Oregon Zoo - Portland, OR - www.oregonzoo.org
|
Oregon Zoo - Portland, OR - www.oregonzoo.org |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Press
Kits: Press
Releases: NOTE: Dates indicate date of press release, not the date of the event.
July 31, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Chinook and Takini faced an uncertain future until Michelle Schireman stepped in. The two orphaned cougar cubs were rescued by Schireman, the Association of Zoo and Aquariums' puma population manager and a keeper at the Oregon Zoo. The young cougars will make their debut at the Oregon Zoo on Aug. 4.
Chinook, the larger of the two cats at 45 pounds, was found in late January, underweight and scavenging for food in Sequim, Wash. Authorities at Washington State Game believe she is the cub of a cougar hit by a car in December. She was held at the Northwest Raptor Center in Sequim until she could be moved to Portland in late April. Takini, the zoo's second cougar, was spotted in a tree observing a Rapid City, S.D., resident waxing his boat on Mother's Day. Officials with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Wildlife Division darted the 35-pound cub with a tranquilizer. Schireman suggested the name Takini, which means survivor in the Lakota language of Native Americans. Takini arrived at the zoo May 18. The cubs are believed to be about 9 to 10 months old. The two female felines are becoming acquainted with one another behind the scenes, but will soon move to their new home, Cougar Crossing, the zoo's newest exhibit. The exhibit opens Friday, Aug. 4, with grand opening activities slated for Saturday, Aug. 5. Because there are many orphaned cubs in the wild, there has been a moratorium on cougar breeding in effect at all AZA-accredited zoos nationwide. The zoo's Cougar Crossing can hold three cats, so it is possible that the zoo may serve as a foster home for cubs waiting for a permanent placement. " I'm always looking for temporary homes for orphans," said Schireman. "If we can fill that role once in a while, that may save young cougars." The cubs' new home, Cougar Crossing, is naturalistic and allows visitors a unique view into cougar habitat. Visitors enter the exhibit at the forested edge of Trillium Creek Family Farm along a path that winds toward the first viewing area. The covered viewing structure, which resembles those seen in national parks, allows visitors to come within five or six feet of the cougars. One-eighth inch aircraft cable strung vertically and taut creates the animals' barrier. Visitors are kept back from the wire by a fence. " Very little separates visitors from the cougars," says Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "The design provides an unobstructed view." A heated rock and a "drinker" disguised behind a rock are placed strategically to entice the cougars to come close to visitors. To encourage climbing, trees were left in the exhibit, and a rock wall in the back of the exhibit was built with ledges. The top of the exhibit is covered with mesh to keep the animals safely inside. Around the corner, a second viewing area gives visitors an even closer view. A heated rock ledge is nestled against a large glass window built into a rock wall, which allows visitors to come face-to-face with the cougars. Cougar Crossing continues the zoo's award-winning naturalistic exhibit-design concept, and was largely handled in-house. " Representatives from living collections, security and horticulture collaborated with our exhibits team to design a fantastic exhibit for visitors, keepers and animals," says Vecchio. Cougar Crossing is part of the Cascade Canyon Trail exhibit, a component of the Great Northwest project, which when completed in 2007, will take visitors from the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Cascade Canyon has been made possible by a generous $250,000 grant from Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation. July 27, 2006
" Pet has always been pigeon-toed and we've been managing her arthritis through medication and exercise for a long time," said Mike Keele, the zoo's deputy director. "The inward angle of her front feet has exacerbated her arthritis and lately it's become clear that she's in discomfort." Zoo veterinarians and keepers have been providing Pet with anti-inflammatory and pain medications in an effort to provide her with some relief. However, since the veterinary team can no longer find a way to improve her condition and ease her pain, humane euthanasia is now the only appropriate option. " I know there won't be a dry eye at the zoo," lamented Keele. "She's just a sweet and lovely lady. I've known her for over 30 years, and she's always been my favorite elephant because of her great intelligence and charm. We've done everything we can to help her, but sadly, it's no longer enough," he added. The Oregon Zoo acquired Pet in 1962. She was born regon Zoo's oaround 1955 near Bangkok, Thailand. She has given birth to six calves at the Oregon Zoo, including her daughter Sung-Surin. " Pet is not only our herd's matriarch, but she's also a great ambassador for Asian elephants and the zoo, said Keele. "She's very special to us and to the entire community for that matter." At 51, Pet is one of the oldest female Asian elephants cared for in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Asian elephants are smaller than their African counterparts, and can vary widely in size. Pet stands about 7 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 6,300 pounds. (By contrast, Packy, one of the largest Asian elephants in the U.S., stands about 10 feet four inches at the shoulder and weighs approximately 12,400 pounds.) In the wild, an Asian elephant's diet consists of bamboo, fruit, leaves, shoots, reeds, grasses and up to 50 gallons of water per day. Herds are led by an older female, known as a matriarch. In addition to the matriarch, the herd comprises other females, calves, and juvenile and adolescent offspring, both male and female. Adult male elephants, known as bulls, spend nearly all their time alone or traveling loosely with other males. Asian elephants are found in both thick jungle and open grassy plains in Burma, India, and as far east as Vietnam. Their status is listed as critically endangered. Fewer than 200 Asian elephants exist in Vietnam, while their overall range-country population is estimated to be about 35,000. The major threat to the wild population is fatalities resulting from conflicts with human activities such as agriculture. Other threats include poaching and loss of suitable habitat as a result of human activities. The Oregon Zoo's innovative and respected elephant-management program is world-renowned in the zoo community. Twenty-seven baby elephants have been born at the Oregon Zoo. Currently, the zoo is home to seven Asian elephants: four females and three males. Keele serves as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' species survival plan coordinator for Asian elephants in North America. He also works with the World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission on implementing action plans to save the elephant in range countries. July 25, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- A popular pig exhibit, camps, concerts and family-friendly events helped boost the Oregon Zoo's attendance to 1,365,459 for the fiscal year ending June 30, marking the second-highest attendance figure in the zoo's 119-year history. Fiscal year 2000-01 remains the zoo's best year with 1,367,940 visitors. The Oregon Zoo Foundation Board Member and Metro Councilor Brian Newman is pleased by the strong community support. " These high attendance numbers represent a great accomplishment," says Newman. "I'm so glad the rest of the community enjoys visiting the zoo as much as I do."
