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September 29, 2005
OREGON ZOO'S PYGMY MARMOSET WELCOMES MATE

Portland, Ore.- Miguel, Oregon Zoo's pygmy marmoset, recently received a mate. Three-year-old Maya arrived at Oregon Zoo from Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.. Following her required time in quarantine, she and Miguel were introduced to each other privately, off exhibit.

"Miguel and Maya are getting along wonderfully, grooming each other and frolicking, chasing and playing throughout the exhibit," said Primate Keeper Renee Cressa.

Pygmy marmosets can be found in the zoo's Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit and are quite active throughout the day, scurrying around 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.

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September 27, 2005
HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN ZOO'S YOUTH FARM PROGRAM
Students explore career options and gain work experience during zoo's new youth internship program

Portland, Ore.- The Oregon Zoo invites home-schooled high school-aged youth to apply for its new program, the Farm Animal Care Team (FACT).  FACT expands the list of the zoo's award-winning youth programs and will allow youth interns to manage the Trillium Creek Family Farm, the zoo's newest exhibit.
High school-aged volunteers are responsible for the daily operations of the farm and work alongside staff to make sure the animals are well cared for and visitors have a good time.

"The zoo's Family Farm is run by kids for kids," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Youth interns will not only care for the farm animals on a daily basis, but they will be running the farm and conveying all the educational information to the public as well."

The new program is being created thanks to a grant received from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The grant will fund two two-year mentorship positions to work with youth in the FACT program.

Students may become involved in many ways. Job Shadow students commit to at least one 3-hour shift. In their brief time at the zoo, students will have a chance to participate in some of the tasks involved in caring for animals in a zoo setting.

Farm Interns have a more in-depth experience in animal care and informal public education. Student interns commit to a minimum of 21 hours, usually, one 3-hour shift each week for at least seven weeks. Participants may continue their experience in long-term internships lasting the entire school year.

Internship activities may include:
- feeding and grooming animals

- cleaning animal areas

- performing basic health exams

- supervising visitor interactions with animals

- leading educational activities and demonstrations

Leaders are chosen from the students participating in long term internships. These students receive specialized training and assist in mentoring job shadow and interns as they care for and teach about the animals living at the Family Farm.

Leader activities include:

- training animals

- working with keepers and vet staff

- developing public presentations

- learning record keeping

- leading a volunteer team

Leaders make a long term commitment to the program and attend special training.

Home Schoolers that would like to learn more about career exploration opportunities at the Trillium Creek Family Farm can visit www.oregonzoo.org or call
503-220-2449.

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September 26, 2005
IT'S ALL CHEETAHS, ALL DAY LONG!
Get ready for a fun-filled day and evening to benefit Cheetah Conservation Fund

Portland, Ore.- Though the cheetah can outrun all other land animals, its most important race right now is the race for survival. On October 16, Oregonians can help these spotted cats by participating in three events at the Oregon Zoo that support the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), including Run for the Cheetah, Cheetah Camp, and "Big Cat. Big Party."

CCF Founder and Executive Director Dr. Laurie Marker began her 30 years of work with the cheetahs in Oregon at Wildlife Safari. She is a Time magazine "Hero of the Planet" award recipient and is a world-renowned expert on cheetahs. The CCF's mission is "to secure habitats for the long-term survival of the cheetah and their ecosystem through multi-disciplined and integrated programs of conservation, research and education."

Run for the Cheetah

Think that you can run as fast as a cheetah? Prove your speed during the first annual Run for the Cheetah on Sunday, October 16. The 8K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K run/walk sets off at 8:45 a.m. Both start at the Oregon Zoo's parking lot and take participants through Washington Park. Two-term Governor of Oregon John Kitzhaber, M.D. is CCF's Honorary Run for the Cheetah Chairperson.  

The inaugural event is sponsored by Azumano Travel, the Oregon Zoo, Comcast, Java Jacket, REI, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, KINK FM, Apollo Graphics, Lake Oswego Review, NW Natural and Marriott Hotels and Resorts.

