Oregon Zoo - Portland, OR - www.oregonzoo.org
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Oregon Zoo - Portland, OR - www.oregonzoo.org |
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Press
Kits: Press
Releases: NOTE: Dates indicate date of press release, not the date of the event.
September
26, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- In April 1962, a baby elephant named Packy put Portland on the map, making international news as the first Asian elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in more than 44 years, and sparking a frenzy of celebration around the world. Now, 44 years later, the Oregon Zoo celebrates another milestone: Sometime tomorrow morning, the zoo expects to receive its 40 millionth visitor since Packy first captured the world's imagination.
The zoo plans to greet that lucky visitor at the gate and present him or her with an elephant-themed gift basket brimming with goodies to mark the occasion. Then it will be time to hop aboard a "Zoomer" shuttle vehicle, and ride in style to the elephant barn for a behind-the-scenes tour and face-to-trunk meeting with Packy. "Packy is one of Portland's most famous and beloved residents," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "He has meant so much to the zoo and to the city of Portland, and we thought it would be fun to reward the 40 millionth person to visit to the zoo since Packy was born." Packy, now the oldest and largest Asian elephant in the United States, stands 10 feet four inches tall at the shoulder and weighs about 14,020 pounds. He is the only second-generation captive bull to breed successfully in world zoo history. He has fathered seven calves, including 22-year-old Sung-Surin ("Sunshine") and 23-year-old Rama, both of whom currently live at the zoo. Portlanders first learned that Packy's mother, Belle, was pregnant through a January 1962 article in The Oregonian, and the city came alive with anticipation. Local radio stations aired "Belle Bulletins" and a "Name the Baby" contest. (Gresham resident Wayne W. French submitted the winning name.) Stuffed elephants appeared in toy departments and schoolchildren made drawings of what they thought the baby would look like. For three months, zoo veterinarian Matthew Maberry literally lived in the elephant house, keeping a close watch on the maternity ward. The big event happened at 5:58 a.m. on April 14, and news of the 225-pound baby spread rapidly. Newspapers and radio stations around the world announced the birth. Packy graced the cover of Life magazine, which reported on the event with an 11-page spread. Baby gifts flooded the zoo -- everything from gold-plated safety pins to hand-knitted garments -- and visitors flocked to see the new pachyderm in record numbers. During 1962-63, the fiscal year immediately following Packy's birth, the zoo's attendance topped 1 million for the first time, drawing 1,010,964 spectators from all over the Northwest. Attendance didn't reach the 1 million mark again until 1989. Since then, the Oregon Zoo has welcomed more than a million guests in 12 of the past 14 years. Last year, the zoo received 1,365,459 visitors for the fiscal year ending June 30, marking the second-highest attendance figure its 119-year history. Fiscal year 2000-01 remains the zoo's best year with 1,367,940 visitors. The 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. 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 six Asian elephants: three females and three males. September
21, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo recently rounded up 46 western pond turtle hatchlings from nests near White Salmon, Wash., in the Columbia River Gorge, moving the endangered creatures to a safer environment for their "head start" program.
The hatchlings are housed in specially designed turtle tanks at the zoo's conservation lab near the Eagle Canyon exhibit. The turtles will reside there throughout the winter, where they can grow in safety. Next summer, they will be released back into the wild. Conservation specialists have observed nests of the endangered turtles along the Columbia River since the eggs were laid in late summer. Under the supervision of pond turtle expert Kate Slavens, adult female western pond turtles were trapped and fitted with transmitters. The recovery workers then monitored the females every two hours during nesting season to determine their egg-laying locations. Once a turtle had dug her nest in the dirt, laid her eggs, and covered the nest back up, the scientists stepped in to protect the nest with wire "exclosure" cages that helped prevent predators from dining on turtle eggs. The eggs were allowed to incubate naturally and then scientists dug up the newborn turtles shortly after hatching. The quarter-sized babies were gathered together and taken to the Oregon Zoo and Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. After about 10 months, when the juvenile turtles have grown large enough to avoid being eaten by pond predators, they will be returned to their birthplace.
