December
2003
December
26, 2003 - Oregon
Zoo's Southern Sea Otter Pup Celebrates Birthday
December
19, 2003 - Last
Chance For Santa's Late; Ride Ends Dec. 28
December
17, 2003 - Flying Reindeer:
Science Fiction or Science Fact
December
16, 2003 -
Last Minute Zoo Gifts Help Support Conservation and Education
Efforts
December 16, 2003 - Last
Chance for Zoolights
December
15, 2003 - Kid activities
slated during winter zoo camp, Dec. 22, 23, 29-31
December
11, 2003 - "You
know who" visits Oregon Zoo for breakfast, Dec. 21
December
8, 2003 - Presents
for primates
December
1, 2003 - "Santa's
late" ride runs through Dec. 28
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December
26, 2003
Oregon
Zoo's Southern Sea Otter Pup Celebrates Birthday
PORTLAND, Ore. - A nearly 60-pound bundle of sea otter energy and curiosity
named OZ will celebrate his third birthday Friday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m. at the
Oregon Zoo. The pup's birth received international media attention
in 2001, as he is the first Southern sea otter to be conceived, born and
raised by his mother at a zoo or aquarium. Other southern sea otters have
been born in zoos or aquariums but none have survived.
In honor of his birthday, Ozzie will receive a special ice treat while zoo
visitors sing
" Happy Birthday." After the birthday boy receives his
treat, children will receive birthday cupcakes (while supplies last) donated
by Haggen Food & Pharmacy in Tanasbourne. Zoo visitors can also meet and
get a hug from Haggen Food & Pharmacy's costumed otter, Splash.
The zoo's restaurant, The Cascade Grill will also be celebrating Ozzie's birthday
by offering a seafood special, which will include Clam Strips, Halibut, Shrimp
with Fries and Coleslaw for $6.95.
"
Visitors, as well as zoo staff seem particularly fond of Ozzie," said
Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "From the start, he has been a healthy
and active sea otter."
December
19, 2003
Last
Chance For Santa's Late; Ride Ends Dec. 28
Proceeds help fund Oregon Zoo's conservation and education programs
PORTLAND, Ore.- ZooLights visitors have a little longer to experience the Santa's
Late ride at the Oregon Zoo. Visitors join the jolly old elf as he and his
eight fastest reindeer race around the world in the zoo's holiday simulator
feature, Santa's Late. The simulated sleigh ride, which is produced by SimEx-Iwerks,
ends Sunday, Dec. 28. Revenue from the ride helps fund the Oregon Zoo's many
conservation and education programs.
Riders enter Santa's Visitor Center at the North Pole and get a behind-the-scenes
glimpse of Santa's workshop, Communication Center and Reindeer Stables. Everything
appears normal for December 24, except it's 11:51 p.m. and Santa's nowhere
to be found. The elves and Mrs. Claus work frantically to locate him-his last
recorded position was near Hawaii.
Meanwhile, Santa is snoring in a comfy chair inside an apartment, having just
finished a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. The waiting reindeers
are concerned about the time and stomp on the roof to wake him-but it's no
use. The little Christmas Tree struggles to wake Santa, and the stockings
also do their best. Can they wake Santa in time?
"
Santa's placed himself in a real time crunch this year," said Tony Vecchio,
Oregon Zoo director. "The reindeer are clearly the heroes of this feature
as they careen over Hawaii's volcanic islands, through snowy canyons, glaciers,
and up into the Arctic. It's a pretty frantic pace, but taking advantage of
shortcuts along railroads and highways, they deliver Santa to the North Pole
Village, just in the nick of time."
Santa's Late is the zoo's latest simulator ride. The simulator premiered in
May with Deep Sea, which according to Vecchio was a "tremendous success." Proving
to be even more popular is Dino Island, which debuted in August and will return
to the simulation theater on December 29.
Santa's Late plays in the SimEx simulation theater located on the former entry
plaza directly across from the Amur Tiger exhibit, close to the Zoo Railway
Station. In addition to regular zoo admission, a $2 ticket is required.
Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able
to experience the ride.
During the month of December, the zoo hosts a variety of holiday-themed activities,
including ZooLights, (through Dec. 28), Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 21 at 8:30
a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m.) and Winter Break ZooVenture day camps for kids
four years of age through third grade (Dec. 22, 23, 29, 30-31).
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December
17, 2003
Flying
Reindeer: Science Fiction Or Science Fact
Zoo
director asks children around the world to e-mail their flying reindeer
sightings
PORTLAND,
Ore. - Flying reindeer expert and Oregon Zoo Director
Tony Vecchio is asking children around the world to e-mail their reindeer
sightings by visiting
www.oregonzoo.org. Vecchio has studied flying reindeer for nearly ten years
and will talk about his theories during a book signing for the “Flight
of the Reindeer” on Dec. 20 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the zoo’s
Cascade Outfitters Gift Shop.