Register for Run for the Cheetah at www.racecenter.com/runforthecheetah or call 503-644-6822.

Cheetah Camp

Children ages 4-11 are invited to Cheetah Camp at the Oregon Zoo from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, October 16. Parents can sign their campers in starting at 8:15 a.m. The campers will be divided by age groups and will visit with Dr. Marker and her two friends, Kamau (a rare King cheetah) and Kgosi (a spotted cheetah). They'll learn all about the world's fastest land animal and will even get to show off their speed in their own cheetah sprint.

Runners and others must pre-register their children by calling 503-226-1561. Space is limited, so reserve a spot early.

Big Cat. Big Party.

For those cool cats who like to party, the CCF's fourth annual Zoo Cheetah Benefit Dinner and Auction from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 16 is not to be missed. The event takes place at the Oregon Zoo Banquet Center and features Dr. Marker and the cheetahs Kamau and Kgosi for a fun and informative dining experience.  

Dr. Marker will discuss her work in Namibia and other countries to save the wild cheetah, while guests are invited to enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by the zoo's Executive Chef Paul Warner and bid on many auction items. Tickets for the event are $150 for the patron reception from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ($120 before October 1) or $75 for the buffet dinner and auction only from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ($60 before October 1). Tickets must be purchased by October 10.

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September 23, 2005
SAVING THE RHINOS
Oregon Zoo hosts free lecture on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy September 23

Portland, Ore.- For ten years, endangered rhinos have thrived at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya thanks in large part to Ian Craig, who will speak at the Oregon Zoo on Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m. Craig founded Lewa with renowned rhino advocate Anna Merz, and it has become one of the most successful wildlife conservation programs in Africa through an innovative mix of ecotourism, wildlife security measures and local community involvement.

The free event at the Oregon Zoo will highlight the successful conservation efforts at Lewa, what the organization has faced in the past ten years, and where it hopes to be in the coming decade. With poaching an ever-present threat to the rhinos on and off conservancy lands, this lecture will be an opportunity to hear what a group of committed individuals is doing to ensure the survival of one of the earth's most endangered species.

Craig will also discuss the emerging Northern Rangelands Trust, an effort by the local community to protect migratory corridors in that portion of Kenya for the benefit of migratory species. The concept of corridor protection is gaining support both in Kenya and among environmentalists throughout the world.

The lecture takes place in the Kalahari Banquet Center at the zoo, downstairs from AfriCafé. Tax-deductible donations will be accepted. For more information about Lewa and this event, call 503-244-7006.

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September 21, 2005
OREGON ZOO TEEN HEADED TO POLAR BEAR SCIENCE CAMP
"Ambassador of the Arctic" Andrew Eberle heads to Churchill, Canada in October

Portland, Ore.- Andrew Albert Eberle of Portland is one of eight teens from around the world headed to Churchill, Canada for ten days this October to work as an "Ambassador of the Arctic." Sixteen-year-old Eberle has been involved with the Oregon Zoo for eleven years and survived an intense application process before being chosen to attend the highly selective Polar Bear Science (PBS) Camp, given by Polar Bears International (PBI). The camp allows teens from around the globe to work closely with scientists in the field during the polar bear migration.  

"This is going to be such an amazing and memorable experience for Andrew," said Mia Reager, youth volunteer coordinator at the zoo. "Working with scientists and studying polar bears is something that few teens have the opportunity to do, and we know that Andrew will make the most of his time there and will share his experience with others."

PBI had earlier invited the Oregon Zoo to send an ambassador, but left it up to the zoo to determine eligibility criteria. Reager coordinated the selection process to choose an individual from the field of Oregon Zoo youth volunteers. Students who applied were required to be at least 16 years of age, in 10th or 11th grade, and regular participants in Oregon Zoo youth volunteer programs.

The application process was rigorous. Eberle was required to write a four-page paper about an issue that he felt needed to be addressed for his community (he chose invasive plants), prepare a five-minute presentation about what makes an exceptional "Ambassador of the Arctic," and answer interview questions from a seven-member panel of zoo staff and volunteers.

