Oregon Zoo December 2005 Press Releases

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NOTE: Dates indicate date of press release, not the date of the event.

December 2005

December 31 - Oregon Zoo Announces New Exhibits and 2006 Calendar
December 29 - "One Stop Shopping" For Youth Group Leader at ORPA Expo
December 19 - Oregon Zoo Announces Green New Year's Resolutions
December 19 - Visitors Have a Little Longer to View Zoolights
December 8 - Flying Reindeer: Science Fiction or Scientific Fact?
December 6 - Futuristic Cosmic Coaster Thrill Rid Opens at Oregon Zoo
December 5 - Kid Activities Slated During Winter Zoo Camp, Dec. 19-22 & 27-29
December 2 - Portland's Pachyderm Artist Paints for Zoolights Visitors
December 2 - Presents for Primates

December 31, 2005
OREGON ZOO ANNOUNCES NEW EXHIBITS AND 2006 CALENDAR

Portland, Ore.- More than a million visitors come to Oregon Zoo every year not only to view rare and exotic animals, but also to learn more about the zoo's residents through fun events and exciting educational experiences. Next year, the zoo opens several new exhibits and hosts a number of entertaining programs and special events. Visitors can check oregonzoo.org for updated listings and more information.

Endangered and exotic wild pigs of Asia are coming to the zoo, beginning with Visayan warty pigs. Their exhibit, which will open March 24, will be located between the education classrooms across from Primates.

"These pigs are sure to become visitor favorites," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "Their stiff, spiky hairdos make them the punk rockers of the pig world."

The small, forest-dwelling vegetarian pig is native to the Philippine Islands. They are endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Renovations to the zoo's Primates Building, which began in 2001 with the opening of Amazon Flooded Forest in 2001, will continue. The latest exhibit, opening August 4, will house ocelots.

The ocelot is one of the small cats considered a priority species for conservation by American zoos. Ocelots are listed on the U.S. Endangered Species list and are considered threatened with extinction throughout their range in the United States and Central and South America.

Cascade Canyon Trail
Naturalistic habitats for cougar, black bear and bobcat will open over the next two years with the addition of Cascade Canyon Trail to the Great Northwest exhibit.

At Cougar Crossing, opening in September, visitors can watch these big cats through a wide opening with just piano wire separating them from the animals. Another path leads to a rocky, heated cougar den, viewed through a window.

Black Bear Ridge, opening in summer 2007, will complete Cascade Canyon Trail and take visitors from the mountain goat exhibit deeper into the forest to view American black bears and bobcats among cedars, firs and a stream.

The butterflies will be back again this summer, beginning May 20. The walk-through butterfly aviary will be filled with no less than 450 butterflies at any time, representing various native and tropical species. The exhibit will also feature approximately 3900 trees and other plants representing more than 80 varieties.

Education programs provide unique learning opportunities for thousands of participants. Throughout 2006, the zoo will offer Behind the Scenes Encounters, which allow visitors an opportunity to enter "staff only" areas around the zoo and see exhibits from the other side of the railing.

Photography classes, which were launched last year in conjunction with the Winged Wonders butterfly exhibit, will be back this year. The classes, which are sponsored by Pro Photo and led by Michael Durham, the zoo's award-winning photographer, will be expanded to include other areas of the zoo, such as elephants, Vollum Aviary and birds of prey.

Zoo day camps are held during school breaks throughout the year, the most popular of which is summer camp. The programs fill quickly with eager learners from four years of age through eighth grade. Campers learn about animals, endangered and threatened species, and conservation and stewardship issues through tours, stories, games, crafts and songs.

Family programs include Zoo Experiences, which feature such program titles as "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" and "Never Smile at a Crocodile," and Camperoo, a chance for families to pitch their tents on the zoo lawn and spend the night one summer evening. "Animals A to Z" is a fun series of classes for three to five year olds and their parents.

The zoo, in cooperation with The Audubon Society of Portland and World Forestry Center, will again host the Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series. The series of four lectures features some of the most renowned wildlife professionals in the world. Lectures are held on February 28, March 28, April 25 and May 30.

Oregon Zoo Foundation's July 15 fundraiser, Zoolala 2006: Wild at Heart, will raise funds for the zoo's education and conservation programs. Last year's Zoolala 2005: Big Mountain Boogie netted more than $120,000 to build Black Bear Ridge, a component of Cascade Canyon Trail.

Events at the zoo are plentiful. From Elephantastic in April to ZooLights in December and The Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series in between, there's always something fun planned. Visitors have been known to plan their trip to Portland to coincide with Packy's Birthday, Rabbit Romp, World Animal Festival or another favorite zoo event.

December 29, 2005
" ONE STOP SHOPPING" FOR YOUTH GROUP LEADERS AT ORPA EXPO

Portland, Ore.- Oregon Zoo will be one of the exhibitors at the Oregon Park and Recreation Association (ORPA) GroupFun Expo January 5 in Milwaukie. The ORPA Expo, which runs between 12 noon and 6 p.m., gives leaders who plan, organize and operate youth outings the opportunity to explore fresh ideas for the upcoming year.

