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

November 22, 2005
OREGON ZOOLIGHTS ARE TWICE AS "GREEN" THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Portland, Ore.-- One of the Oregon Zoo's favorite holiday attractions is more environmentally friendly this year. The ZooLights display includes more than 400,000 "LEDs," light-emitting diodes that use a fraction of the energy of conventional bulbs. ZooLights features more than 750,000 individual lights and plans to eventually replace the remaining 350,000 mini lights with energy-efficient LEDs.

The LEDs will save about 18,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity over their month of operation, compared to conventional bulbs - about the same consumption as 20 average-sized homes.

"Since Oregon Zoo is a conservation organization, we want to be a leader in energy efficiency," said Krista Swan, zoo event coordinator. "The zoo has been using LEDs for several years and we continue to add more each year. Using these energy-efficient lights helps the plants and animals that we're trying to save."

ZooLights illuminates life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways and the zoo train. The zoo added 210,000 LED lights this year, more than doubling the amount in the display. LEDs use only about one percent of the power of standard (C-7) holiday lights, and about 10 percent of the power in a mini-light. LEDs are also small, long-lived and very hard to damage. As the technology evolved in recent years, the price of LEDs has dropped and they are now available in home holiday lighting and common uses such as flashlights and bicycle lamps.

Oregon Zoo visitors can enjoy the 18th annual lighting display through Dec. 31. ZooLights is sponsored by the The Boeing Company, and is open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The festival is closed Dec. 24 and 25.

Back to Top

November 18, 2005
ZOO CELEBRATES HOLIDAYS WITH 18th ANNUAL ZOOLIGHTS FESTIVAL

Portland, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo will come alive with lights when the 18th annual ZooLights festival begins on November 26 at 5 p.m. This family tradition, presented by The Boeing Company, will feature nearly one million lights illuminating life-sized animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways, and the zoo train.

"Every year, the zoo presents a stunning display of light and color," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "I know many people in our community eagerly anticipate ZooLights and look forward to seeing the many new touches that we add each year. It is so gratifying to know that the Oregon Zoo has become an important holiday tradition to so many families," he added.

As visitors approach the zoo entrance, they will be greeted by 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." Trillium Creek Family Farm will be home to new silhouettes: 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 will graze near a river of lights on the zoo's concert lawn. The meandering river of LED lights is 180 feet long and 16 feet wide. Two life-sized, three-dimensional crocodiles closely watch the hippos as they graze; one crocodile has a motorized mouth that opens when visitors tap a switch. Just below the river of lights are submerged hippos and crocodiles. Nearby, an African fish eagle swoops down and scoops up a fish from the river.

The zoo's popular costumed characters and elves will be on hand to greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer will be joined by Buddy Beaver, Honey Bear, Eliza Elephant, Lulu Lemur, Nate the Eagle, Rock E. Goat, Sandy Sea Otter and Titus Tiger. Visitors can also see some of the zoo's resident animals, including mountain goats, elephants, primates, and pettable sheep and goats.

Music lovers will enjoy the highly animated light silhouette featuring Mick Jaguar performing on the concert stage with his all-star animal band. Mick is joined by Packy Pachyderm tickling the ivories, Richard Lion playing guitar, Gerri Giraffe on bass, Billy Bear on trumpet, Orville Orangutan on drums and Willy Wildebeest on sax. The Ostrich Sisters perform backing vocals.

Favorite light displays from previous years will also return, including trumpeting elephants, tobogganing polar bears and swinging monkeys. Lions can be seen chasing a herd of impalas, while a giraffe grazes nearby. An ostrich gets startled and runs away, hiding its head in the sand. Flying macaws fly from tree to tree. A 35-foot-long dragon mysteriously floats above the walkway. At Steller Cove, a sea lion and dancing sea star greet visitors. Close by are white swans that swim in a garden pond and penguins that dive in arctic waters. A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother's pouch and begins to hop around. And darting red and green amphibians play a lively game of leapfrog.

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

In addition to the lights, characters and music, the Tualatin Valley Model Railroad Club will show 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 will feature artisans and craftspeople that specialize in art made from recycled and sustainable materials. Paintings done by the zoo's talented elephant Rama will be available for purchase during the opening weekend of ZooLights, and again on Dec. 16.

The zoo's Cascade Grill will offer 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 will 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 will have one hour past the closing times to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities will continue until gates close. The festival is closed December 24 and 25.