"All of the applicants were very qualified, which made our job difficult," said Reager. "In the end, we admired Andrew's love of sharing information. He will have a wonderful time at the camp, but the best part of the experience for him will be teaching others about what he learned there after he returns."

Eberle is no stranger to sharing information with others, having spent the last three summers as a member of the ZooTeen program. He also volunteered in the Trillium Creek Family Farm's school year program last year; both programs require him to relay information about a variety of animals to the public. He began his zoo experience in the Penguin Camp while in kindergarten and has participated in many zoo programs throughout the years, each one teaching him about the zoo animals and also helping him grow as a person.

"I have gained so many things from being a part of the zoo," said Eberle. "When I was younger it taught me about the animals and responsibility, and really helped me open up and become more outgoing. Now, as I am getting older, it has been teaching me more about leading others and how to delegate and work with other people."

Eberle decided to apply for the PBS camp because he could not waste the opportunity to invoke change and make an impact, he said.  

"It is amazing to be a part of a group so small that has the potential to accomplish so much," said Eberle.

At Grant High School where Eberle is a junior, the 4.0 GPA student stays involved with Model United Nations, Grant's Environmental Club, Science Bowl, student government, track and field, and will be co-president of the school's speech and debate team. He has also participated in the Inner City Youth Institute, available through Oregon State University's College of Forestry and Bureau of Land Management, for the last five years. The program teaches urban youth about nature and resource management.

This is PBI's second annual science camp. Last year's participants came from Australia, Germany, Japan, and the U.S. The camp allows students to interact with classmates at home and keep an online journal throughout their journey to share their experience with others. After the camp, participants create an action plan to educate and raise awareness in their school and community about issues in the Arctic Tundra and problems for the polar bear.

PBI sponsors the teens while in Canada; the Oregon ZooGuides, a dedicated team of adult volunteers, are sponsoring the cost of Eberle's plane ticket to Winnipeg.

PBI is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1992 by Dan Guravich, a wildlife photographer who is internationally renowned for his work with polar bears. The organization works to conserve the world's polar bears through research and education.

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September 19, 2005
ENRICHMENT GOES WILD AT WORLD ANIMAL FESTIVAL
Visitors get to see animal enrichment activities firsthand at the Oregon Zoo's World Animal Festival

Portland, Ore.- World Animal Festival at Oregon Zoo will give visitors the chance to witness many of the zoo's animal enrichment activities in action, including an art show by Portland's 'biggest' artist - Rama the elephant. The event, presented by the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation for eight straight years, is slated for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, then again on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The theme of this year's festival is "Wonders of Water" and animals that live in or near the water throughout the world will be highlighted. Included in this will be a celebration of Sea Otter Awareness Week. The festival will feature animal enrichment activities involving river otters, hippos, sea lions, penguins, crocodiles, polar bears and sea otters. Visitors can watch river otters chasing live goldfish and crayfish, hippos enjoying large grain balls, polar bears playing in the snow, and crocodile feeding time, among other activities. The complete schedule is as follows:

Saturday, September 24
-11:15 a.m. River Otters (Live Goldfish); 1 p.m. Hippos (Grain Ball); 2:30 p.m. Sea Lions (Large Ice Treats)

Sunday, September 25
-11:15 a.m. Penguins (Light Show); 1 p.m. Hippos (Grain Ball); 2:30 p.m. River Otters (Live Crayfish)

Saturday, October 1
-11:15 a.m. Hippos (Large Ice Treats); 1 p.m. Crocodiles (Feeding); 2:30 p.m. Penguins (Bubbles)

Sunday, October 2
-11:15 a.m. Penguins (Bubbles); 1 p.m. Polar Bears (Snow Day); 2:30 p.m. Sea Otters (Ice Treats)

There will also be a special art show during the festival by the zoo's Pachyderm Picasso, Rama. Painting is part of the zoo's elephant enrichment program, and Rama has earned rave reviews for his creative exploits on canvas. He had his own show in the Pearl District at the Mark Woolley Gallery, and he's been featured on Oregon Art Beat, among other places. But this oversized artist usually has only two or three shows a year, so this is a special opportunity to see his work. The show will be held in the classrooms near the sun bears each day during the festival from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can peruse his many works, and appreciate his unique style - what one critic called 'eruptionism' - caused by the way he blows paint from his trunk. You can also take his work home with you, with all proceeds going to support the zoo's conservation programs.  