Working collaboratively with Woodland Park Zoo, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oregon Zoo helps the little turtles avoid the dangers of non-native bullfrogs and largemouth bass by head-starting the newly hatched turtles gathered from wild sites. The turtles are nurtured at both zoos until they grow large enough to avoid being eaten by these predators. 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. "Giving young turtles a head start during the first months of their lives gives them a real edge," explains David Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo conservation program scientist. "Woodland Park Zoo and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been working to save Washington's western pond turtles for 17 years. We're glad that we can provide additional assistance in the fight to save these highly endangered 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. The Oregon Zoo released 51 western pond turtles in the Columbia Gorge last summer. The latest releases brought the total number of head-started turtles to more than 850 -- a majority of the current existing population. Listed as an endangered species in Washington State 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 partially funded through WDFW and the Bonneville Power Administration. September
18, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Defenders of Wildlife has designated Sept. 24-30, 2006, as Sea Otter Awareness Week. The Oregon Zoo is participating in an effort to educate the public about the integral role sea otters play in the nearshore marine ecosystem, as well as the importance of respecting biological diversity.
The zoo kicks off the week with special activities Sunday, Sept. 24, and an appearance by Sandy the Sea Otter, the zoo's ocean conservation mascot. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., zoo volunteers lead activities for children of all ages between sea otter viewing areas. Activities include a demonstration using bubble wrap, plastic wrap and ice to show how sea otters' fur insulates them from the cold. Another activity allows visitors to try lifting the amount of food they would need to consume if they were sea otters. The activity station is also open Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1. At 10:45 a.m., zookeepers feed the sea otters and give a short presentation about the marine animals' importance. An additional feeding takes place at 2:15 p.m. At various times throughout the day, sea otters receive ice treats and enrichment toys, including car-wash strips donated by Kaady Car Wash. These activities are repeated at the sea otter exhibit every day through Sunday, Oct. 1, as well. Zoo volunteers
are on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the entire week to answer questions
about sea
otters, including where they can be found
in the wild and why they are important. Oregon Zoo Executive Chef Paul Warner and his staff present menu specials created from sustainably harvested seafood in the Cascade Grill between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Special menu items are featured through Sunday, Oct. 1. Throughout Sea Otter Awareness Week, the zoo's Cascade Outfitters gift shop offers a variety of sea otter merchandise, including soft, cuddly plushes. Defenders of Wildlife developed Sea Otter Awareness Week in 2003 to educate the public about sea otters, their natural history and the threats they face. Sea otters play a critical role in the marine ecosystem as a keystone species. They promote healthy kelp forests, which in turn support thousands of organisms. Many sea otters are dying from land-based diseases. Since humans and sea otters eat many of the same seafood items, high rates of sea otter disease may be a warning for both human health and marine ecosystem health. Once found from Baja California to Alaska and northern Japan, sea otters were valued for their soft, luxurious fur and were hunted to the brink of extinction during the late 1800s and early 1900s. By 1911, only 13 small sea otter colonies existed throughout their range. The Fur Seal Treaty of 1911 ended hunting, but unfortunately the treaty came too late to save the Oregon sea otter population. An imperiled population of southern sea otters still exists in California, while a more vigorous population of northern sea otters can be found in Alaska, although its numbers are in decline due to predation by killer whales. September
15, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Many people may not realize how animals inspire reverence or fear in cultures found throughout the world. During the Oregon Zoo's ninth annual World Animal Festival, presented by Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation, visitors discover how animals influence different cultures, beliefs, and customs. World Animal Festival is slated Sept. 30-Oct. 1 and Oct. 7-8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.
