July 2004
Date
of Press Release
July 26 - Endangered
Turtles Released in Columbia River Gorge
July 25 - Bela Fleck Performs at the Zoo.
July 21 - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
and Rizwan-Muazzam
Qawwali Perform at the Zoo
July 10 - Oregon
Zoo Introduces New Two-Buck Tuesday Admission Policy
July 9 - Rhonda
Vincent and Youssou N'Dour Perform at Oregon Zoo
July 6 - Zoo Achieves Third Best
Attendance in 117-Year History
July 2 - The
Iguanas and It's A Beautiful Day perform at the Zoo
July 2 - The
Oregon Zoo Foundation's Summer Gala, Zoolala: Whiskers A-Go-Go,
is slated for Saturday, July 17
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Rabbit
SuperBowl
July
26, 2004
ENDANGERED
TURTLES RELEASED IN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
Oregon Zoo helps save endangered turtles, returning them to the wild
PORTLAND,
Ore. - The Oregon Zoo and Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo will release
more than 125 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 28.
The
re-introduction of the western pond turtles into the wild is part
of a collaborative
effort among the Oregon Zoo, the Woodland Park Zoo,
the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, and Bonneville Power Administration. As part of
the Western
Pond Turtle Recovery Project, conservation scientists at these organizations "head-start" newly
hatched turtles gathered from wild sites, nurturing them at both
zoos for about 10 months. Once they reach a suitable size of about
70 grams
(a little more than two ounces), they are returned to their homes
and monitored for safety.
The
Oregon Zoo plans to release turtles gathered in early September
of last year. This year, there are more turtles to release than
ever before, due mainly to the high rate of success in the field.
These
young turtles have grown large enough to avoid being eaten by non-native
bullfrogs and large-mouth bass, threats that have decimated the
species.
"Giving
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."
Just
one decade ago, western pond turtles were on the verge of completely
dying out in Washington, with
only 150 turtles left
in the wild.
Today, researchers estimate between 950 and 1,000 turtles in
Washington. Habitat
degradation and disease were, and still are, problems, but
the biggest threat to fragile baby turtles is the bullfrog. 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.
To
help restore these rare turtles to their natural habitat, recovery
workers take to the field each
year. Under the supervision
of western
pond turtle expert Kate Slavens, they 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. Unlike wild turtles, zoo turtles are fed throughout
the winter, so by their summer release, the 10-month-olds
are approximately as
big as three-year-old turtles.
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. Scientists tracking the released turtles
estimate that 95 percent of the turtles released back to
the Columbia River
Gorge have survived.
Since
the beginning of the head-start program, the number of western pond
turtles has been steadily increasing.
In
2004,
a bumper crop
of 29 turtle nests were located in the wild. The eggs
are expected to
hatch in September and the hatchlings will be brought
to Woodland Park Zoo and the Oregon Zoo for head-starting.
Now
listed as an endangered species in Washington 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.
Back
to top
July
25, 2004
BELA FLECK AND THE FLECKTONES PERFORM AT ZOO, JULY 25
Two-time Grammy winning banjo jam band play the Oregon
Zoo’s
concert lawn.
Grammy winners Bela Fleck and the Flecktones will party
alongside the tigers at the Oregon Zoo’s concert lawn Sunday,
July 25. The zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Wells Fargo
Summer Concert Series this year and is featuring more than 20 well-known
acts in one of Portland’s favorite outdoor venues. Concert tickets
for this and all of the zoo’s premium concerts are available
at the zoo and through TicketsWest outlets online and at select Safeway
locations.
Two-time Grammy winning "jam band" Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
have been creating their own special blend of "blu-bop" since
their recording debut in 1990. Banjo virtuoso Fleck and his "dream
team" of musicians combine their innovative instrumental techniques
with original compositions that blur the lines between jazz, pop,
bluegrass, rock, and funk. The group continues to play the eclectic
mix of music
that has made them famous, blending intricate harmonies and experimental
acoustics with the sounds of cool jazz and bluegrass to create an
energetic, lively listening experience.
The Wells Fargo Concert Series at the zoo offers music as diverse
as the animals. Concerts are held during the summer months on terraced
lawns near the Asian elephants, who have been known to listen in
on
the tunes. The series helps financially support the zoo's mission
of conservation and education.