While attending the enrichment activities during World Animal Festival, visitors will also have the chance to learn more about the "cultural lives" of animals. Few people realize how most of the animals at the Oregon Zoo inspire awe, creativity, reverence, and fear in cultures throughout the world. In India, the Asian elephant appears in the Hindu incarnation of the four-armed god Ganesh, lord of wisdom, intelligence, and education. For several Pacific Northwest Native American tribes, the sea otter represents loyal friendship, while the salmon is seen as a provider. And the San Bushmen of southern Africa revere giraffes and hippos as "rain animals."

Throughout the festival's two weekends, local cultural groups will present their versions of animal folklore to zoo guests in a variety of ways, including art and craft exhibits, African and Native American storytelling, performance art, and live music. In addition, activity areas around zoo grounds will feature games, educational activities and take-home crafts such as Ukrainian egg decorating and Middle Eastern mosaics.

World Animal Festival is free with general zoo admission.

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September 18, 2005
OREGON ZOO RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT HONOR

Portland, Ore.- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Oregon Zoo with a Significant Achievement Award in the Exhibit category for "Eagle Canyon."  Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 81st Annual Conference meeting here this week.

Oregon Zoo's Eagle Canyon exhibit, which opened May 2004, is the world's first zoo exhibit to feature free-flying bald eagles living with salmon, trout and sturgeon. The 20,800 square foot, $2.4-million exhibit-with its impressive animals and state-of-the-art interactive displays-helps highlight the plight of salmon and other native animals found in the Pacific Northwest.

More than 100 salmon swimming in deep pools, along with several rainbow trout and sturgeon, greet visitors as they enter the exhibit. Children can explore a bubble-which is inset into the pool-to get a nose-to-nose view of the salmon and other large fish.

As visitors walk along the forest trail, they encounter towering old-growth trees and cascading waterfalls. Along the trail are a series of bridges and several interactive sculptures. A colorful tile mosaic-embedded into the trail-displays the life cycle of salmon.

At the top of the canyon, visitors can stop and watch the bald eagles perched on a snag just 10 feet away. No netting or barrier separates visitors from these two large predators with their impressive six-foot wingspans. Behind the viewing platform, children can play in a giant eagle's nest and experience life as a bald eagle.

The Exhibit Award is presented by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for outstanding dedication to conservation issues, construction of exhibit space and replication of species natural habitats.

Founded in 1924, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and its 211 member institutions and professional members envision a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

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September 16, 2005
OREGON ZOO'S CALIFORNIA CONDOR KUN WAK SHUN TO BE RELEASED TO THE WILD ON SEPTEMBER 17
First California condor chick hatched in Oregon in more than a century on schedule for his first taste of freedom

Portland, Ore.- Hatched in May 2004 at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation, endangered California condor Kun Wak Shun has been groomed for this moment his entire life. From the hands-off approach of keepers who oversaw fostering of the chick by an established condor pair to the pre-release socialization he spent with adult mentor birds, as much as possible has been done to prepare the 15-month-old Kun Wak Shun for a successful life in the wild.

Though there are no plans as yet to release California condors in Oregon, the California condor's former range did extend as far north as the Columbia River. Archeologists have unearthed 9,000-year-old condor bones from Native American middens. Explorers Lewis and Clark documented sightings of the California condor in their journal, describing it in an October 28, 1805 entry as a "Vulture of the Columbia" and noted that the species was common. The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain.

"When I became director of the Oregon Zoo in 1998, if someone had asked about bringing California condors back to Oregon, I would have called the notion highly improbable," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "But since then we've made a number of achievements toward that goal, and seeing the zoo's first condor chick released to the wild in California is perhaps our biggest success to date."

