NOTE:  Dates indicate date of press release

March 2004

Date of Press Release
March 31, 2004 - Zoo Receives $50,000 Challenge Grant For Endangered Condors
March 29, 2004 - Oregon Zoo's Beloved Great Horned Owl Passes Away
March 26, 2004 - State of the Zoo Address Slated April 14
March 23, 2004 - Zoo Sets New Spring Break Attendance Record
March 23, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Receives $150,000 Grant for Two Youth Programs
March 22, 2004 - Zoo Welcomes Spring with Annual Rabbit Romp
March 17, 2004 - Rare Penguin Chick Waddles into Penguinarium
March 17, 2004 - Oregon Zoo Checks California Condor Egg for Fertility
March 12, 2004 - Zoo's Gone Wild for Spring Break
March 11, 2004 - California Condor Lays First Oregon Egg in 100 Years
March 9, 2004 - Renowned Photographer Reveals Plight of Panda
March 8, 2004 - Trillium Creek Family Farm Opens at Oregon Zoo, July 10
March 5, 2004 - Zoo Hosts an Affair for Bears
March 3, 2004 - St. Patrick's Day Treats, and Green Enrichment Toys
March 1, 2004 - Zoo Unveils Rare Duiker Baby
March 1, 2004 - Hand Feed the Rhinos During Behind the Scenes Encounter

View releases from:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Video Clips

Visayan Warty Pigs | Flying Reindeer | St. Patrick's Day
Presents for Primates | Zoolights | Holiday Enrichment
Rama's Holiday Trunk Show | Recycling | Pygmy Rabbit
SuperBowl

 

March 31, 2004
ZOO RECEIVES $50,000 CHALLENGE GRANT FOR ENDANGERED CONDORS

Oregon's first California condor chick in a century expected May 4-instills new urgency to complete fundraising

PORTLAND, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo Foundation's Campaign for Condors has received a $50,000 challenge grant from Spirit Mountain Community Fund for construction of the zoo's new $2-million off-site condor conservation facility. To secure the grant, the zoo must receive an additional $50,000 in matching funds. An additional $500,000 is needed to complete the facility.

"Spirit Mountain Community Fund has been a wonderful partner in our efforts and we especially appreciate their support of our latest conservation effort-bringing condors back to Oregon," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Their gift moves us one step closer to completion of this facility. We now need the community to help us meet the requirements of this challenge grant."

The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo in the nation invited to join the California Condor Recovery Program.  With the first phase of the breeding facility completed last November, twelve condors arrived from Program members at the Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey.  
After just four months, this conservation effort has had tremendous success with the first condor egg produced on March 10.

"The recent arrival of Oregon's first condor egg in 100 years is incredibly exciting and gives new urgency to a successful completion of the zoo's condor breeding facility," according to Angela Blackwell, director of the Spirit Mountain Community Fund.  "By strengthening our long-time relationship with the zoo, it's our hope to inspire others to step forward and help with this important conservation effort," she added.

The zoo's goal is to house 16 breeding pairs producing up to 32 young a year.

Completing the facility will double the amount of holding and breeding space
and add a satellite veterinary clinic and a separate flight aviary where
young condors can learn survival skills. This flight aviary will include a mock utility pole capable of giving young condors a mild shock. Known as aversion training, the mild shock is designed to encourage the condors to avoid power poles to prevent electrocution in the wild.

"Knowing that each chick is a candidate for release to the wild, construction of the flight aviary is a critical piece," according to Joe Burnett, assistant curator of condors.

"It's a boot camp for condors. It's where they discover the dangers of power poles, and learn how to act like wild condors from elder birds."

The condor facility is located in Clackamas County on Metro-owned open space. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain, in southwest Oregon. Condors held out a little longer in California, but in 1987, there were only 17 left in the wild. In an attempt to save the species, biologists decided to place all the remaining condors into a captive breeding program. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the California condor was one of the original animals included on the list. Today there are 215 California condors in captivity and the wild.

Condors have a long history in Oregon. Archeologists have unearthed nine thousand year old condor bones from Native American middens. The condor was a common design motif of the Wasco people, who lived along the Columbia River from The Dalles to Cascade Locks--the condor was considered a helper to the native peoples and a key character in many myths.

Once construction of the off-site breeding facility is complete, zoo officials plan to build a $1 million condor exhibit at the zoo.

In addition to supporting the new condor program, the Spirit Mountain Community Fund has been a major contributor to the zoo's education programs. The Fund also made a $150,000 contribution to support the zoo's Eagle Canyon exhibit, which is scheduled to open May 29, 2004.

