January 2004
Date
of Press Release
January
30, 2004 -
Hedgehog Day at the Oregon Zoo
January
27, 2004 - Oregon
Zoo Orangutan Poised to Pick Super Bowl Winner
January 23, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Announces New Exhibits and 2004 Calendar
January 23, 2004 -
Mysteries of Behind the "Zoo" Scenes Revealed During
Tour
January 16, 2004 - Travel Planners Receive Free Zoo Admission During
Groupfun Expo
January 16, 2004 - Sea Otter
Celebrates Belated Birthday, Jan. 16
January 9, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Digs Out and Reopens Saturday
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January
30, 2004
Hedgehog
Day at the Oregon Zoo
PORTLAND,
Ore. - Pennsylvania's "Punxsutawney Phil" and Canada's "Wiarton
Willie" may be better known, but at the Oregon Zoo, it's the
hedgehog that predicts a prolonged winter or an early spring.
Metro
President, David Bragdon will oversee the hedgehog festivities in
the zoo's entry plaza on February 2 at 10 a.m. Zoo volunteers will
assist with the hedgehog's emergence. Will a shadow be cast, or will
Portland enjoy an early spring?
"The
groundhog is a relative new comer to the prognosticating game," commented
Bragdon. "Historically the hedgehog was used in this centuries-old
European tradition but immigrants to North America discovered there
were no hedgehogs in their new homeland. They substituted the groundhog,
but being purists, we're going back to the original critter."
Oregon
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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January
27, 2004
Oregon
Zoo Orangutan Poised to Pick Super Bowl Winner
It's a
battle of the jerseys as Inji tries to predict the outcome of Sunday's
game
PORTLAND,
Ore. - Inji, the matriarch of the Oregon Zoo's orangutans has the
uncanny ability to pick the winner of football
games. She will
be put to the test again this year as the zoo's primate keepers give
her official T-shirts from the opposing teams. The first one she
chooses to wear is her pick as the winner.
In the
past she has predicted the winner of two Civil War games and two
Super Bowl games. Last year,
she mistakenly predicted a Raider's
victory.
Zookeepers
are always looking for new and interesting ways to keep zoo animals
engaged and active. Giving the orangs T-shirts
and other interesting items serves
as environmental enrichment. Oregon Zoo is internationally renowned for its
environmental enrichment program, which is designed to keep animals
engaged.
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January
23, 2004
Oregon
Zoo Announces New Exhibits and 2004 Calendar
PORTLAND,
Ore. - More than a million visitors come to the Oregon Zoo every
year not only to view rare and exotic animals, but also to learn
more about the zoo's residents through fun events and exciting educational
experiences. This year the zoo opens two new exhibits and hosts a number
of entertaining programs and special events.
Eagle
Canyon
Eagle Canyon, which opens May 29, tells the stories of bald eagles
and endangered salmon, while stressing the importance of forest streams
and rivers.
As visitors
walk along a wooded path, they will be drawn to the sounds of a gentle
stream. Along the path, they'll see bald
eagles gliding
among the tall Douglas fir trees. A series of small footbridges
span waterfalls and tributaries carved into the exposed bedrock.
Along
the way, visitors can stop on a covered bridge, spanning the canyon.
Here
a scenic view of a deep wooded ravine can be enjoyed. Nearby, children
can climb into a monstrous artificial eagle's nest, which gives
them a glimpse of what life as an eagle is like. Down the path, interactive
displays tell the story of the salmon's struggle to survive.
Further
along the trail, visitors come along a hollow log that kids scramble
through as a shortcut to the salmon stream, while
parents
may chose to walk down an impressive boulder staircase or take
a less steep stroll near the cascading stream. The sound of raging
water hints
to what comes next-a scenic waterfall. Visitors may place their
hands
in the rushing torrent to touch and move salmon sculptures to
better understand the streamlining of the fish. Traveling further
along,
visitors entering a lava tube tunnel lush with plants and fallen
logs above
can view schools of shimmering salmon through an acrylic window.