Former Oregon Zoo Assistant Condor Curator Joe Burnett, now Condor Coordinator at Ventana Wilderness Society, will coordinate Kun Wak Shun's release at Pinnacles National Monument in central California on September 17.

Kun Wak Shun will be fitted with a GPS satellite tracking tag prior to release and will be released with four other condors his age. They will be let go using a "soft-release" approach, meaning each bird has had ample acclimation time to fully develop and adjust to their new surroundings. Following the release, biologists will monitor supplemental feeding and water sites to ensure that each newly released condor not only finds the location, but also feeds and drinks there with the wild flock. They will also map daily movements of the newly released condors. Such data will provide an accurate picture of daily activity patterns and allow biologists to keep a watchful eye on Kun Wak Shun's progress.

"I feel very fortunate that I've been able to watch Kun Wak Shun develop from a fragile young chick at the Oregon Zoo into the strong, healthy bird he is today," said Burnett.

Kun Wak Shun began his "boot camp" training for release at Ventana Wilderness Society's condor release pen in Pinnacles National Monument when he was nine months old. The release pen is situated on a steep mountainside in a remote wilderness area within Pinnacles National Monument. The release pen is a large netted aviary where young condors learn the intricacies of condor social hierarchy and survival skills from an adult mentor bird before being released into the wild. Young condors also receive aversion training through a mock power pole set up inside the release pen. The aviary provides plenty of natural perching as well as enough room to exercise the condors' wings and build up flight muscles. The remote setting of the release pen has the added bonus of exposing the pre-release cohort to the seven wild condors, who come by and visit the youngsters on almost a daily basis.

Kun Wak Shun is now full-grown at 15 months of age, with a wingspan of 9.5 feet and weighing 19 pounds.

"He pushed his way up through the release flock hierarchy and will have to prove himself again amongst the wild birds," Burnett said. "He is showing every indication that he will do extremely well upon release. I can't wait to see him take his first flight into the wild!"

The September 17 condor release at Pinnacles National Monument is open to the public. Please visit Ventana Wilderness Society's web site at www.ventanaws.org, or call 831-455-9514, for more release event details

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September 9, 2005
OREGON ZOO'S TWO-BUCK TUESDAY RECEIVES $30,000 DONATION
Bank of America Foundation shows support for the zoo's popular program

Portland, Ore.- The Bank of America Foundation is showing its support for the Oregon Zoo's "Two-Buck Tuesday" program with a $30,000 donation. The program offers the discounted admission of $2 during regular zoo hours on the second Tuesday of every month (children under three are admitted free of charge) and draws crowds from all over the state.

"The Bank of America Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the zoo," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Their generous donation helps bring this popular monthly event to the community, making the zoo accessible to as many people as possible."

The Bank of America Foundation has supported the zoo in a variety of projects and programs since 1989. The foundation has given a total of $187,000 to the zoo, with previous donations helping the family farm youth program; the HeadStart ZooMobile program, which brings small animals to visit HeadStart centers; and the development of a science curriculum for kindergarten through second graders.

The Bank of America Foundation was drawn to the zoo's Two-Buck Tuesday program because of its impact on the community throughout the entire year, according to Jennifer Hurd, corporate marketing and communications director for Bank of America.

Two-Buck Tuesday started in August 2004 as a shift from the "Free Tuesday" policy, which allowed visitors to tour the zoo without charge on the second Tuesday of every month, but only from 1 p.m. until closing. Due to safety concerns with the number of people coming to the zoo over a short amount of time, as well as poor visitor experiences, zoo management chose to charge a nominal fee and extend the discount for the entire day.

"Two-Buck Tuesday is typically our highest-traffic day of the month," said Vecchio. "I love to see huge attendance numbers because it means that more people are being exposed to all of the education and conservation information that the zoo has to offer, as well as the extraordinary animals that reside here."