Vecchio
is currently gathering new data to hone his theories on the elusive creatures.
 |
Tony
Vecchio with cousin of Reindeer, the zoo's Roosevelt Elk
|
“The
science of reindeer flight continues to evolve as new data pours in every
December 24th during their once a year migration,” said Vecchio. “I’m
asking anyone who sees flying reindeer to e-mail me the details such
as where they saw the reindeer, what time it was, how high they were in the
sky.”
All
reported sightings will be documented on a map located on the zoo’s
Web site.
Vecchio
first began studying reindeer flight when he was asked to theorize the concept
for the book “Flight of the Reindeer” by
Robert Sullivan.
“The
book was a great starting point,” said Vecchio. “It was
my first attempt to objectively look at the ‘how’ of reindeer flight.”
In
the book, Vecchio offers his expertise alongside esteemed colleagues like
former President George Bush, mountaineer and living legend
Sir Edmund Hillary,
weatherman of NBC’s Today Show Al Roker, and the famed Arctic
explorer Will Steger.
In the book’s third chapter, Vecchio summarized his beliefs stating, “...the
flying deer is just about the most astounding animal in the world. He should
be believed in, he also should be looked up to. Santa’s team of eight—plus,
of course, the one with the nose—they are perfect mammals. They are unique
and beautiful, not to say miraculous. They’re the pinnacle of evolution.”
“Flight
of the Reindeer” was written in 1996. Now, more experienced,
Vecchio looks back at his proposed scenario of a flying reindeer’s life
and remarks, “The
more I learn, the more flying reindeer fascinate me and they
haven’t
failed my kids yet.”
During
the month of December, the zoo hosts a variety of holiday-themed activities,
including
ZooLights, (through Dec. 28), Breakfast
with Santa (Dec. 21 at 8:30
a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m.) and Winter Break ZooVenture
day camps for kids four years of age through third grade (Dec.
22, 23, 29,
30-31).
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December
16, 2003
Last
Minute Zoo Gifts Help Support Conservative And Educational Efforts
PORTLAND,
Ore.- Tired of getting coal in your stocking every year? Why not try a
brick instead? For $100 you can personalize a brick that will be a permanent
part of the new Trillium Family Farm exhibit. The new exhibit, featuring
pettable
farm animals, will open next summer. Call 503-220-2493 for information or
visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/FamilyFarmBrick.htm to buy a brick. 
Holiday
shoppers can sponsor endangered animals through the ZooParents adoption
program. For as little as $25, adopting "parents" receive a certificate,
an animal fact sheet, and one-year of the ZooTracks newsletter. ZooParents
supports the zoo's conservation efforts. All Zoo animals can be sponsored
by calling 503-220-2493 or logging on to the zoo's website at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/zooparent.htm.
The
zoo gift shop is a great place for holiday shoppers. Cascade Outfitters
offers a variety of gifts, from intricate handmade animal ornaments to
cuddly plush toys. Zoo admission is not required to shop at Cascade
Outfitters. You
can also visit the gift shop online at http://store.yahoo.com/oregonzoo-cascadeoutfitters.
Zoo
memberships make great gifts-especially during ZooLights-and can be
purchased online. Member benefits include free zoo admission for one full
year,
admission benefits at more than 100 zoos nationwide and discounts on
zoo train rides.
Memberships begin at $39. For further information, call 503-220-2493
or visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/memberinfo.htm.
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December
16, 2003
Last
Chance For Zoolights
PORTLAND,
Ore.- Oregon Zoo visitors have a little longer to see more than 500,000
lights that illuminate animated hippos, crocodiles, condors and the zoo train
during ZooLights. This holiday tradition is presented by The Boeing Company
and runs through Dec. 28 (closed Dec. 24-25).
Many
new silhouettes can be found throughout the zoo. Three life-sized, three-dimensional
hippos graze
near a river of lights on the zoo's concert lawn. The meandering
river of LED lights is 180 feet long and 16 feet wide. Two life-sized, three-dimensional
crocodiles closely watch the hippos as they graze; one crocodile has a motorized
mouth that opens when visitors tap a switch. Just below the river of lights
are submerged hippos and crocodiles. Nearby, an African fish eagle swoops
down and scoops up a fish from the river. At Butterfly Way there is a caterpillar
that turns into a chrysalis, before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Inchworms
have also been added to butterfly way. Lastly, three California condor silhouettes
have been added to help celebrate the zoo's participation in the California
Condor Recovery Team.
