Oregon Zoo - Portland, OR - www.oregonzoo.org
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Oregon Zoo - Portland, OR - www.oregonzoo.org |
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Press
Kits: Press
Releases: NOTE: Dates indicate date of press release, not the date of the event.
December
29, 2004
PORTLAND, Ore.-On January 2, 2005, the Oregon Zoo will raise its admission fee
by 50 cents and begin charging a parking fee of $1 per vehicle. Members and
visitors attending catered events will be exempt from paying the parking
fee. December
28, 2004
PORTLAND, Ore.-Winter break from school can be less than exciting for Portland
area disadvantaged youth. But thanks to a generous grant from JFR Foundation,
donations from many individuals and numerous community partners, nearly 650
of these kids can attend Winter ZooVenture Day Camps at Oregon Zoo. The zoo's
winter camp program is designed and led by the same professional staff that
oversees the zoo's popular summer program. December
27, 2004 PORTLAND, Ore.-Visitors who've procrastinated still have a few more evenings to take in the beauty of the Oregon Zoo's winter festival, ZooLights, which runs through Saturday, Jan. 1. This family tradition, presented by The Boeing Company, features more than 500,000 lights illuminating life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train. "Every year, the zoo presents a stunning display of light and color," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "I know many people in our community eagerly anticipate ZooLights and look forward to seeing the many new touches that we add each year. It is so gratifying to know that the Oregon Zoo has become an important holiday tradition to so many families," he added. As visitors approach the zoo entrance, they will be greeted by swinging siamangs and diving dolphins. A large, rotating mobile featuring aquarium animals will dominate the zoo's entry plaza. Trillium Creek Family Farm, the zoo's newest exhibit, will be home to three new silhouettes: flying pigs, a cow jumping over the moon and Charlotte's Web. Other displays in the farm include a caterpillar that turns into a chrysalis before emerging as a beautiful butterfly, inchworms, California condors, leaping frogs and forest creatures. Deeper inside the zoo, an anaconda is re-created in lights at the Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit, and a gingerbread house, complete with candy cane fence, lights up the Crossroads. Three life-sized, three-dimensional hippos will 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. The zoo's popular costumed characters and elves will be on hand to greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer will be joined by Buddy Beaver, Honey Bear, Eliza Elephant, Lulu Lemur, Nate the Eagle, Rock E. Goat, Sandy Sea Otter and Titus Tiger. Visitors can also see some of the zoo's resident animals, including mountain goats, elephants, primates, and pettable sheep and goats. Music lovers will enjoy the highly animated light silhouette featuring Mick Jaguar performing on the concert stage with his all-star animal band. Mick is joined by Packy Pachyderm tickling the ivories, Richard Lion playing guitar, Gerri Giraffe on bass, Billy Bear on trumpet, Orville Orangutan on drums and Willy Wildebeest on sax. The Ostrich Sisters perform backing vocals. The sounds of the season will fill the zoo as more than 100 schools, churches, and professional groups perform holiday musical selections. Several local dance troupes will also be featured. 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.
At Steller Cove, a sea lion and dancing sea star greet visitors. 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.
In addition to the lights, characters and music, the Tualatin Valley Model Railroad Club will show off its enlarged NTRAK train display. And children of all ages are sure to enjoy family entertainment every evening in the zoo's elephant museum, including a conservation-themed puppet show Thursday through Sunday evenings. The Artist Market will feature recycled, animal and earth-friendly art. And, for last-minute shoppers, the zoo's gift shop, Cascade Outfitters, is bursting with animal-related gifts. The zoo's Cascade Grill will offer a nightly holiday buffet. This traditional feast will cost $13.95 for adults and $7.75 for kids. Holiday treats will be available at food locations throughout the zoo. Visitors can see video of the light display by visiting the zoo's Web site at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/index#zoolightspreview ZooLights runs through January 1 and is co-sponsored by Synopsys, Inc. and United Rentals. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests will have one hour past the closing times to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities will continue until gates close. The festival is closed December 24 and 25. ZooLights package tickets, which include admission and a train ride, are $9.50 (12-64), seniors $8 (65+), children $6.50 (3-11), and children under 3 are free. Additional information is available on the zoo's web site at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561. December
23, 2004
PORTLAND, Ore.-Even the elephants have signed on to help out with the Oregon
Zoo's annual Green Resolutions. A new composting system for elephant
manure made the list, along with waste-free company picnics and electronic
registrations for classes and camps. December
20, 2004
PORTLAND, Ore. - A 62-pound bundle of sea otter energy and curiosity named OZ
will celebrate his fourth birthday Monday, January 3 at 10 a.m. at the Oregon
Zoo. The otter'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. December
17, 2004 PORTLAND, Ore. - One of Oregon Zoo's Humboldt penguins will be featured on the Monday, December 20 episode of Animal Planet's "Growing Up…" series at 6 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. "Growing Up Penguin" follows the life of an Oregon Zoo baby penguin from hatching (captured on video) to her first swim to finally leaving the nest for good. Senior Penguin Keeper Shawn St. Michael and Penguin Keeper Rick Yazzolino opened up their working lives to photographers who followed every milestone of the baby penguin's life. St.