Besides Two-Buck Tuesdays, the zoo also offers a 20 percent discount on admission and train rates for any group of 20 or more paying visitors, when one payment is made for the entire purchase. School group rates, with advance reservations, are available for $3 per student. Zoo membership rates begin at $39, which includes unlimited year-round admission.

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September 8, 2005
" WILD ABOUT ZOOS" PARTNERSHIP RAISES $61,190 FOR ZOOS

Portland, Ore.- Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank recently contributed a total of $61,190 to four western zoos through its "Wild About Zoos" partnership with Oregon Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and the Honolulu Zoo. The Oregon Zoo received $13,450 to support its education and conservation programs, including efforts to save endangered western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, and other northwest species.

Through Wild About Zoos, HomeStreet Bank donated $10 for every new bank account, mortgage, loan, and insurance policy opened between April 1 and June 30, 2005. HomeStreet generated 6,119 new accounts in that time, which included 1,345 accounts in the Portland area. As a result, the minimum financial commitment of $45,000 to the four zoos was exceeded.

"HomeStreet Bank has proven to be a great friend to the zoo," according to Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "This donation helps fund many important conservation programs that help save local endangered species. HomeStreet's commitment to the Oregon Zoo, and our conservation partners in Washington, directly benefit imperiled and threatened northwest animals. We'd love to see this worthwhile program continue."

This is the fourth year of Wild About Zoos. Since the program's inception, HomeStreet has contributed more than $242,000 to zoos, including more than $59,000 to the Oregon Zoo alone.

HomeStreet Bank's tradition of community involvement dates from its early years, taking the form of community leadership, volunteerism, and charitable contributions. Each year, HomeStreet contributes two percent of its annual pre-tax profits to organizations in its communities. Wild About Zoos has been a major element of the bank's corporate focus on parks and open spaces.

The Oregon Zoo's mission is to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. As the largest paid attraction in the state of Oregon, the zoo is an effective tool for educating the public about the value of environmental and cultural preservation for all living things. Special promotions, such as Wild About Zoos, help fund the zoo's conservation efforts and its environmental stewardship message.  

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September 7, 2005
STOEL RIVES ATTORNEY ELECTED CHAIR OF OREGON ZOO FOUNDATION

Portland, Ore.- Stoel Rives attorney Penny H. Serrurier was recently elected Chair of the Oregon Zoo Foundation Board of Trustees.  Serrurier brings a wealth of expertise to her new role at the zoo. She is a partner at Stoel Rives whose practice areas include tax-exempt organizations and charitable giving, as well as estate planning and administration, business succession planning, and personal tax and financial planning.

"We're thrilled to have Penny leading the foundation at this critical time," said Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "Her knowledge is a real asset for an organization like the zoo."

Serrurier is a very active member of the community. In addition to being a board member at the Oregon Zoo, she serves on the board of the Oregon Symphony Foundation. She is part of the planned giving committees at both the United Way and Guide Dogs for the Blind. She also is a member of the Executive Committee of the Oregon State Bar Estate Planning and Administration Section and does volunteer legal work for the North Portland Legal Aid Clinic.

"We encourage all of our attorneys to be active in the community," said Ruth Beyer, Portland Managing Partner at Stoel Rives, "Penny brings tremendous passion and commitment to organizations that can benefit from her involvement.  She is a true leader in the community."

"She is the perfect person to represent us in the community," adds Vecchio, "It's hard not to get excited about the zoo when you hear Penny talk about all of the great things that are happening here and the reasons she has gotten involved."

About the Oregon Zoo Foundation: The Oregon Zoo Foundation's mission is to foster community pride and involvement in the Oregon Zoo and to secure financial support for the zoo's conservation, education and cultural programs. For more information about the Oregon Zoo Foundation, please visit www.oregonzoo.org.

About Stoel Rives LLP: Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing counseling and litigation services throughout the western United States.  The firm's 360 attorneys provide client-focused services to a wide range of clients from eight offices in five western states. Stoel Rives is regarded as a regional leader in energy, natural resources, environment, litigation, corporate and intellectual property law. For more information about Stoel Rives LLP, please visit www.stoel.com.