Trillium
Creek Family Farm
Building upon its national award-winning successes in youth development
and informal education, the zoo will open Trillium Creek Family
Farm, which will be run by kids for kids of all ages. Trillium
Creek Family
Farm, part of the zoo's multi-feature Great Northwest exhibit,
will be an exhibit where millions of visitors can personally
connect to
farms, farm living and farm-related issues. Animals will include
sheep, goats, chickens, as well as many of the zoo's education
program animals
that visit schools throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors
will hear about what farming was like in Oregon in the mid-1800s,
about how there were produce farms within Portland's
city limits
as recently as the 1950s, or how modern technology helps
boost farm productivity
on today's farm. Farm experts, including youth with rural
backgrounds, will demonstrate activities such as composting, sheep
shearing,
or putting up vegetables. The exhibit will open July 10.
Programs
Education remains a strong focus at the zoo. Throughout 2004,
the zoo will offer Behind the Scenes Encounters, which
allow visitors
an opportunity
to enter "staff only" areas around the zoo and
see exhibits from the other side of the railing.
Zoo day
camps are held during school breaks throughout
the year, the most popular of which is summer camp. The
programs
fill quickly
with
eager learners from four years of age through eighth
grade. Campers learn about animals, endangered and threatened
species and participate
in activities involving conservation and stewardship
issues through tours, stories, games, crafts and songs.
Family
programs include Zoo Experience, which features such program titles
as "Who's
Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" and "Never
Smile at a Crocodile," and Camperoo, a chance
for families to pitch their tents on the zoo lawn and
spend
the night one spring and
one summer evening.
The zoo,
in cooperation with The Audubon Society of Portland, is bringing
back the Wildlife
Conservation
Lecture Series.
The series
of four lectures
feature some of the most renowned wildlife professionals
in the world.
Oregon
Zoo Foundation's July 17 fundraiser, Zoolala 2004: Whiskers A Go-Go,
will raise funds to bring
cougars and
bobcats to the
zoo. Last year's Zoolala 2003:: Scavenger Soiree
netted more than $136,000
to build a breeding facility for the critically
endangered California condor. This first-class event features
such top rated restaurants
as Hall Street Grill, Huber's Restaurant, Jazz
De Opus & Opus Too,
Morton's of Chicago and Wild Abandon.
Events
at the zoo are plentiful. From Bear Fair in March to ZooLights in
December
and The Wells
Fargo
Summer Concert
Series
in between,
there's always something fun planned. Visitors
have been known to plan their
trip to Portland to coincide with Packy's Birthday,
Rabbit Romp, World Animal Festival, or another
favorite zoo
event.
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January
23, 2004
Mysteries
of Behind The "Zoo" Scenes Revealed During Tour
Visitors can feed sea lions and an elephant seal during rare tour
PORTLAND, Ore.-Did you know that the northern elephant seal can stop
breathing for up to 25 minutes while sleeping? Oregon Zoo keepers will
introduce Mira the blind elephant seal and two Steller sea lions, Julius
and Gus, during the zoo's Behind the Scenes Encounter Saturday, Jan.
31, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the tour visitors will get
to toss fish-filled ice treats to Mira, Julius, and Gus.
"
Behind the Scenes Encounters offer amazing experiences with exotic
animals," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Having the chance
to feed them is an incredible moment; something people will never forget."
Visitors will tour the exhibit from the inside and learn about training
techniques, the importance of conservation efforts for seals and sea
lions, and animal enrichment techniques and benefits. The zoo uses
enrichment as a tool to keep animals mentally stimulated to encourage
natural hunting and foraging behaviors.
Behind the Scenes Encounters are held three times per month. These
tours are open to participants 16 and older and require pre-registration.
The cost is $85 for members and $100 for non-members; price includes
admission.
