at the San Diego
Wild Animal Park's Condor Ridge exhibit courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
The Campaign For Condors will receive 100 percent of the pin-up proceeds.
No donation is necessary to enter the San Diego Sweepstakes.
Complete
rules will be available at all participating Wendy's.
The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness to the plight of the
condor, and secure $3 million to build a breeding facility for the
endangered bird. The Oregon Zoo hopes to rear condors in an effort
to bring them back from the brink of extinction. At the new breeding
facility chicks will be hatched and raised by mature condors in preparation
for release into the wild. The zoo will also build a naturalistic exhibit
for condors, as a way to share its conservation efforts with visitors.
"A small $1 donation can make a huge difference for the largest
bird in N. America," said Christine Dickinsen, spokesperson for Wendy's
in Portland. "Wendy's is pleased to spearhead this grass-roots
effort for The Campaign for Condors."
The Biggie Size fundraiser will be promoted by Wendy's media partners
KPDX TV and Clear Channel radio stations through public service announcement
aimed at generating awareness of the historical significance of Condors
in Oregon. Wendy's 32 oz Biggie drink cups throughout the state of
Oregon will also feature colorful images of condors and facts to educate
the public about the endangered bird.
"Lewis and Clark wrote in their journals about condors flying
high above the Columbia River during their trek to find the Northwest
Passage," said
Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "I would love to someday see condors
soaring above the cliffs of the Columbia and other regions throughout
Oregon. We're pleased to be involved in this historic conservation
effort," he added.
The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain.
By 1982, only 22 California condors were left in the world. When Congress
passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the California condor was
one of the original animals included on the endangered list.
"Wendy's has been a great partner in helping bring attention
to the plight of the condor," said Vecchio. "It's important to preserve
this majestic bird for future generations."
The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo to become a member of the California
Condor Recovery Program and has just begun construction of the Condor
Creek Conservation Facility, located on Metro-owned property. The facility
is isolated to ensure minimal noise and limited human contact-necessities
for fostering condors.
Total cost for the condor project is $3 million: $2 million to build
the conservation facility and $1 million to create a naturalistic condor
exhibit that will debut at the Oregon Zoo in the summer of 2005.
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July
8, 2003
CONDOR CONSTRUCTION TO RECEIVE
AID FROM ZOOLALA
PORTLAND, Ore. - California condors are coming back to Oregon after
a 99-year absence, and Zoolala, an elegant annual event held on the
Oregon Zoo grounds July 19 from 7-11 p.m., will raise funds for the
construction of the zoo's off-site condor breeding facility.
The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo in the nation to become a part
of the historic condor conservation effort. While the zoo's breeding
condors will not be on exhibit to the public, the zoo is planning a
special condor exhibit to debut in Summer of 2005. Construction on
the breeding facility is currently underway.
Proceeds from Zoolala 2003 will help with the cost of the breeding
facility and eventual zoo exhibit. Now in its fourth consecutive year,
Zoolala features the fine cuisine of 26 Portland area restaurants,
live music from the Patrick Lamb Band, and the opportunity to see the
zoo after dark when many of the animals become more active.
The California condor, the largest land bird in North America, was
one of the species on the original list of the Endangered Species Act
in 1973. By 1987, condors were on the brink of extinction, with only
27 remaining in the world. Thanks to captive breeding programs, there
are now 46 condors flying free in California and Arizona.
Condors are native to Oregon. Lewis and Clark wrote a detailed account
in their journals about condors flying high above the Columbia River
between The Dalles and Astoria. However, no condors have been seen
in the state since 1904.
Zoolala,
the zoo's annual fundraiser that raises revenue for conservation
programs and new educational exhibits, is presented by AT&T Wireless
and co-sponsored by Spirit Mountain Casino. Its media sponsors are
K103fm and 1190 KEX. Sponsorship packages are still available and include
an invitation to the pre-gala Feathered Fête. For reservations,
sponsorship or more information, please contact Kris Terich at 503-220-2492.
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July
8, 2003
ABBY THE WAYWARD AFRICAN STORK
FLIES AGAIN
Some
speculate she was making some "special" deliveries while
away from zoo
PORTLAND, Ore.-The Oregon Zoo's wayward stork is back in the bird show
after going on a two-day adventure and worrying her caregivers. Abby,
an African Abdim stork (also known as an African white-bellied stork),
is flying again in PGE's Discover Birds! show at noon, 1:30 p.m. and
3 p.m., daily.
