Oregon Zoo February 2005 Press Releases

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

February 2005

February 28 - Zoo Seeks Youth and Adult volunteers to Become ZooAmbassadors
February 25 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Ride Opens at Oregon Zoo
February 24 - Spring Break - What's a Parent to Do?
February 22 - Providence Provides $25,000 for Zoo's Youth Programs
February 15 - Make a Difference - Be a Zooteen
February 15 - Oregon Zoo Welcomes New Animals to Primate and Amazon Exhibits
February 14 - After Suffering Major Setback, Vets Decide to Euthanize Rhino
February 11 - Experience Elephant, Zebrra, Giraffe During Kenya Safari
February 10 - Oregon Zoo's Endangered Rhino Diagnosed with Kidney Failure
February 4 - Kids Celebrate Valentine's Holiday at Oregon Zoo
February 4 - Cupid Delivers to the Oregon Zoo
February 2 - Ke the Hedgehog Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

February 28, 2005
ZOO SEEKS YOUTH AND ADULT VOLUNTEERS TO BECOME ZOOAMBASSADORS
ZooAmbassadors allows families to volunteer together; orientations begin March 16

PORTLAND, Ore. - Do you enjoy butterfly watching? Are you interested in learning more about how to attract butterflies to your backyard? The zoo is seeking youth and adult volunteers to work at least one 3 1/2-hour shift per week from mid-May to Labor Day.

ZooAmbassadors will provide general animal and exhibit information to visitors, while spending time with colorful butterflies in the new butterfly garden.

The zoo is encouraging entire families to volunteer. "Last year several family members volunteered together," commented Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo Director. "It's rare for children to be included in these opportunities. It's a unique way to create lasting family memories."

Ambassadors 15 and older can volunteer on their own, while people between the ages of 10 and 14 can volunteer with a parent.

"I have seen huge changes in the demeanor and communication skills of kids who volunteer," commented Paula McCall, volunteer coordinator. "It's a fun learning experience for everyone involved."

The program is designed to extend knowledge about the importance of wildlife conservation, while simultaneously bringing families together.

"It's an exciting way for the volunteers to interact with the butterflies and each other, commented Vecchio."
ZooAmbassadors' duties include talking to zoo visitors, insuring the safety of the butterflies, and monitoring the exhibit doors to prevent butterflies from flying away.

There are many benefits to volunteering. ZooAmbassadors will meet people who share similar interests and values; receive free zoo admission and a complimentary train ride; have the opportunity to volunteer at zoo concerts; learn about how to attract local wildlife; and participate in training opportunities only available at the zoo.

ZooAmbassadors will be required to attend one orientation session. The orientation will be offered on the following days:

Wednesday March 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday March 22, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday April 7, 10 - noon
Saturday April 9, 10 - noon
Thursday April 14, 6:30 - 8:30
Saturday April 23, 10 - noon
Upon completion of the orientation, ZooAmbassadors will receive ten hours of training.

The Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro. The zoo has one of the largest zoo volunteer programs in the country. More than 1,700 individuals volunteer more than 143,500 hours per year.

Please RSVP for the date of your choice by calling 503-220-2783 or e-mail communityvolunteer@metro.dst.or.us.

PORTLAND, Ore.- Oregon Zoo visitors can dive into Bikini Bottom and join SpongeBob's latest adventure on the zoo's newest thrill ride, SpongeBob SquarePants-The Ride. The amusing feature, produced by Nickelodeon/Paramount Parks Inc. and distributed by SimEx-Iwerks, opens on Friday, March 18 and runs through Labor Day.

According to SpongeBob SquarePants, "Like anything in life, a Krabby Patty is not complete without a pickle." And so begins SpongeBob's desperate pursuit of a runaway pickle in his heartfelt desire to serve the perfect Krabby Patty. Riders join SpongeBob as he chases his best friend Patrick through Bikini Bottom in this zany adventure.

SpongeBob is the Nickelodeon cartoon character who, accompanied by his many chums from Bikini Bottom, has become the most popular cartoon star on television today. According to media-tracker Nielsen, 56 million viewers tune in to watch SpongeBob's antics each month. Nielsen reports that SpongeBob is watched by more than just 6-11-year-olds and has become a cult figure for over 10 million students and adults monthly. Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio believes, "Everyone loves SpongeBob, the very young and the very old, because he's such an appealing character. I watched it with my kids and just got hooked!"