"Planners of youth outings will find this comprehensive ORPA Expo saves them time and assists in future planning," said ORPA Expo organizer Bob Vinatieri. "It's designed for adults who plan from one to 30 youth group outings. It's an invaluable free resource for gathering information, and talking with local experts on everything from in-town sports and recreation venues to multi-day wilderness trips," he added.

Currently, more than 25 representatives from regional attractions, venues and events will be at the ORPA Expo to meet one-on-one with adult youth leaders. Exhibitors in addition to Oregon Zoo include, Metro Parks and Greenspaces, OMSI, Forests Forever, Destination Wilderness, ComedySportz, Mission Mill, WetPaints and many more.

Admission and parking are free. The ORPA Expo is located at the Oregon Institute of Technology, 7726 SE Harmony Road, Milwaukie, OR. Directions and registration information can be found at www.groupfun.net

For further information or to pre-register, visit the ORPA GroupFun Expo Web site at www.groupfun.net or contact Bob Vinatieri at 503-620-5576.

December 19, 2005
OREGON ZOO ANNOUNCES GREEN NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Lowpoo~1

Portland, Ore.- Since the thought of having to write "lose ten pounds" on the new year's resolution list - again - can make anyone see red, the Oregon Zoo offers an alternative: see green. While the zoo recycles 65 percent of its waste, well above the national average of 30 percent, there is still room for improvement. The zoo's Green Team prods the organization to do better every year. By setting higher standards for the zoo, the team hopes to challenge individuals and businesses to consume less and conserve more.

"Because we exist to help protect wildlife and their habitat, the zoo must walk its talk and set an example," said Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "By publishing the list, the zoo hopes to give other businesses ideas about how they can 'green' their operations."

Last year was a very productive year for the Green Team. Among other accomplishments, the zoo created a demonstration of sustainable home gardening, reduced pesticide use and wildlife-friendly gardening methods, implemented a paperless web-based registration system for classes and camps, and printed tabletop displays in restaurants informing diners about the zoo's recycling and waste reduction efforts.

The Green Team has been publishing its resolutions for six years, and the tradition continues this year with some ambitious goals. The zoo's green resolutions for 2006 are:

- Start a reference library for zoo employees with web links and other sources of information on green products and practices.

- Have a Green Team intern each term to assist staff with sustainability efforts.

- Develop "What you can do at home" graphics to encourage resource conservation by our visitors. These will be part of our new Conservation Center, developed by the zoo's teen volunteers, which will focus on a different message each month.

- Evaluate each new construction project for Green Building feasibility. Encourage appropriate zoo employees to pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Professional Accreditation.

- Launch a media campaign for alternative transportation that includes press releases, advertising on buses, admissions discount, and participation in the "Carfree Carefree Challenge" to encourage visitors and employees to use alternative transportation to access the zoo.

- Coordinate parts runs and other errands to minimize use of vehicles - the zoo-wide equivalent of "anybody need anything from the store?".

- Implement a Green Awards program to reward employees who practice sustainability and conservation in their daily tasks.

- Complete installation of a major solar energy demonstration program on the grounds in collaboration with PGE.

- Develop a wish list of energy-efficient retrofit projects (lighting, HVAC) for interested partners.

- Innovatively demonstrate how storm water can be used prior to entering City storm sewer pipes, such as green roofs or bioswales that use plants and natural areas to filter toxins.

- Begin upgrading our irrigation system to more advanced water-saving technology.

- Develop a training program to inform new employees/volunteers about the zoo's culture of recycling, reducing paper use, using alternative commuting methods, and more.People in every division of the zoo help come up with the resolutions, which the zoo's Green Team compiles. The team meets monthly throughout the year to explore new ways of taking the zoo's green operations to a higher level.

December 19, 2005
VISITORS HAVE A LITTLE LONGER TO VIEW ZOOLIGHTS

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, Dec. 31. This family tradition, presented by The Boeing Company, features nearly one-million lights illuminating life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train.

"With the winter weather we've had, the lights are especially beautiful," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Families are creating cherished memories during ZooLights as they sip their hot chocolate and ride the historic steam engine; it's a wonderful holiday tradition."

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a statue similar to the one in Bremen, Germany depicting the four farm animals in the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, "The Musicians of Bremen Town." There are also swinging monkeys and diving dolphins. Other new silhouettes can be found at Trillium Creek Family Farm and include a John Deere tractor, turkey, scarecrow, cornstalks and pumpkins. Other new displays include an army of 25 six-foot-long leaf-cutting ants marching along the railroad tracks, and birds such as pelican, puffin, roadrunner and Steller jay.

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 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 are on hand to greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is 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 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.

Favorite light displays from previous years 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 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.