"
Through Wells Fargo’s generous support, the zoo is able to bring
renowned musicians to Portland," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "In
addition to being a family-friendly series for the community, the
revenue generated helps support a variety of endangered species,
including
ones found here in the Pacific Northwest."
In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host
a summer concert series, making concerts at the zoo a Northwest summer
tradition. This summer the zoo is featuring more than 20 shows, including
Greg Brown, Emmylou Harris, David Byrne, Robert Cray, and Cowboy
Junkies.
"
The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista
Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it’s a romantic evening
or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive
atmosphere, and, of course, visiting all of the animals."
In addition to sharing tunes with the tree kangaroos, zoo concerts
feature special activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the
series. The birds of prey will fly over the crowd during premium
concerts--a truly unique experience for music fans and animal lovers
alike. People
can pre-order gourmet picnics online and reserve top blanket spots
on the zoo’s tiered concert lawn.
The concert series helps to fund the zoo’s condor conservation
program, which has recently celebrated the first condor born in Oregon
in over 100 years.
Tickets for the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series are available at
TicketsWest and at the zoo (no phone calls please). By purchasing
zoo concert tickets through TicketsWest (www.ticketswest.com, 800-992-TIXX,
and Safeway outlets), concertgoers can help save endangered California
condors by adding $1 to their ticket price.
Tickets are valid at 4 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. To learn
more about the 25th anniversary summer concert series, or to pre-order
gourmet picnics, go to the zoo’s Web site at www.oregonzoo.org.
Concert picnics can be ordered by calling 503-525-4215. The Oregonian
A&E provides media support.
To view the complete concert schedule, read the artists’ biographies
or purchase tickets (through TicketsWest), please visit www.oregonzoo.org.
Concert tickets are also available at the Oregon Zoo’s reception
office (no phone calls please) with no service charge.
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 Kincaid’s lupine. Other projects include
studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown
Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX
light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take
TriMet bus
#63 to the Oregon Zoo. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE
(7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General admission is $9 (12-64), seniors $7.50 (65+), children $6
(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.
July
21, 2004
CLARENCE "GATEMOUTH" BROWN
AND RIZWAN-MUAZZAM QAWWALI PERFORM AT THE ZOO
Blues
legend Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and
Pakistani spiritual music group Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali will rock
the reptiles as they take to the zoo's concert lawn for two separate
nights
of memorable music. These two bands will be performing as part of
the zoo's Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series.
On
Wednesday, July 28 at 7 p.m., Grammy winner "Gatemouth" Brown
will bring his smooth and spirited Bayou sounds to reptiles and
humans alike on the zoo's concert stage. "Gatemouth" Brown is a
multi-instrumentalist who dishes up a unique musical gumbo of Cajun,
country, blues and R&B. His talent, energy and more than 50
years of stage experience on the guitar, violin, harmonica, mandolin
and
viola have made him a legend. Brown, recently inducted into the
prestigious Blues Foundation Hall of Fame, has toured Europe, Africa
and the
former Soviet Union as the musical ambassador for the U.S. Department
of State.
He will highlight tunes from his latest release Back to Bogalusa
for the zoo's multi-species audience.
On Thursday, July 29 at 7 p.m., Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali will please
the polar bears as they play their unique Sufi devotional music
on the concert stage. Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali will perform traditional
Qawwali music, a style that originated centuries ago in Pakistan
and
India. This group of young Pakistani musicians uses their music
as a vehicle of enlightenment, creating an art form rich in poetic
imagery
and cultural history. Qawwali music is truly music of the world,
including Farsi, Punjabi, Braj Bhasha, Urdu and Arabic languages to
create enchanting
melodies. Powerful vocals, handclaps, harmoniums and a tabla create
a mesmerizing musical presence that will have the sea otters swimming
in delight.
Packy and his pals have been partying to zoo summer concerts since
1979. This year the zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the
summer concert series. Upcoming performers include Congo dance band
Kekele (August 4), Brazilian Grammy winner Daude (August 5) and swingsters
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (August 11).
"
The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista
Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening
or a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive
atmosphere,
and, of course, visiting all the animals."
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the zoo is making performances even
more memorable; concertgoers can pre-order gourmet picnics and reserve
top blanket spots on the tiered concert lawn, and chair rentals are
available for the first time this year.