SpongeBob SquarePants-The Ride is the zoo's latest simulator ride. The simulator premiered in May 2003 with Deep Sea, which according to Vecchio was a "tremendous success." Nearly 200,000 people have experienced the simulator theater, which has generated more than $650,000 for many conservation and education programs at the zoo.

SpongeBob SquarePants-The Ride plays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 $4.50 ticket ($4 for members) is required. Visitors must be 36-inches tall to experience the thrill ride. Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able to experience the ride. SpongeBob SquarePants-The Ride can be previewed at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Newsroom/video.htm#spongebob.

February 24, 2005
SPRING BREAK - WHAT'S A PARENT TO DO?
Oregon Zoo Spring Break Day Camp to the Rescue!

PORTLAND, Ore. - Spring break at the Oregon Zoo is sure to be an adventure for kids four years of age to fourth grade. The zoo's popular day camp program, ZooVenture, is designed and led by the same professional staff that oversees the zoo's summer camp. Daily camps start on Monday, March 21 and run through Friday, March 25.

A child feeds a colorful lorikeet during zoo camp at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy Oregon Zoo

"We hope the kids make a connection with zoo animals so they care about those animals' wild counterparts and the future of all species," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio.

Each day's activities focus on a unique animal theme. Explore how zoo animals build their lodges, nests and burrows in "At Home with the Animals." Discover how animals climb, fly, glide, dive and survive in the wild in "Movers and Shakers." Learn how different kinds of animals get along with their families and neighbors in "Groups, Troops, and Crashes." Two other surprise themes are scheduled. Each theme promises to be as captivating as the others.

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, some, or all five days. Half-day sessions for four-year-olds and kindergartners take place from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Full-day sessions for first through fourth graders begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

Advance registration is required. A half-day session for four-year-olds and kindergartners is $14 per day for non-members ($12 for zoo members), and full-day sessions for first through fourth graders is $32 per day for non-members ($27 per day for zoo members). Early drop-off (8 a.m.) and late pick-up (6 p.m.) are available. For information call 503-220-2781 or visit www.oregonzoo.org.

February 22, 2005
MAKE A DIFFERENCE--BE A ZOOTEEN

PORTLAND, Ore. --Teens looking for something wild and exciting to do this summer should consider becoming a ZooTeen at Oregon Zoo. Students entering 9th through 12th grade this fall may apply now through March 1 for this award-winning volunteer program.

ZooTeens present animals to visitors, help keepers with the care and feeding of pettable animals, go on a behind-the-scenes tour with keepers, and manage the pygmy goat kraal-run solely by teens. Some ZooTeens, with additional training, give animal presentations and serve as junior camp counselors at zoo day camps.

ZooTeen volunteers perform a variety of tasks, including handling education animals such as this rabbit. The recruitment deadline for this year's ZooTeen program is March 1.

" We are the only zoo in the nation that has teenagers supervising teenagers," said Mia Reager, zoo youth volunteer coordinator. "This allows the teens to create a unique environment where they feel they belong; it's a kind of family."

ZooTeens gain an insider's view of the zoo and its animals, make new friends, develop leadership skills, gain public speaking skills in a fun environment, handle zoo education animals, and explore career possibilities. ZooTeens apply and go through an interview process, which teaches valuable career skills and prepares them for future job interview situations.

"It is an extremely rewarding experience to know that you are a part of something really great," said Zoë Shipley, ZooTeen Team Leader, Leadership Corps President and four-year veteran of the program. "ZooTeens help so many people to better understand the lives of all these wonderful animals."

"Through ZooTeens, I have gained not only an enormous amount of animal knowledge, but also other skills that I didn't expect to obtain. ZooTeens has developed my leadership skills and has taught me how to speak with the public, how to give and follow directions, and even how to make new friends," she added.

ZooTeens work 11 hours a week, split into two 5 1/2 hour shifts, with two weeks vacation. They receive 24 hours of training. Fifty to 70 ZooTeens may be invited to participate in the winter volunteer program, and 35 of these have the opportunity to become "Team Leaders." These select teens help lead the program on a daily basis.

The Team Leader program has received Mutual of Omaha's Wildlife Heritage Center's Award of Excellence twice for youth leadership involvement.