" This year we had a beautiful spring," said Vecchio. "But I think what really made the difference was the return of the butterflies and the opening of the new Visayan warty pig exhibit. All pig species are cool and very popular, but these warty pigs may be the coolest pigs in the world. Our visitors just love them." According to Newman, events such as ZooLights, the summer concert series and the World Animal Festival not only bring in more visitors, they also help fund the zoo's many conservation and education programs. We continue to attract large audiences because of our commitment to offer new exhibits and programs at the zoo," says Newman. "With the opening of the Cougar Crossing exhibit in early August, I'm optimistic we'll be able to keep visitor numbers high for the coming year as well." The first time the zoo's attendance topped 1 million was during 1962-63, the fiscal year immediately following Packy's birth in April 1962. The baby pachyderm drew 1,010,964 spectators from all over the Northwest, eager to see the first elephant born in the United States in 44 years. It wasn't until 1989 that the zoo broke the 1 million mark again. Since then, the zoo has welcomed more than a million guests in 12 of the past 14 years. The Oregon Zoo continues to have the highest attendance of any fee-based tourist attraction in Oregon. Only Multnomah Falls, which does not charge an admission fee, has more annual visitors. Membership with the zoo continued to grow during 2005-06, with nearly 42,871 member households, a record-breaking number, up from 42,452 during last fiscal year. In addition, for the second consecutive year, The Oregon Zoo Foundation received a four-star rating (the highest rating awarded) from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. July 21, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- She was born Jamesetta Hawkins, but she's known the world over as Etta James. The legendary R&B singer will perform at the Oregon Zoo on August 18 as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series. During a career spanning more than half a century, James has defied doubters, addictions, and her own personal demons to earn three Grammy Awards and a hard-won spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her vocal talent has outlived the collective heydays of doo-wop, R&B, and soul, to be recognized in its own right, regardless of genre. It was a talent that others spotted early on. As young as five years old, James was already a singing sensation in the gospel choir of her families Baptist church in Los Angeles. Her career began in earnest, though, when she went to work with bandleader Johnny Otis as a member of the vocal group The Peaches. It was Otis who inverted her first name, creating her recording pseudonym, and helped give James her first hit in 1955 with "The Wallflower."
The end of the soul-era marked the beginning of some lean years for Etta James, but she bounced back with yet another reinvention in the 1990's, paying a highly personal tribute to the jazz singers like Billie Holiday who had inspired her early on. Her most recent albums have seen her delve into the roots of R&B even further, tackling the blues head on with her own distinctive style. "
Etta James is a living legend," said Event Coordinator Krista Swan. "She
has a voice that can fill up the night and a stage presence to match.
We're honored to have her perform at the zoo." Concert
revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered
species such as Northwest butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington
pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can
help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket
price. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. July 21, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo will release 58 endangered western pond turtles (Clemmys marmorata marmorata) -- a species on the verge of extinction in Washington a decade ago -- back to the wild. The turtles will leave the zoo's Cascade Streams exhibit, where they have spent the past nine months growing large enough to avoid being eaten by non-native bullfrogs and large-mouth bass, threats that have decimated the species. The re-introduction of the western pond turtles into the wild is part of a collaborative effort among Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, BPA, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As part of the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project, conservation scientists at these organizations "head-start" newly hatched turtles gathered from wild sites, nurturing them at both zoos for about 10 months. Once they reach a suitable size of about 70 grams (a little more than 2 ounces), they are returned to their homes and monitored for safety. " Giving young turtles a head start during the first months of their lives gives them a real edge," explains Dr. David Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo conservation program scientist. "Woodland Park Zoo and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been working to save Washington's western pond turtles for 14 years. We're glad that we could provide additional assistance in helping save these highly endangered turtles." BPA is again providing $5,000 in support of the zoo's western pond turtle conservation efforts through the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Fish and Wildlife Program. The council's program is responsible for recommending projects to mitigate for the impact of the Federal Columbia River Power System on fish and wildlife. " BPA is pleased to be a part of an effort to restore the western pond turtle, an important wildlife species of the Northwest ecosystem," said Greg Delwiche, vice president of BPA's Office of Environment, Fish and Wildlife. "This year's encouraging numbers demonstrate that the region's investment in this program is paying off." Just one decade ago, western pond turtles were on the verge of completely dying out in Washington, with only 150 turtles left in the wild. Today, researchers estimate that there are more than 1,000 turtles in Washington. Habitat degradation and disease were, and still are, problems, but the biggest threat to fragile baby turtles is the bullfrog. Native to areas east of the Rockies, this non-indigenous frog has thrived throughout the west, driving pond turtles and a host of other small, vulnerable aquatic species to the brink of extinction. To help restore these rare turtles to their natural habitat, recovery workers take to the field each year. Under the supervision of western pond turtle expert Kate Slavens, they count, trap and fit transmitters on adult female western pond turtles. The female turtles are monitored every two hours during the nesting season to determine where they nest. The nests, which the females dig in the ground and then cover after depositing their eggs, are protected with wire "exclosure" cages that help prevent predators from eating the eggs. The eggs are then allowed to incubate naturally, and the hatchlings are collected in the fall. The hatchlings are about the size of a quarter when they are removed and taken to the zoo facilities, where they can grow in safety. Unlike wild turtles, zoo turtles are fed throughout the winter, so by their summer release, the 10-month-olds are approximately as big as 3-year-old turtles. Some of the juvenile turtles are equipped with radio transmitters before release so biologists can learn more about post-release dispersal, habitat use during active and hibernation periods, and, ultimately, their survival rate. Scientists tracking the released turtles estimate that 95 percent of the turtles released back to the Columbia River Gorge have survived. Now listed as an endangered species in Washington and a sensitive species in Oregon, the western pond turtle was once common from Baja, California to Puget Sound. The Oregon Zoo's participation in the western pond turtle project is funded through The Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future for Wildlife Conservation Fund. July 19, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Lágbájá, in the Yoruba language, can mean somebody, nobody, anybody or everybody -- but when the masked Nigerian musician performs at the Oregon Zoo on Aug. 16, it will translate into an evening of entertainment. Lágbájá will perform as part of the zoo's Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer. Born Bisade Ologunde, Lágbájá started his musical career in the '90s after teaching himself how to play the saxophone. He started covering his face with a mask to represent both the common man and the faceless voice of the masses. The mask also invokes the Yoruba people's ancient traditions surrounding Egungun, ancestral masqueraded spirits who come out in times of crisis to guide people toward truth and resolution. Lágbájá's music is a combination of pop, highlife, funk, juju and hip-hop genres that is described as Afrobeat. The use of contemporary instruments, such as horns, guitars and keyboards, along with traditional Nigerian bata and dundun drums creates a unique sound that has been captivating audiences for years. This year, for the first time, the zoo is selling 1,000 tickets for each of its Wednesday "Plus" concerts in advance. Lágbájá tickets are available online or at the zoo for $9.50. Once 1,000 tickets have been sold, concertgoers can only purchase tickets at the zoo after 4 p.m. on the day of the performance. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and the ticket price includes zoo admission. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by Willamette Week. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. Zoo membership at the Plus level includes free admission to all Wednesday "Plus" concerts, daily visits to the zoo and the ZooLights holiday festival in the winter. Concert revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered species such as Northwest butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket price. In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series. Wells Fargo has sponsored the series for the past 10 years and has donated more than $1 million in support of the zoo's conservation and education programs. July 18, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Practice those line-dance moves and be sure to wear your cowboy boots when the Oregon Zoo hosts a night of traditional country and bluegrass music on Aug. 9. The concert, featuring The Buckles, Jackstraw and Greg Clarke, is part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer. " This is going to be a fun evening of indigenous American music," says Krista Swan, event coordinator. "Concertgoers are going to have a rip-roaring good time listening to the old-time bluegrass and honky-tonk music."
" With their rhinestone-studded bolero jackets and taco-shell hats, the quartet is a combination of Buck Owens and the Beatles," says Swan. The Aug. 9 concert will also feature Jackstraw, one of Portland's top bluegrass bands. Featuring three guitars, a mandolin, a banjo and a common passion for acoustic music, Jackstraw has been performing as a quintet since 1997 and last year released their fifth album, "Rubber Wheels." Rounding out the trio of performances is string band and bluegrass veteran Greg Clarke. A native Portlander, Clarke has been singing and playing the mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo since 1960. He is a founding member of the legendary Dr. Corn's Bluegrass Remedy and leader of the Greg Clarke Trio. This year, for the first time, the zoo is selling 1,000 tickets for each of its Wednesday "Plus" concerts in advance. Tickets for the Buckles, Jackstraw and Greg Clarke are available online or at the zoo for $9.50. Once 1,000 tickets have been sold, concertgoers can only purchase tickets at the zoo after 4 p.m. on the day of the performance. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and the ticket price includes zoo admission. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by Willamette Week. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. Zoo membership at the Plus level includes free admission to all Wednesday "Plus" concerts, daily visits to the zoo and the ZooLights holiday festival in the winter. Concert revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered species such as Northwest butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket price. In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series. Wells Fargo has sponsored the series for the past 10 years and has donated more than $1 million in support of the zoo's conservation and education programs. July 16, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Chinook and Takini faced an uncertain future until Michelle Schireman stepped in. The two orphaned cougar cubs were rescued by Schireman, the Association of Zoo and Aquariums' puma population manager and a keeper at the Oregon Zoo. The young cougars will make their debut at the Oregon Zoo on Aug. 4. " I'm usually the first person fish and wildlife departments call when orphaned cubs or nuisance cats must be removed from the wild," said Schireman. "I work with zoos across the country to find them new homes and offer game authorities an option besides euthanasia."
Takini, the zoo's second cougar,
was spotted in a tree observing a Rapid City, S.D., resident waxing
his boat on Mother's Day. Officials with
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Wildlife Division darted the 35-pound
cub with a tranquilizer. Schireman suggested the name Takini, which
means survivor in the Lakota language of Native Americans. Takini arrived
at
the zoo May 18. The two female felines are becoming acquainted with one another behind the scenes, but will soon move to their new home, Cougar Crossing, the zoo's newest exhibit. The exhibit opens Friday, Aug. 4, with grand opening activities slated for Saturday, Aug. 5. Because there are many orphaned cubs in the wild, there has been a moratorium on cougar breeding in effect at all AZA-accredited zoos nationwide. The zoo's Cougar Crossing can hold three cats, so it is possible that the zoo may serve as a foster home for cubs waiting for a permanent placement. " I'm always looking for temporary homes for orphans," said Schireman. "If we can fill that role once in a while, that may save young cougars." The cubs' new home, Cougar Crossing, is naturalistic and allows visitors a unique view into cougar habitat. Visitors enter the exhibit at the forested edge of Trillium Creek Family Farm along a path that winds toward the first viewing area. The covered viewing structure, which resembles those seen in national parks, allows visitors to come within five or six feet of the cougars. One-eighth inch aircraft cable strung vertically and taut creates the animals' barrier. Visitors are kept back from the wire by a fence. " Very little separates visitors from the cougars," says Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "The design provides an unobstructed view." A heated rock and a "drinker" disguised behind a rock are placed strategically to entice the cougars to come close to visitors. To encourage climbing, trees were left in the exhibit, and a rock wall in the back of the exhibit was built with ledges. The top of the exhibit is covered with mesh to keep the animals safely inside. Around the corner, a second viewing area gives visitors an even closer view. A heated rock ledge is nestled against a large glass window built into a rock wall, which allows visitors to come face-to-face with the cougars. Cougar Crossing continues the zoo's award-winning naturalistic exhibit-design concept, and was largely handled in-house. "
Representatives from living collections, security and horticulture collaborated
with our exhibits team to design a fantastic exhibit for visitors, keepers
and animals," says Vecchio. Cascade Canyon has been made possible by the generous support of Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation. July 14, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 due to the extensive set up required for The Oregon Zoo Foundation's fundraiser Zoolala: Wild at Heart. The seventh annual Zoolala, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, features culinary delights from nearly 30 of Portland's premier restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries and coffee hosts, and live music from GrüVbox. Proceeds from Wild at Heart will support Oregon Zoo's education and conservation programs.. Advanced tickets are required. Several restaurants renewed their commitment to Zoolala 2006, including Legends at Spirit Mountain, Timberline Lodge, Salty's on the Columbia, and Paragon Restaurant and Bar, while Hubers, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Beaverton Bakery and Espresso Volare! are entering their sixth year of participation. Zoolala will also feature newcomers Ruth's Chris Steak House, Urban Fondue, Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar and A Simple Elegance Catering. For a complete list, please visit www.oregonzoo.org. " One of the reasons Zoolala is the zoo's most successful fundraiser is because of these superb restaurants," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Each year, I'm amazed by the creativity and quality of the food they serve." The gala starts at 7 p.m., as Gate E opens to all ticket holders. Then, the restaurants open their booths, the wine is uncorked, the kegs are tapped and the party begins. Zoolala guests will also enjoy the opportunity to see some of the zoo's animals at night. In the front viewing area, adjacent to the main stage, the females (or cows) of the zoo's elephant herd will be munching on timothy hay and swaying to the feel-good tunes of GrüVbox. July
13, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Pink Martini needs little introduction to local audiences. With music as diverse as the animals at the Oregon Zoo, the band has earned a world-class reputation from here to Europe. Despite a busy international touring schedule, Pink Martini will put away its passports for two special hometown performances -- their only Portland appearances this summer -- Aug. 4 and 5 at the Oregon Zoo, as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer.