The sounds of the season fill the zoo as more than 100 schools, churches, and professional groups perform holiday musical selections. Several local dance troupes are also featured.

In addition to the lights, characters and music, the Tualatin Valley Model Railroad Club shows off its enlarged NTRAK train display.

For last-minute shoppers, the zoo's gift shop, Cascade Outfitters, is bursting with animal-related gifts. Inside the gift shop an Artists' Corner features artisans and craftspeople that specialize in art made from recycled and sustainable materials.

The zoo's Cascade Grill offers a nightly holiday buffet. Holiday Buffet service begins at 5 p.m. Prices are $13.95 for adults (12 and older), $7.95 for children (3-11), and free for children under age 3. No reservations are needed. AfriCafe and food carts throughout the zoo offer holiday treats and warm beverages.

Visitors can see video of the light display by visiting the zoo's Web site at
http://www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/index.htm

ZooLights runs from November 26 through December 31 and is co-sponsored by Clear Channel Portland and United Rentals. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests have one hour past the closing times to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities 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 at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

December 8, 2005
FLYING REINDEER: SCIENCE FICTION OR SCIENTIFIC FACT?
Zoo director asks children around the world to e-mail their flying reindeer sightings

Portland, Ore.- Flying reindeer expert and Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio is asking children around the world to e-mail their reindeer sightings 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. 23 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 Dec. 31), Presents for Primates (Dec. 15, 17, 18) and Winter Break ZooVenture day camps for kids four years of age through fourth grade (Dec. 19-22 and Dec. 27-29).

December 6, 2005
FUTURISTIC COSMIC COASTER THRILL RIDE OPENS AT OREGON ZOO

Portland, Ore.- Oregon Zoo visitors will be transported to another planet on the zoo's newest thrill ride, Cosmic Coaster. The futuristic feature, which is produced by SimEx-Iwerks, runs throughout December during ZooLights hours 5 p.m. to closing.

Cosmic Coaster takes riders on a breakneck roller coaster ride through far-off galaxies and cavernous space mountains, dodging meteors and exploring strange planets. The coaster takes a death-defying leap through outer space before coming to a thrilling stop, all to the fast pace of bluegrass music.

More than 267,300 people have experienced the simulation theater since it premiered in May 2003, generating $954,184 for many conservation and education programs at the zoo.

Cosmic Coaster plays in the SimEx-Iwerks simulation theater located on the former entry plaza directly across from the Amur tiger exhibit, close to the Zoo Railway Station. In addition to regular zoo admission, a $2 ticket is required. Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able to experience the ride. Cosmic Coaster can be previewed at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Gallery/video.htm#attractions.

December 5, 2005
KID ACTIVITIES SLATED DURING WINTER ZOO CAMP, DEC. 19-22 & 27-29

Zoocamp

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 19-22 and 27-29. The Oregon Zoo's winter camp program is designed and led by the same professional staff that oversee 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).

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 seven days. Half-day sessions for four-year-olds through 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 $14 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 $32 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 December 31. ZooLights has become a family tradition, featuring nearly a million lights on life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train.

December 2, 2005
PORTLAND'S PACHYDERM ARTIST PAINTS FOR ZOOLIGHTS VISITORS
Oregon Zoo's plus-sized abstract expressionist spreads holiday cheer along with paint

Rama Painting

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 Friday, Dec. 16 during ZooLights. The elephant will also be featured in a special holiday art exhibit, Rama's Holiday Trunk Show, December 16-17 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 million holiday lights and blasts that onto a canvas."

Rama, a 22-year-old male Asian elephant, isn't the first painting pachyderm, but appears to be a natural artist. Rama is the son of the zoo's original elephant Rosy, and the famed Packy.

"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 painting easel. After enjoying some apple slices, Rama's creative juices begin to flow.

According to Barsh, "I'll ask Rama for his trunk, then load a particular color of finger paint in his nose-it's the same non-toxic stuff your kids will eat on occasion. I tell him to blow and he sprays the paint onto the canvas. Then I clean his nose and 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.

"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."

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 features original works on canvas and paper, which 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. Ten percent of Rama's proceeds benefit the Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future for Wildlife conservation program.

December 2, 2005
PRESENTS FOR PRIMATES
Chimps, orangutans and mandrills enjoy the holiday season at the Oregon Zoo

Presents for Primates

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 monkeys on Thursday, December 15 at 10 a.m. If you can't make it on December 15, Primate keepers will repeat holiday activities on December 17-18 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Presents for Primates has become a tradition for primate keepers and volunteers. The tradition has been expanded this year to providing the primates with cardboard gingerbread houses. 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.

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 fifth 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 18th annual ZooLights, which runs through December 31. Decorated with nearly a 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 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m.-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 corner, 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 a book signing by zoo director and reindeer flight expert Tony Vecchio for the book Flight of the Reindeer on Dec. 23 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Winter Break ZooVenture day camps for kids four years of age through fourth grade December 19-22 and 27-29. Visit the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org for additional information.