Each summer ZooTeens contribute 30,000 hours to the zoo. The program, which is in its 26th year, has participants from as far away as LaCenter, Wash. to Newberg, Ore.

For additional ZooTeen information or to apply online, visit the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org, under the heading Volunteer/teen/ZooTeen or call 503-220-2449.

February 15, 2005
PROVIDENCE PROVIDES $25,000 FOR ZOO'S YOUTH PROGRAMS

PORTLAND, Ore.-The Oregon Zoo Foundation has received a $25,000 gift from Providence Health Plans to support education programs that help underserved children grow and thrive.
" Providence Health Plans was impressed with our programs that give disadvantaged youth real opportunities to learn, improve their communication skills and increase their self-esteem," according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director.

The zoo has nearly 30 years of experience in the development and implementation of educational programs and community service opportunities for children and teenagers.
" The Oregon Zoo's programs have made a positive difference in the lives of Portland-area children," says Jack Friedman, chief executive, Providence Health Plans. "The majority of youth who participate in the zoo's programs have done better in school, found jobs and become productive members of society."

Providence has been a strong supporter of education in the Pacific Northwest, as part of its mission: "Striving to meet the health care needs of people as they journey through life." Providence Health Plans provides health care coverage services to more than 800,000 adults and children in Oregon and Washington. Providence focuses on improving the health of its members by creating access to high-quality health care programs and preventive services through top-rated benefit plans that are preferred by providers and customers. Providence Health Plans is part of Providence Health System, Oregon's largest network of health services and the state's second-largest private employer.

February 15, 2005
OREGON ZOO WELCOMES NEW ANIMALS TO PRIMATE & AMAZON EXHIBITS

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Zoo welcomes its first pygmy marmoset baby, as well as poison dart frogs and tree shrews in the Amazon Flooded Forest and primate exhibits.

Pygmy marmosets can be found in the Amazon exhibit and are quite active throughout the day, scurrying about the exhibit. Native to Central and South America, pygmy marmosets weigh just about half an ounce and are less than two inches long at birth. Visitors should watch for their Linda Blair impersonation. They can turn their heads 180 degrees to either side, enabling them to scan the surrounding scene for predators while clinging to vertical limbs and branches.

Other Amazon additions are bold poison dart frogs. These bright blue or green frogs can be found in dark, moist rainforests of Central and South America. In the wild, chemicals derived from the poison dart frog's diet of termites, crickets, ants and fruit flies are synthesized into poisons that are secreted from the frog's skin. The deadly frogs have about 200 micrograms of poison in their systems. Only two micrograms of poison could kill a human. The poison is not present in captive frogs.
Poisonfrog

New to the primate exhibit are tree shrews-agile, squirrel-like creatures. Tree shrews are lively tree climbers, but also spend much of their time on the ground, feasting on ants, spiders, seeds, and buds. Tree shrews are native to South and Southeast Asia, where they can be found living in the rainforests, woodlands and bamboo scrub.

February 14, 2005
AFTER SUFFERING MAJOR SETBACK, VETS DECIDE TO EUTHANIZE RHINO

PORTLAND, Ore. - Sunday evening, Oregon Zoo veterinarians euthanized Miadi, the black rhino, after her severe illness worsened. Miadi, 16, suffered from incurable chronic kidney insufficiency. Her vets and zookeepers were by her side when she died. The staff is deeply saddened by her passing.

" Miadi took a sudden turn Sunday and developed an acute, very serious blood disorder," said Mitch Finnegan, zoo veterinarian. "Her quality of life became extremely poor and it is doubtful she would have survived until morning. It was clear that the only humane thing to do was to euthanize her."

File photo of Miadi, the Oregon Zoo's black rhino. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy Oregon Zoo.

Miadi came to Oregon Zoo from Brookfield Zoo in Chicago in March of 1990 to join Pete, her mate for the last 15 years. The pair produced a female calf named Imara in September of 1997. Over the past 11 years, veterinarians and zookeepers have successfully charted the black rhino's estrous cycle, which should greatly benefit other institutions in the struggle to save this rare species. Miadi was considered middle-aged.

Anna Michel, senior Africa zookeeper, reflected on the loss of Miadi, "As a zookeeper, you always try not to get too attached to a particular animal, but Miadi forced many of us to break that rule. There's something very special about being able to get the level of trust and cooperation that we've gotten from her. She's a constant reminder of why we got into zookeeping."