The
zoo's popular costumed characters and elves are on hand to greet zoo visitors
and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-nosed
Reindeer will be joined
by Honey
Bear, Nate the Eagle, Rock E. Goat, Sandy Sea Otter and Titus Tiger. Visitors
can also see some of the zoo's resident animals, including tigers, polar
bears, leopards, bats, mountain goats and elephants.
Favorite
light displays from previous years will also return, including trumpeting
elephants, tobogganing
polar bears and swinging monkeys. Lions
can be seen
chasing a herd of impalas, while a giraffe grazes nearby. An ostrich
gets startled and runs away, hiding its head in the sand. Flying macaws fly
from tree to
tree. A 35-foot-long dragon mysteriously floats above the walkway. Close
by are white swans that swim in a garden pond and penguins that dive
in
arctic waters. A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother's pouch and begins
to hop
around.
And darting red and green amphibians play a lively game of leapfrog.
For
last minute shoppers, the zoo's gift shop is bursting with animal-related
gifts. The Artist's Market features recycled, animal and earth friendly
art. The zoo's Cascade Grill offers a nightly holiday buffet.
ZooLights
hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 p.m. to 8
p.m. on Sunday through Thursdays. The lights and other
activities will
continue for one hour past the gate closing time. ZooLights is closed
Dec.
24 and 25.
The
zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the
community to create a better future for wildlife.
Committed
to
conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California
condors, Oregon
silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy
rabbits, and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on black
rhinos, Asian
elephants, polar bears and bats.
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December
15, 2003
Kid
Activities Slated During Winter Zoo Camp, Dec. 22, 23, 29-31
PORTLAND,
Ore.--Winter break at the zoo is sure to be an adventure for kids
four years of age through third grade when they attend Winter ZooVenture
Day Camps December 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31. The Oregon Zoo's winter
camp
program is designed and led by the same professional staff that
oversees the summer
program. Proceeds help fund the zoo's conservation and education
programs.
Each day's activities focus on a unique animal theme. During "How Do They
Do That?" children discover how animals climb, fly, glide, dive and survive
in the wild world. "Some Like It Cold" has campers examining how
animals (like polar bears) are built for winter. During "Short Days, Long
Nights" campers discover the differences between nocturnal animals (tigers
and bats) and diurnal animals (elephants, zebras, and monkeys). The camp titled "Let
The Rumpus Begin" gives campers an insider's view of how different kinds
of animals play, hunt, socialize and interact in groups and on their own. Campers
will also find out what happens when the zoo puts different kinds of animals
in one exhibit. Lastly, campers discover how animals are celebrated in
different cultures and countries through crafts, stories, legends and songs
during "Wow! Wildlife of the World."
Camp activities include guided trips through the zoo that allow kids
to explore various areas in detail. In addition, touchable animals are on hand to
make special visits to campers each day. Games, crafts and
stories with zoo animal themes add to the daily experiences.
Children may attend one day, a few days or all five days. Half-day sessions
for four-year-olds and kindergartners take place from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m. Full-day sessions for first, second and third graders
begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.
For registration or more information about Winter ZooVenture Day Camp visit
www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2781.
Other holiday-themed activities include ZooLights, which runs through December
28. ZooLights has become a family tradition, featuring more than a half million
lights, including life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways,
and the zoo train.
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December
11, 2003
"You know who" visits
Oregon Zoo for breakfast, Dec. 21
PORTLAND, Ore. - Children can have Breakfast with Santa during his annual visit
to the Oregon Zoo on December 21 at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds
help support the zoo's conservation and education programs.
Though Santa's usual holiday fare is cookies and milk, he also loves to share
a big breakfast with friends. The big, jolly man and his guests will
get in the holiday spirit as they visit over a hearty breakfast that includes
pancakes, sausage, eggs, Danish and fruit.
Children can also share their Christmas wishes and take pictures with Santa.
The cost for Breakfast with Santa is $10 for adults (12+), $7 for children
(3-11) and free for children under two. Space is limited so pre-registration
is required. To register, please call 503-525-4299.
Other holiday activities include ZooLights, featuring more than half-million
holiday lights. ZooLights has become a family tradition with life-sized animal
silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train. Costumed characters
and elves greet visitors when gates open at 5 p.m. daily. In addition, the
event features eco-friendly artists market, seasonal culinary treats, holiday
shopping in the zoo's Cascade Outfitters, and hundreds of music and dance groups.
The zoo's Cascade Grill also offers a nightly holiday buffet for $12.50 (adults)
and $7.50 (children). ZooLights hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and
Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. ZooLights runs through
Dec. 28 (closed Dec. 24-25).