The multi-cultural festival features local cultural groups presenting their versions of animal folklore, arts and crafts, African and Native American storytelling, performance art, and live music on the zoo's concert stage and in the entry plaza. Activity areas found throughout the zoo feature games, educational activities and take-home crafts such as Ukrainian egg decorating (first weekend only), Middle Eastern mosaics, Native American bracelet beading, and animal mask making. Visitors watch as sea otters, cougars, warty pigs, ocelots, and African birds receive enrichment treats, and learn about what is threatening the animals' survival. "World Animal Festival showcases animals and the cultures they influence," says Krista Swan, Oregon Zoo event coordinator. For several Pacific Northwest Native American tribes, the sea otter represents loyal friendship, while the salmon is seen as a provider, according to Swan. For the San Bushmen of southern Africa, they revere giraffes and hippos as "rain animals." In India, the Asian elephant appears in the Hindu incarnation of the four-armed god Ganesh, lord of wisdom, intelligence, and education. Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation has supported World Animal Festival since its inception in 1998. "We're longtime supporters of the festival because it fits well with our vision and our commitment to conservation, sustainability and diversity," said Nancy Arend, vice president for Weyerhaeuser's hardwoods and industrial products business and member of the Oregon Zoo Foundation board of trustees. "World Animal Festival celebrates wildlife and different cultures, which is something we strive for." World Animal Festival is free with general zoo admission. In conjunction with World Animal Festival the zoo is celebrating Sea Otter Awareness Week, which highlights the plight of sea otters and the zoo's hope to bring sea otters back to Oregon. Sea Otter Awareness Week features marine life displays as well as animal and keeper talks. September
14, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. --In August 2005, Oregon Zoo animal keeper Jan McCoy was in New Orleans to receive the American Association of Zoo Keepers' lifetime achievement award, but with the arrival of Hurricane Katrina the AAZK conference was canceled and attendees were evacuated. On Sept. 19, McCoy will be in Chicago, where she will finally receive her award. The lifetime achievement award recognizes her more than 25 years of outstanding service as a professional zookeeper and her significant contributions to the community.
"I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Jan," said Mike Keele, Oregon Zoo deputy director. "Having worked with Jan for her entire zoo career, I can say that she has been inspirational to me in how she supports the zoo's mission of 'inspiring our community to create a better future for wildlife' with all of her work. Jan possesses a perpetually positive attitude. She's determined, rock-solid reliable, and completely dedicated to professional animal care." McCoy began her career at the Oregon Zoo (then known as the Washington Park Zoo) in 1975 as a volunteer. With her uncommon dedication and educational background (bachelor's degrees in both music education and biology), she quickly became a volunteer supervisor in the zoo's education department and found herself teaching teens in the Talented and Gifted program. She became a zookeeper in June 1978, working mostly with education animals and the traveling zoo program. "Rarely does an individual influence as many people and impact as many programs as Jan does," said Anne Warner, Oregon Zoo director of conservation. "Her passion for the animals in her care, and her dedication to sharing her knowledge, has permeated the many programs that depend on our education animals. The result is an army of enthusiastic ambassadors who communicate the importance of each living creature to everyone they encounter." McCoy also worked with teen volunteers, known as ZooTeens, which were part of an Explorer Post until 1994. McCoy was very involved with the Explorers and received several awards from Scouting such as the Silver Beaver Award, the District Award of Merit and the Council Outstanding Trainer award for her work with Explorer Scouts. Today, the ZooTeen program has more than 300 teens, who receive their animal handling and husbandry training and mentoring from McCoy. The joke around the zoo is: "You can always tell when kids have been trained by Jan -- they know how to roll a hose!" quipped Keele. McCoy helped design two animal buildings in the zoo's Trillium Creek Family Farm exhibit, and was integral in its successful opening in 2004. McCoy's involvement with AAZK both nationally and at the local level is extensive. She has been national president and past president, a long-term board member, and she chaired the national conference when it was held in Portland. Locally, McCoy has served as chapter secretary since 1984, a post she had to vacate this year when she was elected chapter president. "Jan has been the heart and soul of the Portland AAZK chapter for over 20 years," said Anna Michel, Oregon Zoo senior Africa keeper. "So much of what our chapter has accomplished, we did because she made us! She's the only one in the Portland chapter who could have pulled us together. She drives us crazy. We love her." September
13, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo has been rearing endangered Oregon silverspot butterflies in its conservation lab, and has released a total of 22 butterfly pupae and 18 larvae at the 280-acre Cascade Head Preserve, north of Lincoln City. The zoo hopes to stabilize the declining population. This is the eighth year the zoo has been involved in this conservation project.