According to Dr. Don Farst, American Zoo and Aquarium Association's Species Survival Plan coordinator for black rhino, renal failure is not unusual in black rhinos living in sanctuaries and zoos around the world. Often it is the final stage of chronic inflammatory disease, the cause of which is unknown.

Chris Pfefferkorn, general curator, said Miadi could help improve the understanding of renal failure. "Studying her remains can provide critical insight about this horrible disease. Through a comprehensive necropsy, we hope to discover clues on how we can improve the health and welfare of the world's rhinos."

In the wild, the black rhino population has plummeted from 65,000 in 1970 to less than 3,100 in 2002 due to habitat loss and poaching.

February 11, 2005
EXPERIENCE ELEPHANT, ZEBRA, GIRAFFE DURING KENYA SAFARI
Zoo offers a Feb. 27 slide preview of its upcoming trip to East Africa

Thousands of wildebeest and zebra moving en masse across the Serengeti during their migration to Tanzania. The trumpeting of elephants and the roar of lions from a waterhole beneath a rainforest lodge on the slopes of Mount Kenya. Experience these sights and sounds during the Oregon Zoo's Wild World Tours program that kicks off with a classic safari to Kenya Oct. 5-16.

African elephants are just some of the wildlife that will be experienced during the zoo's Kenya Safari in October. Photo courtesy Classic Escapes.

According to Zoo Director Tony Vecchio, "One of my best memories from an earlier trip was lying awake in bed, listening to hippos calling in Samburu."

Potential travelers can hear Vecchio tell more about the wonders of East Africa on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Oregon Zoo's Skyline Room. Interested participants must RSVP to attend the session, which will include a 30-40 minute PowerPoint presentation.

Vecchio will lead this year's Kenya safari, which begins with the Samburu National Reserve. This vast savanna is home to an abundance of wildlife rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, such as the Grevy's zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Also on the tour is Lake Nakuru National Park, lying within Kenya's Great Rift Valley, which Vecchio describes as "ideal for birding…--there are over 450 species of birds, including millions of pelicans and flamingos in the lake."

Last on the itinerary is a trek through the northern Serengeti grasslands of Maasai Mara, Kenya's most famous game reserve and the setting for the film Out of Africa. Vecchio says that the Serengeti is "what people often picture when they think of Africa: a sprawling grassland with cheetah, ostrich, elephant, antelope, and zebra." Options for this portion of the trip include a sunrise balloon safari over the savanna and the opportunity to fish in Lake Victoria, "with a chance to catch a 100-pound perch," Vecchio adds.

Accompanying Vecchio on the tour will be Antonio Marangabassa, acclaimed East Africa naturalist guide. Marangabassa, a resident of Kenya, is "astonishingly personable as well as knowledgeable and passionate about Kenya and the wildlife of Africa," says Vecchio. Himself an avid birder and veteran of former African safaris, Vecchio is eager to educate group members about the diversity of bird life they will encounter along the way.

Participants can delve further into East Africa with an optional seven-day trip extension. The tour will continue into Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro before crossing into Tanzania to visit the Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site. The crater's savanna floor is home to black rhino and black-maned lions, as well as more than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti.

Vecchio comments that a trip to Africa entails "a variety of experiences where you see spectacular vistas, where you see thousands of wildebeest, then turn around and see a bright red bird-it's like sensory overload."

The Kenya safari is the first travel opportunity offered as part of the zoo's Wild World Tours program. Plans are in the works for further adventures, including a trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica in 2006 and possibly a tour of the Galápagos Islands.

To RSVP for the complimentary informative afternoon, or to receive more information and a detailed itinerary of the Kenya safari, call 503-220-5770 or e-mail lamoras@metro.dst.or.us. Information about the orientation session and tour are also available on the zoo's web site at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Involved/travel.htm.

February 10, 2005
OREGON ZOO'S ENDANGERED RHINO DIAGNOSED WITH KIDNEY FAILURE

PORTLAND, Ore. - Veterinarians are treating Miadi, the Oregon Zoo's female black rhino, for renal failure. The prognosis is not encouraging for the 16-year-old rhino.