"
We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing
dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come
to the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Tickets for these midweek "Plus" level concerts are available
for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance, include zoo admission,
and are subject to availability. Zoo membership at the "Plus" level
includes free admission to all "Plus" concerts, daily
visits to the zoo, and the Zoolights holiday festival in the winter.
Please
visit www.oregonzoo.org for more information about concerts and membership.
Concerts at the zoo help support the California condor conservation
program. Concertgoers can do even more to save these endangered birds
by adding $1 to their ticket price, which will go directly to condor
conservation.
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 Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies
on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown
Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light
rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus
#63 to the Oregon Zoo. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433),
or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General admission is $9 (12-64), seniors $7.50 (65+), children $6 (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.
25th Anniversary of Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series
Oregon Zoo Plus Concerts:
Wednesday, July 28……………..……………Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Thursday, July 29……………………………..Rizwan-Muazzam
Qawwali
Wednesday, August 4…………………………Kekele
Thursday, August 5……………………………Daude
Wednesday, August 11………………………..Big
Bad Voodoo Daddy
Thursday, August 12……..……………………Dave
Alvin with Ellis Hooks
Thursday, August 19…………………………..Jaojoby
Wednesday, August 25………………………...White
Bird Dance Series
Tickets for midweek "Plus" level concerts are available
for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance and are subject
to availability.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Ticket price includes zoo admission.
Oregon Zoo Premium Concerts:
Sunday, July 25……….Bela Fleck and the Flecktones……………………………$20
Friday, August 6……..Greg Brown w/ Todd Snider……………………………..$17
Sunday, August 15……Robert Cray & Buddy Guy……………………………….$22
Friday, August 20……David Byrne featuring the Tosca Strings………….. ……$18
Saturday, August 21……Shawn Colvin & Cowboy Junkies……………………….
$22
Tuesday, August 31……Emmylou Harris w/ Patty Griffin & Buddy
Miller………$27
All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets for premium concerts can be purchased
in person at the zoo box office with no service charge. Tickets are
also available through TicketsWest. For phone orders, call TicketsWest
at 503-224-8499 (outside Portland call 1-800-992-TIXX) or visit any
convenient TicketsWest Ticket Centers at participating Safeway grocery
stores.
Ticket is valid after 4 p.m., Amphitheater opens at 5 p.m., concerts
begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Back
to top
July
10, 2004
RHONDA VINCENT AND YOUSSOU N'DOUR PERFORM AT OREGON ZOO
Four-time female bluegrass vocalist of the year Rhonda
Vincent and internationally renowned Youssou N'Dour sing to the sea lions
and Oregon Zoo concertgoers when they take the stage for two separate
nights of memorable music. These two bands will be performing as part
of the zoo's Wells Fargo Concert Series.
On
Wednesday, July 21 at 7 p.m., mandolinist and fiddler Rhonda Vincent
takes the stage, bringing her notable mix of original lyrics, reworked
honky-tonk, gospel and classic bluegrass to zoo concertgoers. Vincent
and her band The Rage have been honored with several prestigious awards
throughout their career. In addition to her four-year run as female bluegrass
vocalist of the year, Vincent has won accolades this year from the Preservation
of Bluegrass Music of the Americas Society, including "best entertainer," "best
bluegrass band," and "album of the year" for her latest
release One Step Ahead. Vincent's soulful voice and powerful arrangements
have put her at the forefront of the current revival of roots inspired
music.
On Thursday, July 22, 7 p.m., Youssou N'Dour, perhaps the most celebrated
African musician in history, sings to the elephants from the zoo's concert
stage. Dubbed "African Artist of the Century," N'Dour is an
incomparable singer, songwriter, and composer. His mix of traditional
Senegalese mbalax with eclectic sounds ranging from Cuban samba to hip
hop, jazz, and soul have won him an international fan base of millions.
N'Dour is a powerful cultural icon actively involved in social issues.
In addition to being an ambassador to the United Nations, he acts as
a spokesman for UNICEF, performing concerts benefiting the children of
AIDS victims. Rolling Stone writes, "if any Third World performer
has a real shot at the sort of universal popularity last enjoyed by Bob
Marley, it's Youssou, a singer with a voice so extraordinary that the
history of Africa seems locked inside it."
Packy and his pals have been partying to zoo summer concerts since 1979.