ZooLights package tickets, which include admission and a train ride, are $9.50 (12-64), seniors $8 (65+), children $6.50 (3-11), and children under 3 are free. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

Back to Top

November 17, 2005
ZOO OFFERS PLETHORA OF PRESENTS FOR HOLIDAYS
Oregon Zoo has unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list

Portland, Ore.- In the hunt for truly distinctive holiday gifts, look no further than the Oregon Zoo. Offering many unique and eco-friendly gifts, each purchase helps the zoo raise funds for its conservation programs and environmental education efforts.

Forget the fruitcake and sponsor an animal for that special someone this holiday season. Whether the apple of your eye walks, swims, hops, crawls or flies, here's the perfect way to learn more about the habits and habitats of nearly 100 species of exotic animals through the ZooParents sponsorship program.

Starting at $25, the sponsoring "parent" receives a personalized certificate, animal fact sheet and a one-year subscription to the zoo's newsletter, Oregon Zoo Tracks. A $55 Naturalist level sponsor receives all of the above benefits plus a color photo of the animal and two passes to Zoofari, an evening featuring behind-the-scenes group tours led by Oregon Zoo keepers.

ZooParent sponsorships are tax deductible and benefit the zoo's Future for Wildlife program, which helps fund conservation programs for endangered and threatened species, including California condors, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, and Oregon silverspot butterflies. All zoo animals are available for sponsorship, so whether it's an Amur tiger or a naked mole rat, there's sure to be an animal to suit everyone's taste. Animal sponsorships may be purchased online at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-220-2493.

Zoo memberships are always an appreciated gift. Member benefits include unlimited zoo admission for one full year; admission benefits at more than 100 zoos nationwide; invitations to members-only events; a quarterly newsletter; and discounts on zoo train rides, educational camps and classes, and at the zoo's gift shops. Memberships begin at $39. For further information, call 503-220-2493 or visit www.oregonzoo.org.

Zoo gift certificates, which can be used toward admission or for food and retail purchases, are available at the zoo's reception office in $5 increments. Regular admission tickets, which are valid for one year from date of purchase, make great stocking stuffers. They can be purchased either in the zoo's office or online at www.oregonzoo.org.

An up-close and personal experience with an animal is priceless, but gift certificates for such an adventure can be purchased through the zoo's education office at 503-220-2781. Education gift certificates may be used to pay for any education program, including camps, classes and Behind the Scenes Encounters.

The zoo's gift shop, Cascade Outfitters, is bursting with unique animal-themed gifts. From intricate handmade animal ornaments to cuddly plush toys, the gift shop has something for everyone. There are a wide variety of animals to hug, puzzles to solve, books to read, and collectible gifts for everyone on your list. Zoo admission is not required to shop at Cascade Outfitters. If you prefer to shop from the comfort and warmth of your home, the gift shop can be accessed at www.ps.aramark.com/oregonzoo or through a link on the home page of the zoo's Web site, www.oregonzoo.org. Shipping and the 10 percent member discount are also available on the Web. Members will also receive an additional 10 percent discount on their first Internet purchase.

During ZooLights hours, the gift shop will showcase an Artists' Corner featuring works made from recycled and sustainable materials.

Back to Top

November 7, 2005
OREGON ZOO HOSTS ANNUAL TURKEY TROT

Portland, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo invites runners and walkers of all ages to the annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 24. The Thanksgiving Day event, organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club (ORRC), includes a 4-mile run and fitness walk beginning at 8 a.m. and a 1-kilometer Tot Trot beginning at 9:30 a.m. A portion of the proceeds from the Turkey Trot will go to the Oregon Zoo to fund animal care and conservation programs.

"For over 35 years The Oregon Road Runners Club has encouraged thousands of people to take steps to improve their health by walking and running," said Dave Cook, ORRC president. "The Turkey Trot has become an annual tradition for Oregon families and their relatives visiting from out of town. It's a great thing to do prior to sitting down to a big Thanksgiving Day meal," he added.

All events are noncompetitive and do not include awards. There will be a clock at the start and finish line for self-timing. Each event will start across from the zoo at the World Forestry Center and finish inside the zoo by the concert amphitheater. More information and registration forms are available at http://www.orrc.net/races/turkey_trot/turkey_tba.htm.

Parking is limited, so participants are encouraged to ride MAX. TriMet's Washington Park light rail station is just steps from the registration area and the start and finish lines. TriMet timetables are available at www.trimet.org.

No pets or rollerblades are allowed in any of the events. Strollers and child carrier backpacks are allowed only in the 4-mile fitness walk and must start at the back of the group.

Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food and personal care items for needy families and individuals. The Arc of Multnomah/Clackamas will have collection barrels at the zoo's entrance during the event. The Arc provides essential services to adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Volunteers wishing to help on this benefit run may call ORRC at 503-667-0480 and leave their name and phone number.