"She has chronic kidney insufficiency," explained Mitch Finnegan, Oregon Zoo veterinarian. "If s

Sadly, chronic kidney insufficiency has no cure, so veterinarians are focusing on maintaining Miadi's comfort as well as correcting electrolyte abnormalities and treating skin sores, which are caused by her kidney disease.

Finnegan explained that Miadi is on anti-inflammatory drugs to get her calcium levels down, reduce inflammation (part of her disease) and make her more comfortable. In addition, veterinarians have altered her diet and are tracking her electrolyte levels.

"Renal failure is not unusual in black rhinos living in sanctuaries and zoos around the world," according to Dr. Don Farst, American Zoo and Aquarium Association's Species Survival Plan coordinator for black rhino. "Often it is the final stage of chronic inflammatory disease. The cause of the chronic inflammation is unknown," he added.

Miadi is considered middle-aged. She came to Oregon Zoo from Brookfield Zoo in Chicago in March of 1990 to join Pete, her mate for the last 15 years. The pair produced a female calf named Imara in September of 1997, which was considered "very significant" since the vast majority of recent births had been males.

The zoo hoped the pair would produce more offspring in order to boost the number of the highly endangered species. Unfortunately, Miadi and Pete were unsuccessful in later breeding efforts. However, over the past 11 years, veterinarians and zookeepers have successfully charted the black rhino's estrous cycle, which should greatly benefit other institutions in the struggle to save this rare species.

In the wild, the black rhino population has plummeted from 65,000 in 1970 to less than 3,100 in 2002 due to habitat loss and poaching. The natural life span of black rhinos is 40 years.

On warmer days Miadi can sometimes be seen basking in the sun, which seems to provide some comfort and relief. During cold and rainy weather, Miadi is kept indoors to make her more comfortable.

Miadi's name means "hope" in Swahili, according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "We are all hoping for a miracle."

PORTLAND, Ore. - While their parents enjoy an evening of romance, kids can enjoy the nighttime wonders of the Oregon Zoo during the "I LOVE the Zoo" overnight. The special holiday overnight begins Saturday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. and ends Sunday, Feb. 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Kids ages 7-13 will receive special guided tours, animal visitors and behind-the-scenes peeks. They will also create valentine treats the animals will receive the following day. Dinner, an evening snack and continental breakfast are included in the $45 per child fee.

" Valentine's Day is an especially appropriate time to teach kids to care about animals and their habitats," said Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "By educating them in a fun environment, we empower them to respect and protect the world around them."

For further information or to register, visit www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2781.

February 4, 2005
CUPID DELIVERS TO THE OREGON ZOO
Animals Celebrate Valentine's Day at Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. - Animals at the Oregon Zoo will receive Valentine's Day treats from 10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. on Monday, February 14.

Tasty, heart-shaped ice treats filled with Valentine's delicacies will be given to sea otters Thelma and Eddie at 10 a.m. The female elephants will each receive a valentine of apples and other fruits and vegetables hidden inside heart-shaped boxes from their favorite keeper at 10:20 a.m. Lastly, the swamp monkeys will also receive heart-shaped boxes of Valentine's surprises at 10:40 a.m. Their boxes will contain all their favorite fruits and vegetables.

This is the fifth year that the special Valentine's Day enrichment treats have been handed out to zoo residents. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, which mentally stimulate the animals, and provide them with the opportunity to play, hunt and forage.

After watching the animals receive their gifts, visitors may enjoy the Valentine's Day food specials at the zoo's Cascade Grill, or purchase homemade fudge for their valentines in the zoo's gift shop.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Pennsylvania's “Punxsutawney Phil” may get more press, but this morning the original predictor of spring-the hedgehog-had her say on whether or not we're in for an early spring. The verdict? The little spiny critter searched for her shadow and found it, meaning six more weeks of winter in the Northwest.

Metro President, David Bragdon oversaw the hedgehog festivities with more than 20 first graders from Oregon Episcopal School looking on.

According to Bragdon, “The groundhog is a relative new comer to the prognosticating game. Historically the hedgehog was used in this centuries-old European tradition but immigrants to North America discovered there were no hedgehogs in their new homeland. They substituted the groundhog, but being purists, we're going back to the original critter,” he added.

The Oregon Episcopal school children helped Ke “determine” if she saw her shadow.

“ They searched for the shadow and it was so bright and sunny, they easily found it,” said Bragdon.