"This conservation effort is serving as a model for rebuilding an ecosystem," said Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "Through the combined efforts of Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, the Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we hope to stabilize the butterfly population and bring it back from the brink of extinction." This year, for the first time, the zoo piloted a new conservation internship program for high school students in partnership with Saturday Academy and the National Forest Foundation/Friends of the Forest. Student interns helped staff rear threatened Oregon butterflies and shared project information with visitors to the zoo's Winged Wonders butterfly exhibit. In October, the interns plan to work with Siuslaw National Forest staff in field-based butterfly restoration and repopulation efforts. "We are honored to participate in a program that brings students together with scientists for the benefit of Northwest endangered species," said Vecchio. "Our interns have put in countless hours, and their contributions haven't gone unnoticed." The Oregon silverspot butterfly is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. It was once found in coastal grasslands from northern California to southern Washington, but has disappeared from all but a handful of sites along the Oregon coast due to habitat loss and the disappearance of its host plant, the western blue violet. During the preceding decade, monitoring at Cascade Head revealed a dramatic decline in the number of butterflies seen flying. In years prior to 1992, average numbers exceeded 1,000 adults, but in 1998, only 57 of the butterflies were found. In 1999, in response to the dramatic decline in the butterfly population, the Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Nature Conservancy, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others took action to save the threatened species and its habitat. (This year, the zoo also partnered with Lewis & Clark College in the effort, and throughout the project, the Xerces Society has acted in an advisory role, providing help with entomology questions.) Each year, female silverspot butterflies are collected from Cascade Head and induced to lay eggs at the Oregon Zoo's butterfly-breeding facility. Last year, the zoo received 10 female silverspots, which laid more than 500 eggs. The eggs were collected daily, and put into petri dishes where they hatch into tiny larvae. "Each larva is only about one millimeter long when it hatches," said Mary Jo Andersen, butterfly keeper. "They look like tiny specks, but when you observe them under a microscope, you can see that they are perfect miniature caterpillars." Currently, the Nature Conservancy, working collaboratively with U.S. Forest Service, is restoring the native butterfly habitat through small, controlled burns. Scientists hope that by bringing back the western blue violet -- which silverspot caterpillars depend on for food -- the butterfly population can return to its historic numbers and ranges. "Our cooperative 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." The zoo also is involved with conservation projects involving Taylor's checkerspot butterflies and Mardon Skipper butterflies. According to Vecchio, butterfly populations throughout North America are in decline, with 23 species listed as either endangered or threatened. To address this problem, the Oregon Zoo has supported the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Butterfly Conservation Initiative, which involves nearly 50 national zoos and aquariums. The initiative is designed to bring together government and non-government agencies to aid in the recovery of imperiled North American butterflies. Zoo visitors can learn more about endangered and threatened butterfly species at the zoo's Winged Wonders exhibit, recently extended through Sept. 17. The popular walk-through butterfly exhibit is open daily at 10 a.m., and admission is $2 in addition to the zoo entrance fee. A portion of the proceeds from Winged Wonders helps fund the zoo's butterfly education and conservation efforts. September
8, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Though the cheetah can outrun all other land animals, its most important race right now is the race for survival. On Sunday, Oct. 15, Oregonians can help these spotted cats by participating in three events at the Oregon Zoo that support the Cheetah Conservation Fund: Run for the Cheetah, Cheetah Camp, and "Big Cat. Big Party."