This year the zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the summer concert
series. Upcoming performers include blues great Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
(July 28), Congo dance band Kekele (August 4), Brazilian Grammy winner
Daude (August 5) and swingsters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (August 11).
"
The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista
Swan, event coordinator. "Whether it's a romantic evening or a family
night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere, and,
of course, visiting all the animals."
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the zoo is making performances
even more memorable; concertgoers can pre-order gourmet
picnics and reserve
top blanket spots on the tiered concert lawn, and chair rentals are
available for the first time this year.
"
We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing
dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to
the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Tickets for these midweek "Plus" level concerts are available
for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance, include zoo admission,
and are subject to availability. Zoo membership at the "Plus" level
includes free admission to all "Plus" concerts, daily visits
to the zoo and the Zoolights holiday festival in the winter. Please
visit www.oregonzoo.org for more information about concerts and membership.
Concerts at the zoo help support the California condor conservation
program. Concertgoers can do even more to save these endangered birds
by adding
$1 to their ticket price, which will go directly to condor conservation.
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 Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos,
Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
Back
to top
July
9, 2004
OREGON ZOO INTRODUCES NEW TWO-BUCK TUESDAY ADMISSION
POLICY
The Oregon Zoo will begin offering
discounted zoo admission on the second Tuesday of every month beginning
August
10, 2004. Guests
can tour the zoo during regular zoo hours for the discounted price
of $2 per person. Children under three years of age will, as always
be admitted
free of charge.
The discounted admission is a shift from the “Free Tuesday” policy,
which allowed visitors to tour the zoo without charge on the second Tuesday
of every month, but only from 1 p.m. until closing. Due to safety concerns
and poor
visitor experiences, zoo management chose to charge a nominal fee and extend
the discount for the entire day.
“Problems were developing with the free policy,” said Oregon Zoo
Director, Tony Vecchio. “Cars were lining up in both directions on Highway
26 by noon, causing traffic problems for several hours. Even if everyone took
advantage of light rail, the logistical problem of getting the large volume
of visitors through the gate created a less than positive experience for staff
and
visitors. We received numerous complaints from visitors stating that they were
not able to get close to exhibits due to the crowds.”
The zoo expects visitors to take advantage of the discount over the course
of the day, decreasing the problems.
“I love to see huge attendance numbers,” continued Vecchio. “But
if visitors leave the gate without learning something about the extraordinary
animals that reside here, numbers don’t mean a thing.
Besides “Two-Buck Tuesdays,” the zoo also offers a 20 percent discount
on admission and train rates for any group of 20 or more paying visitors, when
one payment is made for the entire purchase. School group rates, with advance
reservations are available for $3 per student. Zoo memberships rates begin
at $39.
Back
to top
July
6, 2004
ZOO ACHIEVES THIRD BEST ATTENDANCE IN 117-YEAR HISTORY
Attendance at Oregon Zoo bucks national downward trend
Popular spring break events, summer camps and the new
Eagle Canyon exhibit have helped boost the Oregon Zoo's fiscal year
(July 1-June 30) attendance to 1,318,458, making it the third best
year in the zoo's 117-year history.
The zoo's strong attendance is especially striking when compared with
amusement parks around the country. Attendance at amusement parks in
North America fell two percent in 2003, according to the annual survey
by Amusement Business, a trade publication.
Zoo Director Tony Vecchio is pleased by the strong community support.
"
This has been one of our best years," says Vecchio. "The
zoo achieved record attendance in the months of February, March and
April, and strong visitation in June."
Vecchio attributes the zoo's exemplary attendance record to the popularity
of the zoo's many special programs and the Memorial Day weekend opening
of the new Eagle Canyon exhibit.
"
Eagle Canyon has been a great addition to the zoo," says Vecchio. "It's
the first zoo exhibit in the world to feature free-flying bald eagles
living with salmon; it's a beautiful habitat for these impressive
birds."
Vecchio adds that other special exhibits and events such as the Wells
Fargo Summer Concert Series, Howloween, Rabbit Romp, World Animal Festival
and ZooLights not only bring in more visitors, they also help fund
the zoo's many conservation and education programs.
Another new program that proved popular was the Zoo's Gone Wild spring
break celebration, a promotion that led to near record attendance for
the holiday week.