Michael is a very knowledgeable zookeeper who has traveled to Peru to help
save these endangered penguins. Yazzolino is very attached to the little
penguin and can often be seen gently cradling the chick in his hands, whispering
words of encouragement. During the filming, St. Michael had to remove the chick from its nest box to check its health, a process that was sometimes hazardous. "Some of the parents are really good about it," says St. Michael, "but her parents would often try to fillet you." The chick was "sweet and tractable." The zoo's own Videographer Michael Durham captured many of the most dramatic moments, including the baby penguin emerging from the egg and her first swim in a cow trough (while Yazzolino proudly looks on). According to Chris Atkinson, associate producer, "The show looks awesome… We think it's the best in the "Growing Up..." series. Many thanks to everyone at the Oregon Zoo for helping it all to come together and making it seem so effortless." Humboldt penguins are the most threatened of the 17 penguin species. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES, placed Humboldts on the Appendix I list in 1981, which means they are "presently threatened with extinction." With 37 penguins, the Oregon Zoo has one of the largest collections of Humboldts in the country. "Growing Up..." is a series of hour-long documentaries that follow a year-in-the-life of an amazing wild animal baby. Truly a compilation of little miracles, producers literally search the globe for the dramatic stories about a year that never goes exactly as planned-a year often filled with joy, and always with concern. "Growing Up..." airs on Animal Planet and will continue through 2005. December
14, 2004 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, gibbons and L'Hoest's monkeys on Thursday, December 16 at 10 a.m.
Presents for Primates has become such a fun activity for the keepers and volunteers that the idea has expanded to giving cardboard gingerbread houses to the animals this year. The original idea was from one of the keepers. In the houses for the primates, keepers have cut holes for windows or made windows and doors that open. This provides a place for the keepers to place treats to encourage foraging behaviors. The cardboard houses also provide all the animals with opportunities to control something in their environment, even if it is the opportunity to "deconstruct" the item. Enrichment activities, such as these gift boxes and gingerbread houses, are used to encourage natural hunting and foraging behaviors. This is the fourth 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 anticipate 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 17th annual ZooLights, which runs through January 1. Decorated with more than a half-million holiday lights, ZooLights is a family tradition, featuring illuminated 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 an eco-friendly artist market, seasonal culinary treats, and hundreds of music and dance groups. The zoo's Cascade Grill also offers a nightly holiday buffet for $13.95 (adults 12 and older) and $7.75 (children 3-11). Other holiday-themed events include gingerbread houses for primate enrichment on Dec. 18 at 10 a.m., and special appearances by birds from the zoo's Discover Birds! program in AfriCafe between 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Dec. 15-17, 20-22, and 27-30. In addition, a book signing by zoo director and reindeer flight expert Tony Vecchio for the book Flight of the Reindeer is scheduled for Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Lastly, Winter Break ZooVenture day camps for kids four years of age through fourth grade runs December 20-23 and 27-30. Visit the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org for further information. December
13, 2004 PORTLAND, Ore.-For the art lover on your list, there may be no gift more unique than an original Rama-except, perhaps, the chance to watch it be painted. The Oregon Zoo's resident pachyderm artist will be demonstrating his high-impact painting process at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18 during ZooLights. The elephant will also be featured in a special holiday art exhibit, Rama's Holiday Trunk Show, December 18-23 at the zoo. “Rama's Holiday Trunk Show is a wonderful addition to the ZooLights experience,” says Krista Swan, zoo event coordinator. “He takes all the intensity of a half-million holiday lights and blasts that onto a canvas.” Zoo visitors who can't make Rama's ZooLights debut will have another chance to see him in action on Monday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. Rama,
a 21-year-old male Asian elephant, isn't the first painting pachyderm, but