Think you can run as fast as a cheetah? Prove your speed during the second annual Run for the Cheetah on Sunday, Oct. 15. An 8K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K run/walk follows at 8:45 a.m. The newest addition to Run for the Cheetah -- the kids half-mile dash - begins at 8 a.m. All run/walks begin at the Oregon Zoo's parking lot and take participants through Washington Park. Former Gov. John Kitzhaber, a running enthusiast and the honorary Run for the Cheetah chairperson, will be on hand for the event. The run is sponsored by Azumano Travel, the Oregon Zoo, Comcast, Java Jacket, REI, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, KINK-FM, Partners on Demand printing, the Lake Oswego Review, NW Natural and Marriott hotels and resorts. Register for Run for the Cheetah at www.runforthecheetah.org or call 503-644-6822. Children must be pre-registered by Oct. 12. Cheetah Camp Children ages 4-11 are invited to Cheetah Camp at the Oregon Zoo from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 15. Parents can sign their campers in starting at 8:15 a.m. Campers are divided into age groups and get to visit with world-renowned cheetah expert Laurie Marker and her two education cheetahs, Kamau (a rare King cheetah) and Kgosi (a spotted cheetah). Marker, who began her 30 years of work with cheetahs at Oregon's Wildlife Safari, has been named one of Time magazine's "Heroes for the Planet" and is CCF's founder and executive director. Tours of the cougar, leopard, tiger and ocelot exhibits are also planned for the children's zoo adventure. Parents must pre-register their children for the $30 camp 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 is not to be missed. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Oregon Zoo Banquet Center, and features Marker and the cheetahs Kamau and Kgosi for a fun and informative dining experience. Marker discusses 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 are $75 ($60 before Oct. 1). By purchasing $150 tickets ($120 before Oct. 1), partiers may also gain admission to a special patron reception from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. For tickets, call 503-690-3532 or e-mail ccforegon@cheetah.org. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, Oct. 9. The Cheetah Conservation Fund's mission is "to ensure the long-term survival of the cheetah and its ecosystem through multi-disciplined and integrated conservation program of research, management and education." September
7, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Procrastinators are in luck: there is still time to see the Oregon Zoo's colorful tropical butterflies! The popular Winged Wonders exhibit, originally scheduled to close after Labor Day, has now been extended through Sept. 17.
The exhibit, presented by HomeStreet Bank, houses more than 450 Central and South American butterflies, including red cattlehearts, zebra wings, morphos, king shoemakers and others. Butterflies are attracted to bright colors, and visitors should dress accordingly, according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Butterflies sometimes mistake a colorful shirt for a flower," says Vecchio. "When these beautiful butterflies land on children or adults, the exhibit becomes the most magical place at the zoo." Visitors can stroll through beautiful gardens and pass by water features that resemble the butterfies' natural habitat. There is more to learn about butterflies at the exhibit's interpretive center, where hands-on activities show how a butterfly uses its senses of sight, smell and taste. Before leaving the butterfly exhibit, visitors can view a display where dozens of pupae develop and grow. The exit area consists of a butterfly garden with locally available plants native to North America. Plants include butterfly bush, cornelian cherry, kinnikinnick, spirea and dogwood, all of which attract butterflies. Here visitors discover how to make their own backyards more butterfly-friendly by avoiding pesticides, planting herbs and butterfly-attracting nectar plants like asters, zinnia and yarrow -- and meeting the butterflies' needs for sunlight, water and shelter. "You have to think in terms of plants that will attract butterflies in all stages of their development," said Linda Coady Richardson, the zoo's horticultural supervisor. "The caterpillar's plant needs are different from the pupae's, which are different from the butterfly's." The zoo's field conservation projects with endangered Oregon silverspot and Fender's blue butterflies are also featured in a display on how the zoo rears endangered butterflies. The zoo has teamed up with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to form the Butterfly Conservation Initiative. A portion of the proceeds from the Oregon Zoo's butterfly exhibit helps support the zoo's butterfly education and conservation efforts. The Winged Wonders exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 15, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16-17. Admission to Winged Wonders is $2, in addition to the zoo entrance fee. Web visitors can learn more about butterflies at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Butterfly/moreinfo.htm. During 2006, the zoo piloted a new conservation internship program for high school students in partnership with Saturday Academy and the National Forest Foundation/Friends of the Forest. Student interns assisted staff in rearing threatened Oregon butterfly larvae, shared project information with Winged Wonders visitors and worked with Siuslaw National Forest staff in field-based butterfly restoration and repopulation efforts. September
6, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo offers the public a place to pay its respects to the late Steve Irwin, the Australian naturalist best known for his television show "The Crocodile Hunter," who died tragically Sunday after being struck in the chest by a stingray barb. The public can leave their remembrances at the zoo's entry plaza through Sunday, Sept.10. "The Oregon Zoo extends its condolences to the Irwin family, his friends and colleagues and the Australia Zoo," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "Steve Irwin's popularity brought animals into the homes of millions and millions of television viewers. He inspired people to care about animal habitat and to better understand the role zoos play in conservation. He will be greatly missed." A release from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, of which the Oregon Zoo is an accredited member, referred to Irwin as an "enthusiastic leader in wildlife conservation." "The death of Steve Irwin has shocked and saddened AZA and its members," said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. "For all of us who work with animals, it's a great loss. He was an engaging leader who respected and cared about wildlife, and he had the knack to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate even the not-so-lovable animals such as spiders, crocodiles and snakes." Ken Ramirez, vice president of animal collections and animal training at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, recently collaborated with Irwin and his staff at the Australia Zoo and recalled the Crocodile Hunter's genuine affection for all wildlife. "Steve was a fun guy who really cared about animals. What you saw on the screen was how he was when the camera was off," said Ramirez. "He did more for animals and awareness of wildlife than many have done before him." The public may pay their respects to Irwin with items such as cards and flowers at the zoo's entry plaza, which may be accessed without paying zoo admission. For other remembrance ideas, visit http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/steve/statement.html. September
1, 2006
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Western pond turtles, California condors, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot and Taylor's checkerspot butterflies, Humboldt penguins in Punta San Juan, Peru, cheetahs and leopards in Zimbabwe…. What do these creatures have in common? They're each the focus of Oregon Zoo conservation projects, which is the topic of the zoo's first Dine & Discover event of the season. Zoo Director Tony Vecchio will highlight these projects and others as he kicks off the 2006-2007 series, Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. "The Oregon Zoo is internationally known for its many conservation programs," said Vecchio. "We're involved in projects around the world as well as our own backyard." A multi-course feast created by Executive Chef Paul Warner will accompany Vecchio's discussion. Delectable hors d'oeuvres include Dungeness crab wontons with sweet chili dip, Oregonzola and fig torta with baguette and sharp cheddar and spinach fondue. Four delicious courses will be served, including wild mushroom pate with cranberry chutney, baby spinach and smoked duck salad with pear cider vinaigrette. The entrée will feature roasted Oregon lamb sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans. Dagoba chocolate torte with apricot sauce will be served for dessert. Wine will be provided courtesy of Hip Chicks Do Wine. Dine & Discover, presented by The Boeing Company, is a series of three 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. The Dine & Discover series continues on Wednesday, Nov. 15, with Oregon Zoo General Curator Chris Pfefferkorn's discussion of the predators of the Serengeti, and concludes on Wednesday, Feb. 14, with a presentation by animal author Vicki Croke. The cost for each Dine & Discover evening is $75 per person, or $500 per table of eight. Cost for the complete series is $200 per person. Seating is limited to those with reservations. To make reservations, call 503-220-2492 or e-mail terichk@metro.dst.or.us. Guests must be 21 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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Just one
decade ago, western pond turtles were on the verge of completely dying
out
in Washington. Habitat degradation and disease were and still
are problems, but the biggest threat to fragile baby turtles is the
bullfrog. Originating 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.
Run
for the Cheetah