" Last year we scheduled only one Pink Martini concert and the demand was so incredible we had to add another show," said Event Coordinator Krista Swan. "This year we didn't even hesitate at scheduling two concerts, because we know how much Portland loves Pink Martini.
Whatever the reason, Portlanders are happy to embrace Pink Martini as our ambassadors to the rest of the world. And when the band performs in Portland, it's not so much a concert as an opportunity to experience the Rose City at its best. The Oregon Zoo is the perfect place to see them in their element, outdoors on a beautiful summer evening. Pink Martini tickets are available online or at the zoo for $22. Premium concert tickets are limited, so ordering in advance is recommended. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and ticket price includes zoo admission. Concert revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered species such as Northwest butterflies, Western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket price. In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series. Wells Fargo has sponsored the series for the past 10 years and has donated more than $1 million in support of the zoo's conservation and education programs. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by Willamette Week. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. July
12, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo is doing its best to save a tiny species once abundant in the Northwest. The zoo's Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly conservation program is in its third year, and recently released 527 larvae/caterpillars back into the wild in Washington state, south of Olympia. " Working with the Checkerspots has been an interesting experience," commented Mary Jo Andersen, zoo butterfly conservationist. "We continue to learn about these complex animals and hope to have worked out some of the 'bugs,' so that this program will help the long-term future of the Checkerspots," she added. The zoo receives eggs or tiny caterpillars from the wild, raising them until they are large caterpillars or have reached the stage just prior to pupation. Upon release back into the wild, they are ready to form their chrysalises (the cocoon-like capsules, or pupae, in which caterpillars turn into adult butterflies).
The caterpillars that will become Checkerspots rely on a host plant known as harsh Indian paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), which is dying out due to the intrusion of invasive non-native plants and animals. " The butterflies' ecosystem is very delicate," said David Shepherdson, zoo conservation scientist. "Everything is interdependent and any disruption in their environment will have consequences," he explained. For host plants, the zoo's horticulture staff is raising harsh Indian paintbrush in its greenhouse, as well as sedum on zoo grounds. Some caterpillars are also being fed another plant known as narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata), which is easier to grow and may be just as acceptable to the species. The Plantago is an introduced weed from Europe, and according to Andersen, it is surprising that the larvae/caterpillars have adapted to this plant as their food source. " There are some populations of Taylor's Checkerspot without any Castilleja, and only Plantago as a food source," she said. "One thing we are doing is watching to see if this change in diet has any effect on the larvae." Before its dramatic decline, the Taylor's Checkerspot was documented at more than 70 sites in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. Today less than 3 percent of the landscape necessary for the butterflies' survival remains. Experts know of 13 Checkerspot populations totaling around 2,000 individuals on Washington's Puget Trough and Oregon's Willamette Valley prairie. In 2002, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the Center for Biological Diversity, Oregon Natural Resources Council, Friends of the San Juan's, and the Northwest Ecosystem Alliance filed a petition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect Taylor's Checkerspot under the Endangered Species Act. Although the USFWS has not decided on listing, because of the petition, the status of the butterfly has been raised, resulting in collaborations between the zoo, the Xerces Society, conservationists and state and federal agencies. Listing under the ESA would require protection of specific grasslands, prairies and woodlands as "critical habitat" for the Checkerspot and the development of a federal recovery plan. For the past seven years the Oregon Zoo has worked with Washington State Fish and Wildlife, the Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Xerces Society to save endangered Northwest butterflies. More recently, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo have joined the collaborative effort. " Our expanded butterfly conservation efforts are being seen more and more as part of the new zoo ethic," said Andersen. "It's becoming quite common for zoos to work outside their traditional captive programs to aid in the protection of species in their natural habitat," she added. Additionally, in 2001 the Oregon Zoo, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Xerces Society and 53 other organizations from the U.S. and Canada joined together to form the Butterfly Conservation Initiative, which is designed to bring together non-governmental organizations and government agencies to aid the recovery of imperiled North American butterflies. The Oregon Zoo's butterfly restoration efforts were greatly enhanced four years ago through the creation of a new butterfly research lab. A $16,100 grant from the AZA has enabled the zoo to raise rare Pacific Northwest caterpillars and chrysalises. In addition, the Xerces Society has been instrumental in providing advice and counsel concerning butterfly natural history and husbandry. July
12, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo and the Bonneville Power Administration will prepare 58 endangered western pond turtles (Clemmys marmorata marmorata) -- a species on the verge of extinction in Washington a decade ago -- for return back to the wild. The turtles begin their bon voyage at the zoo's Cascade Streams exhibit, where they have spent the past nine months growing large enough to avoid being eaten by non-native bullfrogs and large-mouth bass, threats that have decimated the species. The re-introduction of the western pond turtles into the wild is part of a collaborative effort among Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, BPA, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As part of the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project, conservation scientists at these organizations "head-start" newly hatched turtles gathered from wild sites, nurturing them at both zoos for about 10 months. Once they reach a suitable size of about 70 grams (a little more than 2 ounces), they are returned to their homes and monitored for safety. " Giving young turtles a head start during the first months