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September 6, 2005
DINE & DISCOVER KICKS OFF ITS TASTY SEASON SEPTEMBER 27
Oregon Zoo Director entertains and educates guests in the first of four dinner events

Portland, Ore.- There are certain conversation topics that are deemed suitable at the dinner table; the topic of rodents wouldn't even be nominated for the list. That isn't stopping Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio, however, who will share his rat expertise with dinner guests at the zoo's first Dine & Discover event of the season. The 2005-2006 series, which is presented by The Boeing Company, kicks off Tuesday, September 27, and promises to satisfy both inquiring minds and growling stomachs.

"Rodents have somewhat of a bad rap and are misunderstood by the public; as a result, they're underrepresented in zoos," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "They are actually a very interesting and diverse group of mammals."

Vecchio's discussion will be accompanied by a multi-course feast from a menu that fortunately does not include rodents, but is themed around some of their favorite dishes: cheese and nuts. Zoo Executive Chef Paul Warner will please palates with delectable hors d'oeuvres and four courses, including a main dish of almond crusted breast of chicken with black currant sauce and crumbled oregonzola cheese, many-grained pilaf, and a medley of roasted vegetables. Wine is provided courtesy of E. & J. Gallo Winery.

Dine & Discover is a series of four intimate food and wine experiences representing world regions and fascinating animals. Each evening starts with a reception featuring delectable appetizers. The meal is a masterpiece of regional fare created by Warner and is accompanied by a presentation from a zoo staff member on the animals being highlighted.

Vecchio's discussion will be followed by events on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005; Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006; and Tuesday, April 11, 2006, all promising to be exotic, educational, and delicious.

The cost for each Dine & Discover evening is $75 per person, or $500 per table of eight. The cost for the complete series is $250. Seating is limited to those with reservations. To make reservations, call 503-220-2492. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.

Net proceeds benefit The Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future for Wildlife program.

Future for Wildlife annually offers grants to support projects that directly contribute to the survival of animal populations in the wild. Projects funded in the past include repairs to the perimeter wall of the Humboldt penguin reserve in Punta San Juan, Peru; development of an environmental education program on Rodrigues, Mauritius; and a survey of endangered turtles in Hainan, China.

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September 1, 2005
COME CELEBRATE THE SECRET LIVES OF ANIMALS
Oregon Zoo partners with Weyerhaeuser to host multicultural festival of animals

Portland, Ore.- World Animal Festival at Oregon Zoo will showcase the "cultural lives" of animals throughout the world. The event, presented by the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation for eight straight years, is slated for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, then again on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Few people realize how most of the animals at the Oregon Zoo inspire awe, creativity, reverence, and fear in cultures throughout the world. In India, the Asian elephant appears in the Hindu incarnation of the four-armed god Ganesh, lord of wisdom, intelligence, and education. For several Pacific Northwest Native American tribes, the sea otter represents loyal friendship, while the salmon is seen as a provider. And the San Bushmen of southern Africa revere giraffe and hippos as "rain animals."

"It is Weyerhaeuser's pleasure again this year to invite families from Oregon and southwest Washington to this fun and educational event," said Nancy Arend, vice president for Weyerhaeuser's hardwood business and a member of The Oregon Zoo Foundation's board of directors. "For Weyerhaeuser, protecting wildlife habitat is key to our sustainable forestry and sustainable business practices. This event is a perfect fit for us in that it celebrates wildlife diversity, and what we can do collectively to sustain wildlife populations around the world."

The theme of this year's festival is "Wonders of Water" and animals that live in or near the water throughout the world will be highlighted. Included in this will be a celebration of Sea Otter Awareness Week.

Throughout the festival's two weekends, local cultural groups will present their versions of animal folklore to zoo guests in a variety of ways, including art and craft exhibits, African and Native American storytelling, performance art, and live music. In addition, activity areas around zoo grounds will feature take-home crafts such as Ukrainian egg decorating and Middle Eastern mosaics, games, educational activities and interactive displays.
World Animal Festival is free with general zoo admission.

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