The zoo's summer camps have also reached all-time high enrollment numbers,
already surpassing last summer's total. The number of zoo memberships
has increased, hitting a record 38,700. The zoo's Conservation Circle,
an exclusive group for donors who give $1,000 or more, achieved record
membership as well, growing to more than 100.
"
We continue to attract large audiences because of our commitment to
always offer new exhibits and new things to do and see at the zoo," says
Vecchio.
The first time the zoo's attendance topped one million was during the
1962-63 fiscal year, when Packy was born. The pachyderm's birth brought
in 1,010,964 spectators from all over the Northwest eager to see the
first baby elephant born in the United States in 44 years. It wasn't
until 1989 that the zoo broke the one million mark again. Since then,
the zoo has welcomed more than a million guests in 11 of the last 13
years.
The Oregon Zoo continues to have the highest attendance of any fee-based
tourist attraction in Oregon. Only Multnomah Falls and Timberline Lodge,
which do not charge an admission fee, have more annual visitors.
Back
to top
July
2, 2004
THE IGUANAS AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY PERFORM AT THE ZOO
New Orleans-based band The Iguanas and 60s rock band It's A Beautiful
Day will have the black howler monkeys howling as they take to the
zoo's concert lawn for two separate nights of memorable music. These
two nationally renowned rock bands will be performing as part of the
zoo's Wells Fargo Concert Series.
On Wednesday, July 14 at 7 p.m., Zydeco rockers The Iguanas will
bring their unique sounds to monkeys and humans alike at the
zoo. Hailing
from the Big Easy, The Iguanas have built a reputation as one of
the most popular bands in one of the world's most musical cities.
Their
musical style blends R&B, Latin, Caribbean, and Americana rock.
Their most recent album, Plastic Silver 9 Volt Heart, is considered
their best work yet, combining a party attitude with potent lyrics
to create a complex, layered sound. The Iguanas skillfully combine
a variety of instruments, including saxophone, bajo sexto (a Mexican
string instrument), guitar, drums and bass.
On Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m., influential San Francisco rock band
It's A Beautiful Day will take to the stage. It's A Beautiful Day,
led by internationally recognized violinist David LeFlemme, will
share timeless classics of the 1960s with the tigers and the audience.
LaFlemme
took the band to icon status during the 60s. They broke the top-ten
ranks with their hit, "White Bird," in 1969. It's A Beautiful
Day has matured over the years - their new sound echoes old-style
rock but showcases the band's improvements as well.
Packy and his pals have been partying to zoo summer concerts since
1979. This year the zoo is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the
summer concert series.
"The concerts have long been a tradition in Portland," said Krista
Swan, event coordinator.
"Whether it's a romantic evening or
a family night out, concertgoers enjoy great music, the festive atmosphere,
and, of course, visiting all the animals."
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the zoo is making performances
even more memorable; concertgoers can pre-order gourmet picnics and
reserve
top blanket spots on the tiered concert lawn, and chair rentals are
available for the first time this year.
" We're making it really easy to enjoy the concerts and have a relaxing
dinner on the lawn," said Swan. "People can just come to
the zoo and find their delicious, gourmet picnic waiting."
Tickets for these midweek "Plus" level concerts are available
for $9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance, include zoo admission
and are subject to availability. Zoo membership at the "Plus" level
includes free admission to all "Plus" concerts, daily visits
to the zoo and the Zoolights holiday festival in the winter. Please
visit www.oregonzoo.org for more information about concerts and membership.
Concerts at the zoo help support the California condor conservation
program. Concertgoers can do even more to save these endangered birds
by adding $1 to their ticket price, which will go directly to condor
conservation.
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 Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies
on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown
Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX
light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take
TriMet bus
#63 to the Oregon Zoo. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE
(7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General admission is $9 (12-64), seniors $7.50 (65+), children $6
(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.
Oregon Zoo Plus Concerts:
Thursday, July 8……………………………...Riders
in the Sky
Wednesday, July 14………………………….The
Iguanas
Thursday, July 15……………………………..It's
A Beautiful Day
Wednesday, July 21…………….…………….Rhonda
Vincent
Thursday, July 22…….………………………Youssou
N'Dour
Wednesday, July 28……………..……………Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Thursday, July 29……………………………..Rizwan-Muazzam
Qawwali
Wednesday, August 4…………………………Kekele
Thursday, August 5……………………………Daude
Wednesday, August 11………………………..Big
Bad Voodoo Daddy
Thursday, August 12……..……………………Dave
Alvin with Ellis Hooks
Thursday, August 19…………………………..Jaojoby
Wednesday, August 25………………………...White
Bird Dance Series
Tickets for midweek "Plus" level concerts are available for
$9 after 4 p.m. the day of the performance and are subject to availability.