of their lives gives them a real edge," explains Dr. David Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo conservation program scientist. "Woodland Park Zoo and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been working to save Washington's western pond turtles for 14 years. We're glad that we could provide additional assistance in helping save these highly endangered turtles." BPA is again providing $5,000 in support of the zoo's western pond turtle conservation efforts through the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Fish and Wildlife Program. The council's program is responsible for recommending projects to mitigate for the impact of the Federal Columbia River Power System on fish and wildlife. " BPA is pleased to be a part of an effort to restore the western pond turtle, an important wildlife species of the Northwest ecosystem," said Greg Delwiche, vice president of BPA's Office of Environment, Fish and Wildlife. "This year's encouraging numbers demonstrate that the region's investment in this program is paying off." Just one decade ago, western pond turtles were on the verge of completely dying out in Washington, with only 150 turtles left in the wild. Today, researchers estimate that there are more than 1,000 turtles in Washington. Habitat degradation and disease were, and still are, problems, but the biggest threat to fragile baby turtles is the bullfrog. Found east of the Rockies, this non-indigenous frog has thrived throughout the west, driving pond turtles and a host of other small, vulnerable aquatic species to the brink of extinction. To help restore these rare turtles to their natural habitat, recovery workers take to the field each year. Under the supervision of western pond turtle expert Kate Slavens, they count, trap and fit transmitters on adult female western pond turtles. The female turtles are monitored every two hours during the nesting season to determine where they nest. The nests, which the females dig in the ground and then cover after depositing their eggs, are protected with wire "exclosure" cages that help prevent predators from eating the eggs. The eggs are then allowed to incubate naturally, and the hatchlings are collected in the fall. The hatchlings are about the size of a quarter when they are removed and taken to the zoo facilities, where they can grow in safety. Unlike wild turtles, zoo turtles are fed throughout the winter, so by their summer release, the 10-month-olds are approximately as big as 3-year-old turtles. Some of the juvenile turtles are equipped with radio transmitters before release so biologists can learn more about post-release dispersal, habitat use during active and hibernation periods, and, ultimately, their survival rate. Scientists tracking the released turtles estimate that 95 percent of the turtles released back to the Columbia River Gorge have survived. Now listed as an endangered species in Washington and a sensitive species in Oregon, the western pond turtle was once common from Baja, California to Puget Sound. The Oregon Zoo's participation in the western pond turtle project is funded through The Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future for Wildlife Conservation Fund. July
10, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Everyone will be yelling "¡Ay Caramba!" when Ska Cubano takes the stage at the Oregon Zoo on Aug. 2 as part Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer.
During the 1950s, Caribbean calypso was popular in Cuba while in neighboring Jamaica, ska music infused with Cuban beats was also prevalent. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the two countries' musical styles went different directions; Cuban music developed into salsa and Jamaican ska led to reggae. The combination of Cuban and Jamaican sounds might have been lost to history had it not been for British entrepreneur and music lover Peter Scott. Scott's love for Jamaican ska and Cuban mambo and son led him to create Ska Cubano, a U.K.-Cuba collaboration that blends the two styles once again. To help the band get on its feet, Scott recruited Natty Bo, a ska veteran and singer for one of London's most popular ska bands, the Top Cats, to manage the musical development. Together, Scott and Natty traveled to Cuba to find a native Spanish-speaker who could sing along with the music Natty was writing. That's when Beny Billy entered the picture. With a voice reminiscent of the great Cuban singer Beny Moré, and a personality that makes him a natural entertainer, Billy was asked to join the band during the first meeting
Last year, the band released its second album, "¡Ay Caramba!" which mixes ska, calypso, son montuno and cumbia rhythms. This summer, Ska Cubano's 11-piece band will be on a North American tour with stops in New York, Montreal, Chicago, San Francisco and Portland. This year, for the first time, the zoo is selling 1,000 tickets for each of its Wednesday "Plus" concerts in advance. Ska Cubano tickets are available online or at the zoo for $9.50. Once 1,000 tickets have been sold, concertgoers can only purchase tickets at the zoo after 4 p.m. on the day of the performance. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and the ticket price includes zoo admission. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by Willamette Week. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. Zoo membership at the Plus level includes free admission to all Wednesday "Plus" concerts, daily visits to the zoo and the ZooLights holiday festival in the winter. Concert revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered species such as Northwest butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket price. In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series. Wells Fargo has sponsored the series for the past 10 years and has donated more than $1 million in support of the zoo's conservation and education programs. July
7, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo Foundation's summer gala, "Zoolala: Wild at Heart," is slated for Saturday, July 15, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The seventh annual Zoolala is sponsored by Spirit Mountain Casino and features culinary delights from nearly 30 of Portland's premier restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries and coffee hosts, plus live music from GrüVbox. Proceeds from Zoolala will help fund conservation and education programs at the zoo. Several restaurants renewed their commitment to Zoolala 2006, including Legends at Spirit Mountain, Timberline Lodge, Salty's on the Columbia, and Paragon Restaurant and Bar. Some restaurants such as The Old Spaghetti Factory, Beaverton Bakery and Espresso Volare! are participating for their seventh year. " One of the reasons Zoolala is the zoo's most successful fundraiser is because of participation from these incredible local restaurants," said Tony Vecchio, director of the Oregon Zoo. "Each year, I'm amazed by the creativity and quality of the food that is served. It continues to draw in new guests and makes the evening a true culinary experience." Wine will be