The Spirit Mountain Community Fund has given more than $23 million to deserving organizations in western Oregon since its creation in 1997.

Back to top

 

March 29, 2004
OREGON ZOO'S BELOVED GREAT HORNED OWL PASSES AWAY

More than 2.5 million people made a connection with friendly owl.

PORTLAND, Ore. - The longtime star of the Oregon Zoo's Discover Birds show, Hooter the Great Horned owl, has died of a sudden arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).

According to Oregon Zoo Veterinarian Mitch Finnegan, "It is common for geriatric raptors and owls to have heart problems that do not cause signs of illness until the very end. He was a wonderful, personable bird who would always return a friendly hoot-and, best of all, he never held a grudge against the vet staff."

Hooter, who had been at the zoo for 20 years, was received as a rehab bird in 1984 and accessioned into the zoo for the education programs in November 1985. He was 25 years old.

"All of the Birds of Prey staff and volunteers will miss him greatly," said Cathi Wright, bird show coordinator. "He was treasured by the zoo, visitors and school children who remembered him by name. He was truly an ambassador for the zoo."

Hooter will be missed by the 2.5 million visitors who have experienced the PGE Discover Birds summer show, and by more than 56,000 school children that are educated and entertained by the outreach school programs and assemblies each year.

Great horned owls can be found in the United States and most of Canada, and southward to Central and South America to the Straits of Magellan.  They are one of the larger owl species weighing up to four-pounds and standing 18 to 25-inches tall, with a wingspan of 36 to 60-inches. Great horned owls can live more than 15 years in the wild; and some captive birds have lived as long as 30 years.

Back to top

 

March 26, 2004
STATE OF THE ZOO ADDRESS SLATED APRIL 14

Director highlights year in review and future plans for the zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore.-Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio will deliver his annual State of the Zoo address on Wednesday, April 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Spring Corporate Luncheon in the Cascade Crest Banquet Center. The State of the Zoo address is sponsored by Stoel Rives LLP.

Vecchio will discuss a wide variety of topics from the zoo's two new summer exhibits, Eagle Canyon and Trillium Creek Family Farm, to its national conservation efforts. In addition, Vecchio will provide insight on why he believes the zoo has maintained strong attendance, despite difficult economic times.

Vecchio will share his vision for the future and discuss what visitors can expect to see in 2004 and 2005. He will also discuss the importance of continued corporate support for new exhibits such as Condors of the Columbia slated to open Summer 2006.

More than 150 leaders of Oregon's businesses will attend the State of the Zoo address and Vecchio plans to publicly recognize all of them for their support of the zoo in 2003.

"Corporations and businesses help us achieve our mission to inspire the community to care for the future of wildlife," says Vecchio. "Their contributions are critical; they help us create world-class conservation efforts, educational programs, special events and exhibits."

Tickets for the Spring Corporate Luncheon are $15 per person or $100 for a table of eight. The public can reserve their tickets by calling 503-220-5734 before April 7, 2004.
For more information about innovative partnerships that can benefit both businesses and the Oregon Zoo, please call Cynthia Thompson, the zoo's corporate relations manager, at 503-220-5734.

Back to top

 

March 23, 2004
ZOO SETS NEW SPRING BREAK ATTENDANCE RECORD!

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Zoo sent out a tropical party invitation for spring break and the response has blown the leis off zoo staff. The zoo has had its best spring break ever with a record 36,797 visitors during the first four days. The previous record was set in 1992 with 30,305 visitors during the same time period.

"In the first four days of our spring break promotion, attendance is up nearly 22,000 visitors over last year's numbers," said Oregon Zoo Director, Tony Vecchio.

The Zoo's Gone Wild spring break celebration, which highlights animals enjoying tropical-themed enrichment activities and treats several times throughout the day, continues through Sunday, March 28.  Visitors are encouraged to come early in the day to watch activities such as polar bears breaking open large ice treats, meerkats digging bugs out of coconut shells and orangutans trying on Hawaiian shirts. Zookeepers provide these novel activities and treats as environmental enrichment for the animals.

The Oregon Zoo is internationally renowned for its enrichment programs, which are designed to mentally stimulate animals by changing their environment.

Enrichment also challenges animals with complex tasks that require problem solving. Zookeepers are always looking for new and interesting ways to keep zoo animals engaged and active.