The next tour is the Elephant Encounter slated for Saturday, Feb. 28
from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to help the
keepers hand feed the elephants. They will also learn about a typical
day for zookeepers and how they feed, train, and care for the elephants.
For more information, visit the Oregon Zoo's web site located at www.oregonzoo.org
or call 503-220-2781. Gift certificates for Behind the Scenes Encounters
are also available.
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January
16, 2004
Travel
Planners Receive Free Zoo Admission During Groupfun Expo, Jan.
24
PORTLAND,
Ore.-Adults who plan, organize and operate youth outings can visit
the Oregon Zoo for free during the GroupFun
Expo for Youth Group Leaders on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to
1 p.m. The expo, sponsored by Oregon Zoo, allows group planners to
investigate fresh ideas for the upcoming year.
"Planners
of youth outings will find this comprehensive expo saves them time
and assists in future planning," said expo organizer Bob
Vinatieri. "It's designed for adults who plan from one to 30
youth group outings. It's an invaluable free resource for gathering
information,
and talking with local experts on everything from in-town sports
and recreation venues to multi-day wilderness trips," he added.
Currently, more than 35 representatives from regional attractions,
venues and events will be at the expo to meet one-on-one with adult
youth leaders. Exhibitors include Oregon Zoo, Metro Parks and Greenspaces,
OMSI, Children of the Sea, Destination Wilderness, Shrewsbury Renaissance
Faire, Oregon Garden, Oregon Tilth, ComedySports, Willamette Jetboats,
and many more.
Adult travel planners will receive free admission. If travel planners
choose to bring a guest or family member, each guest will receive 20
percent off regular admission.
The Oregon 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.
Zoo parking is free, however expo attendees are encouraged ride MAX
or take TriMet bus #63. Call TriMet Customer Service, 238-RIDE (238-7433),
or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information. For further
information or to pre-register, visit the GroupFun Expo Web site at
www.groupfun.net or contact Bob Vinatieri at 503-620-5576.
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January
16, 2004
Sea
Otter Celebrates Belated Birthday, Jan. 16
PORTLAND, Ore. - Ozzie, the Oregon Zoo's famous sea otter, didn't get
to celebrate his third birthday as planned on Jan. 2 because of Portland's
winter storm. Well-wishers can still help celebrate the sea otters
birth by attending a "make up" party slated for Friday,
Jan. 16 at 10 a.m.
"We were disappointed that we had to postpone Ozzie's party," said
Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "We know people were looking
forward to the annual affair so we're throwing Ozzie a belated birthday
bash."
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.
Ozzie's birth received international media attention in 2001 because
he was 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.
"Visitors, as well as zoo staff are particularly fond of Ozzie," said
Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "From the start, he has been a healthy
and active sea otter."
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January 1, 2004
Oregon Zoo Digs Out And Reopens Saturday
Relieve Cabin Fever with a trip to the Zoo!
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland-area residents plagued with cabin fever can experience
a guaranteed cure with a trip to Oregon Zoo this weekend. After closing
for an unprecedented six days in a row, the zoo will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday,
Jan. 10, 2004.
"It really hurts to close the zoo," Zoo Director Tony Vecchio
said earlier this week. "Our visitors rarely get to watch the
animals in the snow. It's beautiful up here now and is truly a missed
opportunity."
Oregon Zoo, which is a service of the regional government Metro, is getting
assistance clearing snow and ice from Metro's Regional Park and Greenspaces
department. Metro parks staff brought equipment normally used at Oxbow
and Blue Lake Regional Parks to the zoo to help clear the grounds and the parking
lot.
"The collaboration is a perfect example of how Metro departments work
together to serve the 1.3 million people in our region," said Metro Council
President David Bragdon. "Getting the zoo open in order to provide a recreational
opportunity for people who haven't had a chance to get outside this
week is important," he added.
The zoo closed for the first time in five years on Tuesday, Dec.30. It
has only opened three of the last 10 days, closing early one day out of those
three.
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