provided by Bacchus Fine Wines, and microbrews from Full Sail Brewing, New Old Lompoc Pub and Brewery and Widmer Brothers Brewing Company will also be served. A pre-gala Patron party starts at 6 p.m. for Patron ticket holders, who can enter at the zoo's former main gate. Guests of the Patron party will experience special animal encounters. Additionally, the Patron party will feature a full hosted bar and musical guest, the band Boka Marimba. The gala starts at 7 p.m., as the old zoo entrance opens to all ticket holders. Then, the restaurants open their booths, the wine is uncorked, the kegs are tapped and the party begins. The main music act starts at 8 p.m. with GrüVbox . Zoolala guests will also enjoy the opportunity to see some of the zoo's animals at night. In the front viewing area, adjacent to the main stage, the females (or cows) of the zoo's elephant herd will be munching on orchard grass and swaying to the feel-good tunes of GrüVbox. " Zoolala patrons will enjoy the rare experience of the zoo at night," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "The zoo is a lively place during the day, but it's especially magical at night. With enchanting music and the sights and sounds of our animals -- many of which are much more active at dusk -- this event promises to be the social event of the summer." " Zoolala: Wild at Heart," is co-sponsored by Cingular Wireless, with media sponsor K103. Tickets for Zoolala begin at $150 per person, a portion of which is tax deductible. All proceeds from "Wild at Heart" will help the Oregon Zoo's conservation and education programs. Tickets can be purchased until Friday, July 14, at 5 p.m. by calling 503-220-2492 or online at www.oregonzoo.org. Cocktail attire is suggested, and you must be at least 21 years of age to attend. July
7, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The late '80s and early '90s were fertile times for women with guitars. Fans of the female singer-songwriter genre will get to see two of the most critically acclaimed performers of that era when Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams appear at the Oregon Zoo on July 28 as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer.
As one of the genre's biggest stars, Shawn Colvin exemplifies this sound perfectly. Ironically, she only picked up the singer-songwriter bug upon moving to New York, having spent the early 1980s bumping around different rock groups in the Midwest. In New York, she became a member of the nascent female songwriters club, and even provided background vocals on Suzanne Vega's seminal hit "Luka," which helped establish the genre. After signing to Columbia, Colvin's first album, "Steady On," was released in 1989 and immediately made her a star, winning a Grammy for best contemporary folk recording. However, it wasn't until her 1996 release, "A Few Small Repairs," that she really hit the big time. Her single "Sunny Came Home" from that album won two prestigious Grammy Awards, for record of the year and for song of the year. " It's great to see two extremely talented women like Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams share the same stage," said Event Coordinator Krista Swan. "Anyone who is a fan of singer-songwriters will love this concert." Tickets for Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams can be purchased online or at the zoo for $18. Premium concert tickets are limited, so ordering in advance is recommended. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and ticket price includes zoo admission. Concert revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered species such as Northwest butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket price. In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series. Wells Fargo has sponsored the series for the past 10 years and has donated more than $1 million in support of the zoo's conservation and education programs. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by Willamette Week. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. July
5, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. - As the breeding season for Washington's endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits nears its end, the Oregon Zoo is having its most successful breeding season ever. With 31 new rabbits, and the potential for several more before the end of summer, the zoo has taken a significant step toward saving the smallest rabbit in North America. Just a few years ago, there were only 16 pygmy rabbits left in the entire state of Washington, near the small town of Ephrata. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists decided to remove the remaining rabbits from the wild and start an emergency captive-breeding program similar to the one used for California condors, which were removed from the wild in the 1980s. Today, the rare pygmy rabbit appears poised to make a comeback. This fall, the Oregon Zoo, in conjunction with its conservation partners will release pygmy rabbits back into the wild for the first time.
" This tiny rabbit is a big success story," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Collaborating with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State University and Northwest Trek, we've worked tirelessly to help save Washington's endangered pygmy rabbits from certain extinction. Releasing rabbits back into eastern Washington this fall is a monumental milestone." The zoo has built a pygmy rabbit pre-release pen at its Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation. " The rabbits are at the bottom of the food chain and must learn to avoid predators such as coyotes, red-tail hawks and owls," says Michael Illig, assistant curator in charge of the zoo's rabbit program. "By keeping the rabbits safe during their crucial first six months of life -- a time when they are especially vulnerable to predators -- we can help their chances of surviving in the wild. At six months old, they are much better equipped to apprehend danger before it is too late." WDFW will conduct test releases in Eastern Washington near where the original rabbits were removed from the wild. Initially, WDFW will provide protection from predators. Eventually releases will occur near unoccupied or artificial burrows. In order to track the progress of the pygmy rabbits, radio transmitters will be attached to some of the rabbits so that researchers can monitor their movements, survival and reproduction over time. Idaho pygmy rabbits arrived at the Oregon Zoo in December 2000. Zoo staff constructed behind-the-scenes habitats full of loose soil, with tubes to serve as hiding places for the reclusive rabbits. They also constructed nest boxes fitted with infrared video cameras to monitor the rabbits' behavior. Using video recorders, scientists studied their activity patterns exhaustively, learning the subtle behavioral nuances of the smallest rabbit in North America. In 2001, the research paid off, as the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the world to successfully breed Idaho pygmy rabbits. Thereafter, the zoo bred the rare Washington pygmy rabbit.