"Our spring break enrichment activities are a great way to engage the animals," says Vecchio. "They're also fun to watch. These activities help visitors make a stronger emotional connection with animals so they care about the future of wildlife."

Animals aren't the only ones who get to party for spring break. Zoo visitors can enjoy special spring break treats of their own. The zoo's restaurants will serve pulled pork, Jamaican jerk chicken and a variety of tasty fruit smoothies. The zoo's barbecue cart will also be open.

Activities for the rest of spring break week include:

• Sunday Tundra Fun Day where wolves, musk ox and the grizzly bear will receive enrichment items.
• Monday is Packy's Pajama Party. Activities will feature elephant aerobics, bath time, paintings and pedicures. Elephant keepers and staff will talk to visitors about what it takes to care for pachyderms.
• Tuesday is Total Monkey Mayhem where the orangutans and chimpanzees will receive Hawaiian shirts and beach towels. The chimps will also receive tropical treats, while kids can "monkey around" with masks.
• Wild Waves Wednesday where visitors can party with the penguins or watch the surfin' sea lions. Polar bears will receive "iceberg" treats and "herring from heaven." Visitors can also enjoy the beach in the zoo's very own sand box.
• Totally Tropical Thursday will include enrichment like Lorikeet Luau, Crocodile Rock and Swamp Monkey Surprise. Visitors can watch animals enjoy pineapple, melon and other tasty tropical treats.
• Frisky Feline Friday will feature Loungin' Leopards, a tiger keg party and meerkats in paradise. Pachyderms will receive tiger "furniture" (items with tiger scent). Visitors are encouraged to act like cats by wearing stripes or spots.  
• Sunny Safari Saturday where visitors can see Goats Gone Wild, Hip Hop Hippos, Zany Zebras or Jiggy Giraffes. African animals will get special treats and enjoy African inspired music.
• Super Sunday will be a combination of the week's enrichment activities. Visitors can see a bit of every day's festivities as the week closes.

Back to top

March 23, 2004
OREGON ZOO RECEIVES $150,000 GRANT FOR TWO YOUTH PROGRAMS

IMLS grant will expand programming for underserved youth.

PORTLAND, Ore. -Two Oregon Zoo youth programs will benefit from a two-year $150,000 Learning Opportunity grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  The IMLS grant will support Zoo Animal Presenters (ZAP) and Urban Nature Overnights (UNO) programs.

ZAP is a paid internship program for local underserved teens. Twenty ZAP teens conduct outreach programs and animal presentations to local community centers and schools.  The UNO program gives underserved urban youth (ages 8-11) the opportunity to learn recreation skills and basic environmental concepts while camping overnight at the zoo and local parks.

ZAP services will be extended throughout the year, offering 180 underserved children from six community centers opportunities to engage in programs such as salmon raising and wildlife tracking.  The zoo's partners in this program are Blazers Boys & Girls Club, Buckman SUN School, Hillsboro Boys & Girls Club, the Police Activities League of Portland, Wattles Boys & Girls Club and Woodmere SUN School.

ZAP combines hands-on learning with real world skills that build confidence and improve communication skills. ZAP members go through months of training, including animal handling techniques and public speaking. Once trained, ZAP members help the zoo's education department plan community outreach programs, prepare animals for outreach programs, and participate in educating other youth about environmental stewardship and conservation issues. ZAP has presented its conservation message to over 15,000 Portland area residents since its inception in 1999.

"ZAP has been tremendously popular during the summers and now, thanks to this generous grant, we can offer it all year round," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director.  "ZAP's team members do a great job of bringing our conservation messages to the community."

The UNO program, a collaboration between the zoo and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), also benefits from the grant by providing a year round experience for underserved youth. UNO provides children entering grades 3-5-who have not traditionally had access to outdoor experiences-the opportunity to learn recreation skills and basic environmental concepts while camping.

"We have witnessed the acute interest that our kids have in the environment when they are exposed to it," said Diane Meisenhelter, of Buckman SUN School.  "After an UNO overnight, children come away from this program with a real appreciation for what they have learned and how it might impact their lives. These kids will have a huge role in decision-making and in working in fields that will make a difference."

UNO campers attend three orientation classes to learn tracking, wildlife observation skills and the "Leave No Trace" camping philosophy. Natural resource specialists from BLM and community volunteers teach campers how to look for animal signs and identify native plants, as well as other environmental activities. The activities are adjusted for different needs such as English as a Second Language or children with disabilities.