"We're thrilled to have Abby home," said Cathi Wright, bird show
coordinator. "She's a very sweet and shy bird; she's like family."
Abby was found in a parking lot on Swan Island near downtown Portland
on Monday, June 23. Staff was relieved that, other than being exhausted
and hungry, she was unharmed. She rested a week before returning to
PGE's Discover Birds! program.
According to Wright, Abby flew away on Saturday, June 21 after getting
caught in a thermal updraft. Staff whistled and increased her food
reward but the thermal caused her to go higher and higher until was
out of sight. For two days the bird show staff followed up on telephone
leads generated by media coverage. Staff looked into all the leads,
but found most sightings were of great blue herons, osprey and even
a muscovy duck.
Wright expressed gratitude to the media and public for finding Abby.
"We
couldn't have found her without the media getting the word out, and
without people watching out for her," said Wright. "We
just really appreciate people's concern for her."
In the 18-year history of the program, the Oregon Zoo has never permanently
lost a bird. Show birds have flown off for a few minutes, an hour,
or longer, but staff have always found them.
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July
3, 2003
ZOO ANIMALS GET PATRIOTIC ON FOURTH
OF JULY
PORTLAND, Ore. -To celebrate the Fourth of July, the
Oregon Zoo elephants will be given some fun sparklers to wave in the
air and the polar bears will be lighting off fireworks while the sea
otters play with bottle rockets... Well, not really. Zookeepers don't
allow the animals to play with fire, but they are stirring up their
patriotism with edible, USA-themed treats and surprises, July 3-4.
The
sea otters and polar bears receive their treats a day early on July
3rd from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Sea otters and polar bears will relish
their star-shaped, brightly colored ice blocks with bits of
seafood
tucked inside.
The
elephants will enjoy a tasty "pachyderm picnic" on
July 4th at 1:30 p.m. Visitors will see the elephants digging
into some
good old-fashioned apple pie and sliced watermelon in order
to show just how American they are.
July
3-4, the symbol of our nation, a majestic bald eagle, will glide
across the stage lawn,
just over the audience's heads during PGE's
Discover Birds! show. The bald eagle will fly during
the noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. shows.
This
is the first year the zoo has organized Fourth of July enrichment
treats for the animals.
The Oregon Zoo is known internationally
for its enrichment programs, which provide animals with the
opportunity to play, hunt and forage as they would in the wild.
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July
1, 2003
WOLF
EEL INTRODUCED TO KELP FOREST EXHIBIT: ZOOKEEPERS HOPES FOR "LOVE
CONNECTION"
PORTLAND, Ore. - A male wolf eel, new to the Oregon Zoo, debuts with
a splash on Tuesday, July 1, at the Steller Cove Kelp Forest exhibit.
The zoo's marine life keepers are hoping that the toothy critter will
be good company for the female wolf eel already residing in the zoo's
Kelp Forest.
"Wolf eels sometimes mate for life," says Jeremy Goggins,
marine life keeper. "By adding this male, we're hoping the female
becomes more active, and maybe we'll someday see baby wolf eels!"
The wolf eel, a little shy in spite of its fearsome-looking teeth, has
been hiding in quarantine from the public since its arrival at the zoo
on May 21. Its keepers have now determined that the eel is disease-free
and safe to be released into the marine exhibit, where he will meet
the female wolf eel.
According to Goggins, the female wolf eel likes to spend a lot of time
curled up in her little cave. Keepers are hoping that the new wolf eel
will draw her out a bit more.
" She's a really neat creature," Goggins says. "She's
friendly… the divers can rub her and touch her when they go in."
The wolf eel is not actually an eel, and definitely not a wolf, but
instead a kind of wolf fish. Its name comes from its fierce face and
long eel-like body, which it uses to squeeze into the rocky crevices
and lairs that a wolf eel calls home.
Wolf eels live in the cold saltwater of the Pacific Northwest at shallow
to moderate depths. They may mate for life and have been known to grow
up to eight feet long.
Like many Northwestern gourmets, wolf eels love eating hard-shelled
animals such as crabs, clams, snails, and sea urchins. In order to swallow
their crunchy prey, wolf eels have extremely powerful, crushing jaws.
Thick, spike-like teeth cluster in the front of their mouths and flat,
massive molars occupy the back. The abundance of teeth may make a wolf-eel
look like a good candidate for a monster movie, but unless you're a
clam or a sea urchin, wolf-eels are actually fairly friendly and can
be trained to eat out of their keepers' hands.
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