With breeding protocols established, the zoo shared its research with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The protocols helped WDFW develop its pygmy rabbit breeding facility at Washington State University in Pullman. " In the past, zoos have spread their conservation efforts all over the world, particularly in tropical areas," says Vecchio. "While these efforts have been extremely important, there has been a tendency to ignore our own backyards. At the Oregon Zoo, we feel that efforts in our own region will prove to be the most effective way to engage our visitors and constituents in conservation actions." Today the Oregon Zoo is home to two full-blooded Washington pygmy rabbits: Lolo, a male, and Bryn, a female. In collaboration with WDFW, the zoo has crossbred Washington rabbits with Idaho rabbits to help strengthen genetic diversity. The zoo hopes to maintain a bloodline of 75 percent Washington and 25 percent Idaho. Pygmy rabbits are the only North American rabbits that dig burrows and reside in a sagebrush habitat. (Jackrabbits, which also reside in sagebrush communities, are actually hares, not rabbits.) In the wild, pygmy rabbits eat sagebrush almost exclusively in the winter; in the summer they eat a more varied diet. They have four litters of approximately two to six young during the spring and summer breeding seasons. Outside of captive breeding programs, their numbers have decreased steadily, primarily due to habitat loss through agricultural development and wildfires. July
5, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Daby Touré would be a businessman if his father had gotten his way. But a guitar, some self-taught lessons and a determination to succeed have made him into the rising world music star he is today. Touré will enchant the Oregon Zoo crowd when he performs as part of the zoo's Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer on July 26. " Daby Touré's music is infectious," says Krista Swan, event coordinator. "His sound is a delightful blend of African and Western folk that will have the crowd on its feet."
But Touré's father, who often played the guitar, insisted his son ignore his interest in music and become a professional. He believed music was not a career for a well brought-up young man and encouraged his son to study business instead. Even though he wasn't allowed to touch the guitar, Touré stole time on the instrument anyway, teaching himself the basics and feeding his hunger for music. When Touré was 18, he moved to Paris and, together with his cousin, formed Touré Touré, a musical duo that played jazz and African music. After achieving some mild success, Touré decided to go solo and spent several years writing and arranging songs in his home studio. Working with electronic musician Cyrille Dufay, Touré created "Diam," his first solo album, released in August 2004. " The music I play is based on exploration, on original compositions," says Touré. "It's like a painter who gets up to paint a painting. I get up in the morning, I pick up my guitar and I start working. I don't know where I'm going, but I go." Touré will be on tour this summer, making stops in Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Seattle and Portland. This year, for the first time, the zoo is selling 1,000 tickets for each of its Wednesday "Plus" concerts in advance. Daby Touré tickets are available online or at the zoo for $9.50. Once 1,000 tickets have been sold, concertgoers can only purchase tickets at the zoo after 4 p.m. on the day of the performance. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and the ticket price includes zoo admission. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by Willamette Week. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. Zoo membership at the Plus level includes free admission to all Wednesday "Plus" concerts, daily visits to the zoo and the ZooLights holiday festival in the winter. Concert revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered species such as Northwest butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket price. In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series. Wells Fargo has sponsored the series for the past 10 years and has donated more than $1 million in support of the zoo's conservation and education programs. July
5, 2006 PORTLAND,
Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo Foundation's seventh annual summer gala, "Zoolala:
Wild at Heart," presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, will open
the zoo to a select group of guests for an evening of delicious food
and live entertainment on Saturday, July 15, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Zoolala 2006 proceeds will help fund the zoo's conservation and education
programs. While making their way down to the festivities, guests can see Zoolala proceeds at work as they walk past the Trillium Creek Family Farm exhibit. Proceeds from Zoolala 2002 helped fund the Great Northwest exhibit, which includes the Family Farm as well as Steller Cove, Cascade Crest and Eagle Canyon. Two of the zoo's most popular residents, the pair of Siberian tigers, may be seen sauntering around their exhibits, having recently dined on fresh bones and treats.
While Zoolala guests dine on succulent dinners accompanied by fine Northwest wines, beer and dangerously decadent desserts, the elephants will be munching on timothy hay and swaying to the feel-good sounds of GrüVbox. " Zoolala: Wild at Heart," co-sponsored by Cingular Wireless, with media sponsor K103, features culinary delights from nearly 30 of the Portland area's premier restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries and coffee hosts. Tickets for Zoolala begin at $150 per person, a portion of which is tax deductible. All proceeds from "Wild at Heart" will help the Oregon Zoo's conservation and education programs. Tickets can be purchased until Friday, July 14, at 5 p.m. by calling 503-220-2492. Cocktail attire is suggested, and you must be at least 21 years of age to attend. July
3, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Music lovers can see two legendary practitioners of the American guitar idiom when Doc Watson and Leo Kottke perform at the Oregon Zoo on July 21 as part of the Wells Fargo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer. Both Watson and Kottke are deeply entrenched in the unique finger-picking style passed down through traditional American folk, from the front porches of sharecropper cabins across the South, all the way to the present day.
Unlike Watson, whose music is so firmly rooted in time and place, Leo Kottke is part of a later generation that used traditional American music as a springboard for mixing influences like folk, rock, jazz and blues. Perhaps reflecting his itinerant childhood when he lived in 12 different states, Kottke's music has been as varied as the musical geography of the United States. Initially record companies tried to pigeonhole him into the singer-songwriter craze of the early 1970s, but Kottke's lackluster voice and phenomenal guitar playing soon turned him the guitar icon he remains today.
Tickets for Doc Watson and Leo Kottke can be purchased online or at the zoo for $18. Premium concert tickets are limited, so ordering in advance is recommended. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and ticket price includes zoo admission. Concert revenues support the zoo's efforts to save threatened and endangered species such as Northwest butterflies, western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits and California condors. This year, zoo concertgoers can help bring black bears back to the zoo by adding $1 to their ticket price. In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series. Wells Fargo has sponsored the series for the past 10 years and has donated more than $1 million in support of the zoo's conservation and education programs. This year's concert series is also co-sponsored by Willamette Week. To review the 2006 concert lineup and more, visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm. July
3, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- If you were to ask Michelle Schireman, a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo, whether she considers herself a guardian angel because of her tireless efforts to save orphaned cougars from around the country, she might blush and say that anyone would do the same thing for the adorable orphans.
For the past 15 years, Schireman -- who serves as the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's puma population manager -- has steadfastly sought homes for the nation's orphaned cougar cubs " I've found permanent homes for every cub I've been contacted about," she proudly exclaims. In 2006, she has already found homes for 12 cougars. " I'm usually the first person the states' fish and wildlife departments call when orphaned cubs or nuisance cats must be removed from the wild," said Schireman. "I work with zoos across the country to find them new homes and offer game authorities an option besides euthanasia." Cougar cubs learn survival skills from their mothers and cannot survive without them. Young cougars are deemed non-releaseable, so if state biologists cannot find homes for the cubs in zoos, they are forced to euthanize the cats. This past spring, Schireman met four cubs that she had found homes for at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs.