"UNO gives kids a fun and safe introduction to exploring the outdoors," said Vecchio. "We want to ignite their interest in wildlife and encourage them to pursue the outdoors through school, family and even careers.  These two programs really focus on the zoo's mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife.  We continually seek out collaborators and funders for such vital efforts."  

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent Federal grant-making agency located in Washington D.C. that fosters leadership, innovation and a lifetime of learning by supporting museums and libraries.

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."

Back to top

March 22, 2004
ZOO WELCOMES SPRING WITH ANNUAL RABBIT ROMP

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo invites families to celebrate spring during Rabbit Romp on Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rabbit Romp, which is presented by HomeStreet Bank, is free with regular zoo admission. Additional support for Rabbit Romp is provided by Safeway.

Rabbit Romp features a traditional candy "egg" hunt, which begins at 9:30 a.m. and is repeated every 20 minutes. Children age three to ten will be divided into five age groups with each group having a chance to find a "magic" egg, which contains a special prize. Other activities include a petting zoo, games, face painting, photo opportunities and a Mad Hatter's Tea Party by the Young People's Theater Project.

Toddlers age two and under can participate in a candy "egg" hunt organized especially for them.

Zoo animals will also celebrate Rabbit Romp with special Easter-themed enrichment and the zoo's elephants will receive special Easter-themed surprises.

Back to top

March 17, 2004
RARE PENGUIN CHICK WADDLES INTO ZOO PENGUINARIUM

PORTLAND, Ore. - An endangered Humboldt penguin chick broke through its shell at the Oregon Zoo on March 17 while zookeepers looked on. The newest baby brings the zoo's penguin population to 37.

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." The Oregon Zoo has one of the largest collections of Humboldt penguins in the country.

The new chick is living with its parents in a nest box, although keepers will take the chick off exhibit twice a day to check on its hydration status and weight.

Removing chicks from the nest to check their health is necessary, but not always simple. "Some of the parents are really good about it," says Shawn St. Michael, penguin keeper. "Some of the parents try and fillet you." The chicks themselves are "sweet and tractable."

Commercial guano interests are increasingly encroaching upon Humboldt penguins' native habitat, the rocky coastline of Peru. Although the government protects much of their habitat, it is not uncommon to find penguin meat and eggs in local marketplaces.

Back to top

March 17, 2004
OREGON ZOO CHECKS CALIFORNIA CONDOR EGG FOR FERTILITY

PORTLAND, Ore.- Today, Oregon Zoo staff carefully examined and weighed the first California condor egg laid in Oregon in a century. The egg weighed 293.8 grams, making it slightly larger than average. If all goes well, the zoo can expect a condor chick by May. The condor egg is the first-ever produced in the zoo's new condor breeding facility. In November 2003, the endangered condors moved to the zoo's new breeding facility, located on Metro-owned open space.

On March 10, Tama produced her first Oregon egg at the condor facility. Condors have a 54-day gestation period, making the egg due to hatch May 4. Tama and her mate Mandan both came from the Los Angeles Zoo as an established breeding pair. Previously, the pair had produced 11 chicks in captivity.

Condor staff carefully examined the egg this morning. According to Zoological Curator Jan Steele, "First we candled the egg, which means we shined a high intensity light through the shell; we were thrilled to see that our egg was fertile."

In an effort to produce as many eggs as possible, zoo staff will double clutch, meaning they will take the egg and incubate it artificially, hoping the pair will produce another egg. Zoo staff will artificially incubate the egg in order to ensure it has a healthy start and the highest chance of survival. If the pair produces a second egg, the new egg will be sent to the Los Angeles Zoo for puppet rearing and the first egg will be returned to Tama for parent rearing.

If Tama does not lay a second egg, she will be given a dummy egg until she starts getting broody again. Once that happens, her fertile egg will be given back to her for parent rearing.

Condor parents typically share nesting duties protecting and warming the egg for periods of 2-5 days at a time. Since the egg is being artificially incubated, zoo staff will take over these duties, carefully monitoring the egg.

The condor recovery goal is to establish a captive population of 150 birds and two separate wild populations of condors, one in California and the other in Arizona. US Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Condor Recovery Program coordinate and implement the recovery program and provide oversight of all program partners.

The Oregon Zoo is a new member of the prestigious California Condor Recovery Program. Last year 12 condors came to the zoo's new off-site facility located in Clackamas County on Metro Parks and Green Spaces land. The remote facility is designed to minimize the exposure of young condors to people in order to increase the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

The zoo's condors came from team members at the Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. The eventual goal of the Oregon facility is to house 16 breeding pairs producing up to 32 young a year. The zoo must raise $1.5 million to build the second phase of this facility.