In addition to ZooLights, the zoo's Cascade Outfitters will offer handcrafted
porcelain Tewksbury ornaments for sale (signed by the artist) on Dec. 23 from
6-8 p.m. Winter Break ZooVenture day camps are popular adventures for kids
four years of age through third grade and are slated for December 22, 23, 29,
30, and 31.
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December 8, 2003
Presents for primates
Chimps, orangutans and mandrills enjoy the holiday season at the Oregon Zoo
PORTLAND,
Ore.-Primates at the Oregon Zoo will celebrate Christmas a little early this
year when Santa's elves (primate keepers) present food gift boxes
to the zoo's chimpanzees, orangutans, mandrills and L’Hoest’s on
Thursday, December 11 at 10 a.m.
Zoo
volunteers solicited boxes, while keepers and zoo veterinarians planned the
contents. Treats include dry cereal, raisins and other dried
fruit. The
gift boxes were wrapped with paper made of non-toxic materials and non-adhesive
tape was used.
Enrichment
activities, such as these gift boxes, are used to encourage natural hunting
and foraging behaviors. This is the third
year that the primates have received boxed and wrapped food items for the
holidays, but providing
enrichment is a routine task for zookeepers. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally
for its enrichment programs, and zoo staff anticipates lots of playful, predatory
and otherwise interesting activity from the animals.
The other primates (zoo visitors) can enjoy the holiday season during the
zoo's 16th annual ZooLights, which runs through December 28. Decorated
with more
than half-million holiday lights, ZooLights is a family tradition, featuring
life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo
train. Gates are open from 5-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5-8:30
p.m. Friday
and Saturday, with costumed characters and elves greeting visitors. In
addition to the light displays, the event features eco-friendly artists
market, seasonal
culinary treats, and hundreds of music and dance groups. The zoo's Cascade
Grill also offers a nightly holiday buffet for $12.50 (adults) and $7.50
(children).
Other holiday-themed events include special treats for elephants and polar
bears Dec. 16; Breakfast with "You Know Who" (Santa), Dec. 21 at
8:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m.; and a book signing by zoo director and reindeer
flight expert, Tony Vecchio for the book Flight of the Reindeer, Dec. 20 from
6-7 p.m. The artist that handcrafted porcelain Tewksbury ornaments will sign
their artwork Dec. 19 from 6-8 p.m. and Dec. 23 from 6-8 p.m. Winter Break
ZooVenture day camps for kids four years of age through third grade run December
22, 23, 29, 30, and 31.
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December 1, 2003
" Santa's late" ride runs through Dec.
28
Proceeds help fund Oregon Zoo's conservation and education programs
PORTLAND, Ore.- Santa's overslept and has only five-minutes to finish his
appointed rounds or Christmas will be ruined. Oregon Zoo invites ZooLights
visitors to join the jolly old elf as he and his eight fastest reindeer
race around the world in the zoo's holiday simulator feature, Santa's Late.
The simulated sleigh ride, which is produced by SimEx-Iwerks, runs now
through Sunday, December 28. Revenue from the ride helps fund the Oregon
Zoo's many conservation and education programs.
Riders
enter Santa's Visitor Center at the North Pole and get a behind-the-scenes
glimpse of Santa's
workshop, Communication Center and Reindeer Stables. Everything
appears normal for December 24, except it's 11:51 p.m. and Santa's nowhere
to be found. The elves and Mrs. Claus work frantically to locate him-his
last recorded position was near Hawaii.
Meanwhile,
Santa is snoring in a comfy chair inside an apartment, having just finished
a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. The waiting
reindeers are concerned about the time and stomp on the roof to wake him-but
it's no use. The little Christmas Tree struggles to wake Santa, and
the stockings also do their best. Can they wake Santa in time?
"
Santa's placed himself in a real time crunch this year," said Tony
Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "The reindeer are clearly the heroes
of this feature as they careen over Hawaii's volcanic islands, through
snowy canyons, glaciers, and up into the Arctic. It's a pretty frantic
pace, but taking advantage of shortcuts along railroads and highways,
they deliver Santa to the North Pole Village, just in the nick of time."
Santa's Late is the zoo's latest simulator ride. The simulator premiered
in May with Deep Sea, which according to Vecchio was a "tremendous
success." Proving to be even more popular is Dino Island, which
debuted in August and will return to the simulation theater on December
29.
Santa's Late plays in the SimEx simulation theater located on the former
entry plaza directly across from the Amur Tiger exhibit, close to the
Zoo Railway Station. In addition to regular zoo admission, a
$2 ticket is required. Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum
of 800 visitors
per day are able to experience the ride.
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