" My work involves being on the phone a lot, and I never really get to see the animals that I help place," said Schireman. "It was such a special moment when I got to see the cubs thriving in their new home. It was a wonderful moment." Schireman has not cared for captive cougars for a long time. The Oregon Zoo hasn't had the cats for nearly 10 years since moving its cougars to Wildlife Images in Grants Pass, Ore., to make room for the sea lions and sea otters at Steller Cove, which opened in 2000. But cougars are returning to the zoo as part of the Great Northwest exhibit. The zoo's new Cougar Crossing exhibit opens Aug. 4. Schireman helped locate the zoo's two cougars, one from South Dakota, the other from Sequim in Washington. The two young animals are currently acclimating behind the scenes at the zoo and are getting accustomed to each other, Schireman and the other zookeepers. The cubs, named Chinook and Takini, are about 9 to 10 months old. Chinook, the larger of the two, weighs 45 pounds and was found in late January, underweight and scavenging for food in Sequim. Authorities at Washington State Game believe she is the cub of a cougar hit by a car in December. She was held at the Northwest Raptor Center in Sequim until she was moved to the zoo in late April. Takini was thoughtfully named by Schireman. Takini, in the Native American Lakota language, means survivor. The 35-pound cub was spotted sitting in a tree in Rapid City, S.D. She was watching a resident wax his boat on Mother's Day. Officials from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks wildlife division considered her a nuisance cat and tranquilized her. She arrived at the zoo May 18. Zoo visitors can see Takini and Chinook at Cougar Crossing beginning Aug. 4. Visitors can either take the trail loop to watch the cats through a wide opening with just wire separating them from the cougars, or they can take the path that leads to a rocky, heated cougar den, viewed through a glass window wall. Cougars, also known as mountain lions, pumas and panthers (in Florida), live mostly in the western United States and Canada. The mammals weigh from 75 to 130 pounds and have a carnivorous diet both in the wild and at the zoo. Females are either pregnant or raising cubs for the majority of their lives. After three months of gestation, two to three cubs are usually born in a litter and live with their mother for up to two years. With the exception of the Florida panthers, cougars are not endangered, but they do face many challenges in the United States. Human encroachment, habitat destruction and hunting are just some of the dangers cougars encounter.
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
"
I'm usually the first person fish and wildlife departments call when
orphaned cubs or nuisance cats must be removed from the wild," said
Schireman. "I work with zoos across the country to find them new
homes and offer game authorities an option besides euthanasia." 
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Pet, the Oldest Asian elephant, is experiencing
a health crisis, and zoo veterinary and keeper staff have run out of
medical treatment options. The 51-year-old elephant and herd matriarch
has degenerative arthritis and other age-related conditions, which are
not responding to medication any longer.
Zoo Director
Tony Vecchio attributes the zoo's exceptional attendance to exceptional
spring weather --
and the popularity of the zoo's
new exhibits.
Chinook,
the larger of the two cats at 45 pounds, was found in late January,
underweight and scavenging for food in Sequim, Wash. Authorities at Washington
State Game believe she is the cub of a cougar hit by a car in December.
She was held at the Northwest Raptor Center in Sequim until she could
be moved to Portland in late April. 
With all
the band's success, the one thing that continues to amaze is the breadth
of affection felt for Pink Martini here in Portland. Their
fan base is equal parts young hipsters, middle-aged moms and dads,
and
grandparents. The result is a seemingly perpetual demand for tickets
that can only be met with two concert dates. 
Why raise the caterpillars at the zoo?
"
The band will be having fun," said Krista Swan, event coordinator. "And
if the band is having fun, you can bet the audience will be too."
Colvin and Williams were part of a group -- which also included the
likes of Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega and the Indigo Girls -- who revived
the
literate lyrics and earnest melodies popularized a generation before
by performers such as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. But whereas Mitchell
and Baez often projected a pastoral perspective, the new generation of
singer-songwriters embraced a more contemporary and sophisticated outlook. 
Following
in the footsteps of Colvin et al., Dar Williams was part of a second
group of female singer-songwriters, which emerged
in the 1990s
and included the likes of Ani DiFranco and Michelle Shocked. Williams
began as the quintessential coffeehouse performer in the cafés
of Boston. But after failing to break through, she moved to the college
town of Northampton, where her career really took off, thanks in part
to the homemade cassettes she handed out at concerts. She not only
earned the attention of the recording industry, but also of fellow
singer-songwriters,
who championed Williams' cause and helped build a word-of-mouth following
throughout the decade. Critics loved her first proper debut, "The
Honesty Room," as well as follow-ups like "Mortal City" and "End
of the Summer." 
Born in
Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, Touré moved around
a lot as a child, spending time in the city and the country, which
exposed him to various music styles. During his teenage years, Touré and
friends would entertain the village by playing music on anything
that would make a sound, including old tins, canisters and cardboard
boxes. 
"
Guests of previous Zoolalas have truly enjoyed watching the night activities
of the tigers and elephants, as well as seeing the graceful movements
of the sea lions and otters," said Vecchio. "The
animals are important to make this night an unforgettable experience." 
Few musicians
are more identified with this homespun sound than the legendary Doc
Watson, recognized by President Jimmy Carter as a
national
treasure
for his vast knowledge of traditional American music. Born in 1923
in rural North Carolina, Watson grew up immersed in the folk traditions
of the American South. A haphazard musical career led him to stardom
in the early 1960s when the folk movement was just getting started.
Since
then, Watson has stood out as a reminder of the humble roots that
created the contemporary glitz and glamour of modern country. 
"
Doc Watson and Leo Kottke are a must for anyone who's serious about guitar," said
Event Coordinator Krista Swan. "But they are also a must
for anyone interested in American folk music, from how it started
to how it's been
interpreted to the present day." 