The Oregon Zoo Foundation has raised $1.5 million for the $3 million condor project. The remaining $1.5 million will complete the second and third phases of construction, including more holding space, a separate flight aviary, and a veterinary clinic. The plan also includes an educational condor exhibit at the zoo.

The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain, in southwest Oregon. Condors held out a little longer in California, but in 1987, there were only 17 left in the wild. In an attempt to save the species, biologists decided to place all the remaining condors into a captive breeding program. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the California condor was one of the original animals included on the list. Today there are 219 California condors in captivity and the wild.

Condors have a long history in Oregon. Archeologists have unearthed nine thousand year old condor bones from Native American middens. The condor was a common design motif of the Wasco people, who lived along the Columbia River from The Dalles to Cascade Locks-the condor was considered a helper to the native peoples and a key character in many myths.

Back to top

March 12, 2004
ZOO'S GONE WILD FOR SPRING BREAK!

PORTLAND, Ore. - Can't take a trip to Fort Lauderdale, Palm Springs or Hawaii for spring break? Why not "go wild" with pygmy goats or party with a pachyderm or polar bear. It's all happening at the zoo during the first annual Zoo's Gone Wild celebration, March 21-28.  Oregon Zoo animals will enjoy tropical-themed enrichment activities and treats several times throughout the day.

Oregon Zoo visitors can watch polar bears break open ice treats, meerkats dig bugs out of coconut shells and orangutans try on Hawaiian shirts.

The zoo is internationally renowned for its environmental enrichment programs. Enrichment is designed to mentally stimulate animals by changing their environment. Enrichment also challenges animals with complex tasks that require problem solving. Zookeepers are always looking for new and interesting ways to keep zoo animals engaged and active.

"Our spring break enrichment activities are a great way to engage the animals," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "They're also fun to watch. These activities help visitors make a stronger emotional connection with animals so they care about the future of wildlife."

Animals aren't the only ones who get to party for spring break. Zoo visitors can enjoy special spring break treats of their own. The zoo's restaurants will serve pulled pork, Jamaican jerk chicken and a variety of tasty fruit smoothies. The zoo's barbecue cart will also be open.

Activities for spring break week include:

• Sunday Tundra Fun Day where wolves, musk ox and the grizzly bear will receive enrichment items.
• Monday is Packy's Pajama Party. Activities will feature elephant aerobics, bath time, paintings and pedicures. Elephant keepers and staff will talk to visitors about what it takes to care for pachyderms.
• Tuesday is Total Monkey Mayhem where the orangutans and chimpanzees will receive Hawaiian shirts and beach towels. The chimps will also receive tropical treats, while kids can "monkey around" with masks.
• Wild Waves Wednesday where visitors can party with the penguins or watch the surfin' sea lions. Polar bears will receive "iceberg" treats and "herring from heaven." Visitors can also enjoy the beach in the zoo's very own sand box.
• Totally Tropical Thursday will include enrichment like Lorikeet Luau, Crocodile Rock and Swamp Monkey Surprise. Visitors can watch animals enjoy pineapple, melon and other tasty tropical treats.
• Frisky Feline Friday will feature Loungin' Leopards, a tiger keg party and meerkats in paradise. Pachyderms will receive tiger "furniture" (items with tiger scent). Visitors are encouraged to act like cats by wearing stripes or spots.  
• Sunny Safari Saturday where visitors can see Goats Gone Wild, Hip Hop Hippos, Zany Zebras or Jiggy Giraffes. African animals will get special treats and enjoy African inspired music.
• Super Sunday will be a combination of the week's enrichment activities. Visitors can see a bit of every day's festivities as the week closes.

Back to top

 

March 11, 2004
CALIFORNIA CONDOR LAYS FIRST OREGON EGG IN 100 YEARS

PORTLAND, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo's California condor recovery program has produced a golden egg. The condor egg is the first produced in Oregon in 100 years and the first-ever produced in the zoo's new condor breeding facility. The endangered birds moved to the zoo's new breeding facility in November 2003.

On Wednesday, March 10, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Tama produced her first Oregon egg at the condor facility, located on Metro-owned open space. Tama and mate Mandan both came from the Los Angeles Zoo as an established breeding pair. Previously, the pair had produced 11 chicks in captivity.

According to Zoological Curator Jan Steele, Tama must be feeling comfortable in her new Oregon home, having laid an egg less than four months after her arrival.