ORRC, a non-profit organization, was founded in Seaside, Oregon in 1970 as an outgrowth of the Trail's End Marathon, the first marathon in the Pacific Northwest. ORRC is a member of the national Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), and is one of the largest RRCA running clubs in the United States with roughly 1,000 members. The club conducts races and developmental programs for children, adults, runners and walkers, and plans and organizes more than 15 running and walking events in the Portland vicinity. Visit the Oregon Road Runners Club web site at www.orrc.net for more information.

Back to Top

November 4, 2005
RESCUED ARMADILLO SERVES AS POSTER ANIMAL FOR PROBLEMS WITH EXOTIC PET TRADE

Portland, Ore.- A male, three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus) is now in the care of the Oregon Zoo after being rescued by a woman who purchased the small-armored animal from a pet shop after witnessing its abuse by other customers.

When the armadillo lived at the pet shop, he could be taken out of his enclosure at any time and allowed to roam freely, according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director.

"On two or three occasions the woman saw kids chase and startle him into a ball," says Vecchio. "The diet he was fed almost killed him.  He went into hypoglycemic shock from eating the recommended diet for a long period of time, and the woman had to call 20 different vets to find someone willing to see him," he added.  

The woman purchased the young armadillo after making sure that the pet store would not bring in a replacement armadillo. The armadillo was wild caught and imported by an unknown dealer. According to the woman, the store was unable to receive any more armadillos because of a change in export laws in South America.  

"Kind-hearted people often rescue animals from bad situations, but they may not think ahead about the animals that come after," says Vecchio. "This armadillo is very lucky because we normally can't take exotic pets. We just don't have the space."

Vecchio urges the public to reconsider their pet choices when thinking about buying an exotic animal.

"Exotic species require regular veterinary care, similar to domestic species," says Vecchio. "But specialized veterinary care can be even more expensive and difficult to find."

Vecchio added that exotic pets can threaten human health as well as indigenous ecosystems. Some animals harbor dangerous diseases that humans can contract. Armadillos, for example, if not properly quarantined, can transmit plague, tuberculosis and leprosy. If released into the wild, exotic pets can wreak havoc on local plants and animals. Lastly, exotics can sometimes turn on their owners or others, causing serious injury or death.

"Buying an exotic pet-whether it's a baby lion or a hairless rat-may seem like a fun idea," says Vecchio. "But exotics animals are often difficult to care for, even by the most dedicated and well-meaning pet owner. I can't tell you how many frantic calls we receive, asking for us to take their exotic pet because they can no longer provide proper care."

According to Jan Mothershed, zoo registrar, many exotics require a permit or license from city, county, state, or federal agencies.  These permits are in place to protect the public, the environment, and to help enforce humane standards for the housing and care of exotic animals that do not fit into pet situations.  

"Many exotics live sad lives," says Mothershed. "They get passed from one owner to another as people realize they cannot care for the pet, and local zoos don't have the resources or space to take them. Still others are abused or suffer severe health problems as a result of lack of knowledge on the part of their owners. People should think long and hard before going down the exotic pet path."

The armadillo will be in quarantine until November 9. Upon completion of quarantine, he will join the zoo's educational animals where he will visit schools, community and senior centers, serving as an ambassador for his species. As part of the zoo's education animal program, staff will tell his story and highlight the inappropriateness of having armadillos or other exotic animals as pets.

Back to Top

November 4, 2005
THE RETURN OF RED ROCK RUN THRILL RIDE AT OREGON ZOO
Warm Up Inside a Volcanic Mine Shaft

Portland, Ore.- Oregon Zoo visitors can once again enter a world where hot rivers of lava intersect with mine carts on the zoo's returning thrill ride, Red Rock Run. The fiery feature, which is produced by SimEx-Iwerks, runs through November 24.

Riders follow the misadventures of the Dinkleberg family who are vacationing in the New Mexico desert. A sign publicizing tours of Red Rock Mine draws their interest and they decide to check it out. What they don't know is the tour has been closed for a long, long time due to volcanic activity.

"I hope this is a good idea," whispers Mom.

The words are hardly out of Mom's mouth when … Oh, No! … The mine's overhead track has hooked onto the luggage rack on the roof of their car.  Warning signs flash… and they're off.

Riders join the Dinklebergs as they travel past brilliant colors and dazzling sights, and experience an unbelievable and electrifying roller coaster ride inside a volcanic mine shaft.
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.

Red Rock Run plays from 11 a.m. to 4 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 $2 ticket is required. Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able to experience the ride. Red Rock Run can be previewed at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Gallery/video.htm#attractions.  

Back to Top