Ticket price includes zoo admission.
Back
to top
July
2, 2004
THE
OREGON ZOO FOUNDATION'S SUMMER GALA, ZOOLALA: WHISKERS A-GO-GO,
IS SLATED FOR SATURDAY, JULY 17.
The
Oregon Zoo Foundation's summer gala, Zoolala: Whiskers A-Go-Go, is
slated for
Saturday, July 17, from 7 p.m.
to 11 p.m. The fifth annual Zoolala,
presented by AT&T Wireless and co-sponsored
by Spirit Mountain Casino, features
culinary delights from more than 30 of Portland's premier restaurants, bakeries,
breweries, wineries and coffee hosts, and live music from The Beatniks. Proceeds
from Whiskers A-Go-Go will help bring cougar and bobcat to the Cascade Canyon
portion of the Great Northwest exhibit complex at the zoo.
Several restaurants renewed their commitment to Zoolala 2004, including Ringside
Steakhouse, Timberline Lodge, Salty's on the Columbia, and Paragon Restaurant
and Bar, while Hubers: Portland's Oldest Restaurant, The Old Spaghetti Factory,
Beaverton Bakery and Morton's, The Steakhouse are entering their fifth year
of participation. Zoolala will also feature newcomers Mint, be Zinful Catering,
Mother's Bistro and Bar, Queen of Sheba, Tucci Restaurant, and La Calaca Comelona.
For a complete list, please visit the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org.
" One of the reasons Zoolala is the zoo's most successful fundraiser is
because of these superb restaurants," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Each
year, I am 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, labeled specially for Zoolala by Willamette
Valley Vineyards, will accompany the food along with wines from Stone Wolf
Vineyards and Black Swan Vineyards. Finely crafted brews will also be featured,
with Full Sail Brewing, Portland Brewing Company and Widmer Brothers Brewing
Company on site.
A pre-gala Cool Cat Patron party starts at 6 p.m. for Patron ticket holders,
who can enter at Oregon Zoo's former main entrance (Gate E) and walk or ride
the train to the pre-event Patron party in front of the stage. Guests of
the Patron party will get the rare opportunity to meet a bobcat and a Siberian
lynx. Additionally, the Patron party will feature a full hosted bar, door
prizes, special entertainers and the eclectic sounds of musical quintet 3
Leg Torso.
The gala starts at 7 p.m., as Gate E opens to all ticket holders. Then, the
restaurants open their booths, the wine is uncorked, the kegs are tapped
and the party begins! The main music act starts at 8 p.m. with The Beatniks.
While
making their way down to the festivities, guests can see Zoolala
proceeds at work as they walk through the newly constructed
Trillium Creek Family
Farm exhibit. Proceeds from Zoolala 2001 and 2002 helped fund the Great
Northwest exhibit, which includes the Family Farm as well as Cascade
Crest, Steller
Cove and the recently opened Eagle Canyon.
Zoolala guests will also enjoy the opportunity to see some of the zoo's
animals at night. In the front viewing area, adjacent to the
main stage, the females
(or cows) of the zoo's elephant herd will be munching on timothy
hay and swaying to the feel-good tunes of The Beatniks.
" The zoo is a lively place during the day, but it can be almost magical
at night," says Vecchio. "With the sights and sounds of our animals-many
of whom are much more active at dusk-Zoolala promises to be the social
event of the summer."
Zoolala is presented by AT&T Wireless and co-sponsored by Spirit
Mountain Casino, with K103FM as media sponsor. Tickets are now
available online at www.oregonzoo.org.
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
Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants,
polar bears and bats.
The Oregon Zoo Foundation coordinates all private fund-raising efforts
on behalf of the Oregon Zoo, including a membership program, animal
sponsorships, corporate
and foundation support and major gifts. The Foundation shares the Oregon
Zoo's mission: "Inspiring our community to create a better future
for wildlife."
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