"This is an historic milestone to have the first condor egg laid in Oregon in 100 years," says Steele. "According to zookeepers in Los Angeles, Tama likes new places; she seems to be taking a liking to Oregon."

In an effort to produce as many eggs as possible, zoo staff will double clutch, which means they will take the egg and incubate it artificially, hoping the pair will produce another egg. The artificially incubated egg will be carefully monitored. If the pair produces a second egg, the new egg will be sent to the Los Angeles Zoo for puppet rearing and the first egg will be returned to Tama for parent rearing.

If Tama does not lay a second egg, she will be given a dummy egg until she starts getting broody again. Once that happens, her fertile egg will be given back to her for parent rearing.

According to Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio, "This is an important first step along the road to recovery for the California condor. The future of this species depends on the successful breeding of these captive birds."

The Oregon Zoo is a new member of the prestigious California Condor Recovery Program. Last year 12 condors came to the zoo's new off-site facility located in Clackamas County on Metro-owned open space. The remote facility is designed to minimize the exposure of young condors to people in order to increase the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

The zoo's 12 condors came from team members at the Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. The eventual goal of the Oregon facility is to house 16 breeding pairs producing up to 32 young a year. The zoo must raise $1.5 million to build the second phase of this facility.

The Oregon Zoo Foundation has raised $1.5 million for the $3 million condor project. The remaining $1.5 million will complete the second and third phases of construction, including more holding space, a separate flight aviary, and a veterinary clinic. The plan also includes an educational condor exhibit at the zoo.

The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain, in southwest Oregon. Condors held out a little longer in California, but in 1987, there were only 17 left in the wild.  In an attempt to save the species, biologists decided to place all the remaining condors into a captive breeding program. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the California condor was one of the original animals included on the list. Today there are 219 California condors in captivity and the wild.
Condors have a long history in Oregon. Archeologists have unearthed nine thousand year old condor bones from Native American middens.  The condor was a common design motif of the Wasco people, who lived along the Columbia River from The Dalles to Cascade Locks-the condor was considered a helper to the native peoples and a key character in many myths.

"I can't think of any species that connects conservation, Oregon history and culture as strongly as the condor," says Vecchio.

The condor recovery goal is to establish a captive population of 150 birds and two separate wild populations of condors, one in California and the other in Arizona. US Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Condor Recovery Program coordinate and implement the recovery program and provide oversight of all program partners.  

Back to top

 

March 9, 2004
TRILLIUM CREEK FAMILY FARM OPENS AT OREGON ZOO, JULY 10

First zoo exhibit in the nation to be run entirely by teens

PORTLAND, Ore. – Want to touch a Shetland sheep or brush a pygora goat? If so, visit the Oregon Zoo’s new 18,000 square foot Trillium Creek Family Farm, opening July 10. Zoo visitors will learn about life on a traditional farm, while nuzzling farm animals like ducks, chickens, rabbits, sheep and goats.

“Our new family farm will highlight all facets of farm living and the rich agricultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest,” according to zoo Director Tony Vecchio. “Adults and children will discover what life on a working farm is all about—they can even shear sheep.”

The Trillium Creek Family Farm will include a 3,000 square-foot barn, a 1,700 square-foot farmhouse, a farmyard and several animal corrals. The farm design was based on existing historic farms in Oregon.

“We’re accurately replicating an authentic Heritage Farm as specified by the Oregon Historical Society,” says Design Coordinator Pat Kaczmarek. “Heritage Farm designation means that a farm has been in a single family for more than 100 years.”

Teen volunteers, trained by zoo staff will operate the new farm. The volunteers are part of the ZooTeen program, the zoo’s award-winning youth development and education program. The ZooTeen program began more than 25 years ago and has grown into a program that staffs several hundred high-school volunteers from all over the state.
The farm will be the zoo’s first ever exhibit run exclusively by teen volunteers. ZooTeens currently work in the zoo’s pygmy goat kraal and tide pools in the summer.

“We’re taking this concept even further, allowing teens to work in our farm exhibit all year-round – they’ll feed, care for and train animals just as a zookeeper would,” says Youth Volunteer Coordinator Mia Reager.

Trillium Creek Family Farm is a key component of the Zoo’s Great Northwest Exhibit, which replicates several key areas of our region’s diverse ecosystem from the crest of the Cascades to the Pacific coast and beyond.