he appears to be an extraordinary natural. “Rama's learned as many as seven new commands in one week's time,” proudly states zoo elephant keeper Jeb Barsh. Not only has Rama mastered the blowing method (also called the “suck and splatter” technique), he can hold a brush in his trunk and apply the paint directly to his masterpieces. Rama's artistic technique involves collecting non-toxic, egg-based paint in his trunk, and then spraying it across a canvas, creating vivid, rich, colorful backdrops. He then completes his unique image using a brush to add long, graceful strokes. Rama has also perfected his “signature”-by pressing the tip of his paint-soaked trunk against the canvas. Rama's talent was discovered through the Oregon Zoo's animal enrichment programs, which are designed to stimulate animals and keep them active and challenged. David Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo conservation scientist and coauthor of “Second Nature,” a book about animal enrichment, says that the elephants definitely benefit from the painting. “Elephants are very intelligent and creative creatures,” he explains. “We want to give them every opportunity to use those skills.” He adds that the elephants, particularly Rama, seem to enjoy their painting sessions. When inspiration hits, Rama is guided to his favorite painting easel. It's a familiar sight to him. He's then asked to bow on command, “salute” (or wave his foot in the air), and back up. After enjoying a few delicious apple slices or other tasty treats, Rama's creative juices literally begin to flow! “I'll ask Rama for his trunk and when he offers it, I'll load a particular color of finger paint in his nose - the same non-toxic stuff your kids will eat on occasion. He waits patiently until I tell him to blow, at which time he sprays the paint onto the canvas. I clean his nose. Then we repeat the process a couple of times,” explains Barsh. “He may not make a perfect hit each time, but the overall experience is always positive for him.” Video of Rama's painting technique is available at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Newsroom/video.htm#rama. According to Barsh, Rama's advanced skills are due to his being a young, bright elephant who seems to relish creative time. “It's cool to see how much Rama's engaged in what he's doing,” says Barsh. “When the paint hits the canvas it ends up being something special and powerful - and even though you might consider it an accident, it's a great thing for Rama. The way I see it, if art comes out of it - well, that's the simple beauty of it,” declares Barsh. Rama is the son of the Oregon Zoo's original elephant Rosy, and the famed Packy. Other prominent figures of the art world have been recognizing Rama's paintings. Oregon Public Broadcasting has featured Rama on “Oregon Art Beat.” Portland filmmaker Patti Lewis has created a documentary about the phenomenon of Rama. Also, Oregonian Art Critic D.K. Row has featured Rama in his column. Rama's Holiday Trunk Show is a continuation of his successful art debut at the Pearl District's Mark Woolley Gallery earlier this spring. Original works on canvas and paper are available at the zoo for $150-$2000, and come with a certificate of authenticity bearing Rama's signature (trunk print). Purchasers can take their artwork at the time of purchase, or the gallery can deliver and install works. Ten percent of Rama's proceeds benefit the Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future for Wildlife conservation program.
December
10, 2004 PORTLAND, Ore.- Flying reindeer expert and Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio is asking children around the world to e-mail their reindeer sightings to him by visiting http://www.oregonzoo.org/#reindeer. Vecchio has studied flying reindeer for nearly ten years and will talk about his theories during a book signing for "Flight of the Reindeer" on Dec. 21 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. "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, NBC's "Today" show weatherman Al Roker, and the famed Arctic explorer Will Steger. In the book's third chapter, Vecchio summarizes 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 Jan. 1), Presents for Primates (Dec. 16) and Winter Break ZooVenture day camps for kids four years of age through fourth grade (Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30). December
7, 2004 PORTLAND, Ore.-Winter break at the zoo is sure to be an adventure for kids four years of age through fourth grade when they attend Winter ZooVenture Day Camps December 20-23 and 27-30. 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 daytime 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 eight 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. Fees for zoo members are $12 per day, and $15 per day for nonmembers. Full-day sessions for first through fourth graders begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Fees for zoo members are $27 per day, and nonmembers are $33 per day. For registration or more information about Winter ZooVenture Day Camps, visit www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2781. Other holiday-themed activities include ZooLights, which runs through January 1, 2005. ZooLights has become a family tradition, featuring more than a half million lights on life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train.
PORTLAND, Ore. - In the hunt for truly distinctive holiday gifts,
look no further than the Oregon Zoo. Offering many unique and eco-friendly
gifts, each purchase helps the zoo raise funds for its conservation programs
and environmental education efforts. |
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"
All kids love the zoo, especially those that don't often get the opportunity
to visit," said Rex Ettlin, the zoo's education program coordinator. "These
kids bring in a heightened level of enthusiasm and appreciation, and that enthusiasm
becomes contagious. The other campers get more excited about learning and the
staff love the added exuberance. Everyone enjoys the camp days even more!"
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.
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.