For more information about Trillium Creek Family Farm visit the zoo’s web site: http://www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/GreatNW/trillium.htm

Back to top

 

March 8, 2004
RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER REVEALS PLIGHT OF THE PANDA, MARCH 23

PORTLAND, Ore.- Photographer Gerry Ellis provides a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary effort to save the giant panda during a lecture at the Oregon Zoo on Tuesday, March 23, at 7 p.m. The lecture titled Panda-monium follows the story of seven baby pandas in the Wolong Nature Reserve in the remote forests of western China. Pro Photo Supply sponsors the lecture series with support from Portland General Electric and Southwest Airlines.

Ellis is executive director and photographer of GLOBIO, which is a non-profit dedicated to educating children about the bio-diversity of our planet. GLOBIO has been following the panda babies at Wolong Nature Reserve, located 1,000 miles southwest of Beijing for the past two years. The Reserve is one of the last strongholds for the endangered giant panda.

"Our hope is to offer people a rare glimpse at baby pandas in China and an even rarer glimpse into the extraordinary lives of people working to save this incredible creature from extinction," says Ellis.

The lecture will include rare photos and video of baby pandas born in fall 2003, including their first toddling steps in the wintry bamboo forests. In addition, the evening's program will look at giant panda history, its connections to people over the past century and GLOBIO's remarkable documentary and education work in the Reserve.

GLOBIO has documented the work of Wolong's China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP). CCRCGP currently cares for more than 60 captive pandas. The Center also conducts crucial research on panda breeding, rehabilitation and bamboo ecology. With less than 1,100 pandas remaining, the success of each new birth brings hope for the survival of the species.

Panda and photography enthusiasts are encouraged to arrive at the zoo at 6 p.m. for a hands-on Pro Photo display of the cutting edge digital photography used during the documentary project. GLOBIO sponsors include Pro Photo Supply, REI, Nikon and Epson.
For more information, visit GLOBIO's Web site.

The Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series is sponsored by Pro Photo Supply, with support from Portland General Electric and Southwest Airlines. The series, which is hosted by the Oregon Zoo, Portland Chinese Classical Garden, and The Audubon Society of Portland will be held in the Oregon Zoo's Cascade Crest Banquet Center. Cost for each lecture:  $10 general admission, $8 for members of host organizations, students and seniors.  Series Tickets: $32 general admission, $25 for members of host organizations, students and seniors. For more information visit the Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series website or call 503-226-1561.

"Our lecture series features pioneering environmentalists and defenders of the natural world," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "People who have devoted their lives to preserving wildlife. Communicating stewardship messages to residents of the Northwest is an important part of our mission."

Back to top

March 5, 2004
ZOO HOSTS AN AFFAIR FOR BEARS, MARCH 20

A party even Goldilocks wouldn't miss!

PORTLAND, Ore.-Do bears hibernate in the winter? Visitors will discover the surprising answer to this question and learn other facts about bears during Bear Fair, on Saturday, March 20 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo.

Bear Fair, which is presented by Haggen Food & Pharmacy will star polar, grizzly, and Malayan sun bears as well as teddy bears. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. many of the bears will receive special treats, including, toys, feeder balls, large barrels, and huge piles of ice. Other Bear Fair activities include stories, activity stations, and experiments that will educate visitors about the different habitats and characteristics unique to each bear, including black bears (not on exhibit).

A special Teddy Bear Picnic area will be set up for children of all ages to bring (or purchase) their lunches and feast with their teddy bears or other stuffed buddies.

According to Krista Swan, Oregon Zoo event coordinator, 'Repair-A-Bear', a special surgical mending station, will be set-up for operations, check-ups, shots, chiropractic adjustments and emergency patchwork "in case your teddy bear or other stuffed buddy needs a little extra loving care."

The zoo's costumed bear mascot, Honey Bear, will be making friends during her appearance, along with U.S. Forest Service's Smokey Bear.

A new feature of Bear Fair 2004 will be "Virtual Pandas" an exhibit presented by GLOBIO, a non-profit dedicated to educating children about the bio-diversity of our planet. Kids and adults will learn more about these squirmy, squealing newborns and their transformation into the seemingly cuddly black and white pandas that are widely adored. Rare photos, video footage and hands-on activities will highlight fun facts about panda development, anatomy, diet and conservation.

At 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., GLOBIO's founder Gerry Ellis will present "Baby Panda-monium" a presentation just for kids in the zoo's Kalahari room. Ellis will share "cool and highly entertaining" stories about working with Giant Pandas in China in a multimedia program.

Back to top

March 3, 2004
POLAR BEARS PLAY IRISH TUG OF WAR

PORTLAND, Ore. - A game of Irish tug of war is expected to break out in the Oregon Zoo polar bear winter exhibit on Wednesday, March 17. In honor of St. Patrick's Day keepers will furnish the bears with green car wash strips attached to green buckets.

"Conrad and Yugyan love to play with the strips," said Marine Life keeper Julie Christie. "It's a great amount of fun for them and visitors."

Windows in the summer exhibit will be decorated with green cream cheese, giving visitors an opportunity to see the bears up close, as they lick the windows clean.
The zoo's Humboldt penguins will celebrate the holiday by swimming through "seaweed." The penguins are newcomers to the green enrichment activities, but are expected to enjoy the festivities as if they were native to the Emerald Isle, rather than the warm waters of Peru.

This is the third year that the special St. Patrick's Day enrichment treats have been handed out to zoo residents. 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.

The zoo's Cascade Grill and Cascade Outfitters gift shop will get into the spirit of the holiday with specials for zoo visitors. Cascade Grill will feature corned beef sandwiches and Irish Cream lattes. Shoppers at Cascade Outfitters may purchase one polar bear or penguin Collectible Replica and get one of equal or lesser value free.

Back to top

March 1, 2004
RARE RED-FLANKED DUIKER BORN AT OREGON ZOO

PORTLAND, Ore. - A red-flanked duiker, born January 30, is on exhibit with its mother at the Oregon Zoo. Duikers are one of the smallest members of the antelope family.

"The female calf is healthy and weighs about three pounds," according to zookeeper Stanley Held. "The pool in the exhibit has been drained as a precaution as she begins to explore her surroundings," he added.

Zoo visitors may have difficulty spotting the calf for the first couple of weeks because mothers often hide their calves away in a brush pile and only collect them when it's time to nurse. This behavior is the mother's way of protecting the baby from predators.  Within three to five weeks, zoo visitors should be able to regularly see the calf.

While not endangered, the red-flanked duiker is conservation dependent, which means it has high enough population numbers to have a sustainable population, but it is threatened. Jentink and zebra banded duikers are the only two duiker species currently listed as endangered, but all duiker species numbers are dropping dramatically due to the bushmeat trade crisis in Africa.

"People are hunting these animals relentlessly for meat to feed their families," said Chris Pfefferkorn, zoo curator and American Zoo and Aquarium Association's studbook keeper for red-flanked duiker.

Pfefferkron oversees the red-flanked duiker population management plan, which is designed to ensure that zoo populations are maintained and also develop the zoo's conservation links to in-country programs in Africa.

Duikers are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, in wetlands, rainforests and heavy timber forest. Duikers are classified as frugivores. In the wild they browse or graze on grass, leaves, shrubs and trees, but the main component of their diet consists of wild fruits and vegetables, such as yams, sweet potatoes and carrots. They also have been observed eating carrion and insects, so they have a protein need in their diet, which is different from most antelope. At the zoo, they are fed a variety of vegetables and a milled grain, which has vitamins and minerals that they need. They are provided browse, as well as insects like mealworms and crickets for a little protein.

This baby will stay with its parents between six months to a year. Red-flanked duikers become sexually mature at around one year of age, so it will need to be removed from its parents before it becomes sexually mature to avoid inbreeding. Where the animal goes will depend on the population management plan and the needs of the population at the time it's ready to move.

Back to top

 

March 1, 2004
HAND FEED THE RHINOS DURING BEHIND THE SCENES ENCOUNTER

PORTLAND, Ore.- Did you know rhinos have a prehensile upper lip that acts like a finger to grab food? Visitors will go behind the scenes and discover the wonderful world of rhinos during Oregon Zoo's Rhino Encounter, Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. There are only 12 spots available so visitors are encouraged to register early and bring their cameras.

During the tour visitors will learn about endangered rhinos, tour the barn, and meet the zoo's rhinos, Pete and Miadi. During the tour, visitors will learn about rhinos' endangered status and the zoo's breeding program. The highlight of the tour occurs when visitors get to hand-feed an eager Pete and Miadi apples, and touch their thick, rough skin.

"Hand-feeding a 3,000 pound rhino is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "We hope visitors will make a connection with our animals so they come away with a better understanding that all wildlife is important."

This tour is open to participants 16 years and older and requires pre-registration.  The cost is $85 for members and $100 for non-members; price includes admission.  A portion of the proceeds helps fund the zoo's conservation programs.

For more information call 503-220-2781. Gift certificates for Behind the Scenes Encounters are also available.

Back to top