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.
May
26, 2006 The zoo is inviting the public to help choose the winner. This year's nominees are Kiku, a colobus monkey; Yellow Left, a Humboldt penguin; and Woy, a California condor. An online ballot featuring photos and short biographies of the zoo dads is posted on the zoo's Web site: http://www.oregonzoo.org/Voter/vote_form.cfm. " We just finished a successful campaign for Zoo Mother of the Year, and found it was a fun way to bring attention to the animals," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "As the public reads about the nominees, which are either threatened or endangered, we hope they'll come to understand and care about the challenges facing these species and others."
" I think he's the greatest dad in our zoo," says Asaba Mukobi, Africa keeper. "When Kiku's children were born, he knew instinctively how to care for them when the mother didn't." Yellow Left, a Humboldt penguin, is the proud father of 13 offspring. Although he is nearly 95 percent blind and suffers from arthritis, he is still a very protective and attentive father. " He is the best parent in the colony, including the females," says Rick Yazzolino, penguin keeper. "Yellow Left is an amazing father, because he fights through the pain of his disabilities to help incubate, feed and raise his chicks. He's a wonderful dad and deserves to be zoo dad of the year!"
" In the past, Woy has always been a doting dad," says Shawn St. Michael, assistant condor curator. "He's helped his chicks learn how to feed, communicate, groom and just be well-rounded condors. He's helped teach all the skills that are critical for survival in the wild," he added. Online votes will be accepted through Thursday, June 15, at 5 p.m. The zoo will announce the 2006 Zoo Father the Year on Friday, June 16, and the winner will receive a special treat from the zoo keepers. May
25, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore.-HomeStreet Bank and Oregon Zoo are partnering for the fifth year in a row on "Wild About Zoos," a promotion to raise money for conservation and education programs, including those benefiting local species such as endangered western pond turtles, Washington pygmy rabbits, and Oregon silverspot and checkerspot butterflies. From now through July 31, HomeStreet Bank will donate $10 to The Oregon Zoo Foundation for every bank account, mortgage, loan and insurance policy opened at branches in Portland, Salem and Vancouver. As part of Wild About Zoos, HomeStreet is also offering "Ten for You, Ten for the Zoo," a special savings account for children 18 and under. When a child's savings account is opened for $50 or more, HomeStreet adds $10 to the child's account and donates $10 to the zoo.
Through its Wild About Zoos program, HomeStreet has contributed more than $242,000 to regional zoos, including $81,830 to the Oregon Zoo. The Oregon Zoo's mission is to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. As the largest fee-based attraction in the state of Oregon, the zoo hopes to educate the public about the importance of environmental stewardship. Special promotions, such as "Wild About Zoos," help fund the zoo and its conservation message. " HomeStreet Bank is a great friend to the Oregon Zoo," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Its donations help imperiled and threatened Northwest animals. We're very pleased to see this worthwhile program continue." HomeStreet Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks in the Northwest. For more than 80 years, HomeStreet has actively partnered with local organizations through employee volunteer service, charitable contributions, products and services and sponsorships. Each year, HomeStreet donates at least two percent of pre-tax profits to organizations in its communities. For more information about Wild About Zoos or for a list of HomeStreet Bank branch locations, call 800-719-8080 or visit online at www.homestreet.com/zoo. For information about supporting the Oregon Zoo's conservation efforts, please contact The Oregon Zoo Foundation at 503-220-5734. May
23, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- After almost not making it into the world, the Oregon Zoo's newest condor chick is getting stronger and is currently being puppet-reared by its human foster parents.
" The decision was made to intervene for fear that if we didn't, the chick would not have been able to rotate and might have died in its shell," said Shawn St. Michael, assistant condor curator. "We really don't like to intervene in the hatching, because we much prefer having the parents raise the chick." The chick,
the zoo's fifth to hatch in Oregon, now weighs 400 grams and is bonding
with its puppet mother and father
indoors at the Jonsson
Center
for Wildlife Conservation.
Puppet-rearing
has become more and more routine in zoos and other conservation centers. Condor keepers concerned for last egg First-time California condor parents 137 and 147 were preparing to launch into parenthood, but their egg is developing much more slowly than anticipated. The egg -- laid in late March -- came into the world in a bumpy fashion. " Condor 147 laid her egg while standing in the nest-room door, looking out," said St. Michael. "She howitzered the egg back a good 8 inches, and it dropped about 10 inches from her perch in the doorway onto the sandy floor of the nest room." On
May 24, condor experts from the Los Angeles Zoo and Oregon
Zoo radiographed the egg and determined
that the
chick was
malpositioned (upside down).
After careful deliberation it was determined to window
the egg - creating a hole in the shell for the chick
to breathe. Condor
keepers
will closely
monitor the egg to ensure its successful hatching.
If all goes as planned, the egg will be returned
to condor
pair
137 and
147 for
parent rearing. In 2001, the Oregon Zoo became only the third zoo in the nation invited to join the California Condor Recovery Program. In November of 2003, the Oregon Zoo brought condors back to Oregon for the first time in a century. The zoo's condor recovery efforts take place at the Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation, located in Clackamas County on Metro-owned open space. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild. California condor captive-breeding programs are operated at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho. The goal for the condor recovery program is to establish a captive population of 150 birds and two separate wild populations of 150 condors each in California and Arizona. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Condor Recovery Program coordinate and implement the recovery efforts and provide oversight of all program partners.
Condors, the largest land birds in North America, have wingspans of up to 10 feet and weigh 18 to 30 pounds. They are highly intelligent and inquisitive, often engaging in play. During the Pleistocene Era, which ended about 10,000 years ago, the condors' range extended across much of North America. By 1940, that range had been reduced to the coastal mountains of Southern California, and in 1967 condors were added to the first federal list of endangered species. Nearly 15 years later, only 22 condors were living in the wild. In 1987, the last condors were brought into captivity and a captive-breeding program was developed. May
22, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon Zoo visitors come eye-to-eye with the threatening Tyrannosaurus rex, pteranodons and other dinosaurs on the zoo's newest thrill ride, "Dino Island II: Escape From Dino Island." The feature, produced by SimEx-Iwerks, runs May 26 through Labor Day and requires an additional $4.50 ticket.
Nearly 295,000 people have experienced the zoo's simulation theater since it premiered in May 2003, generating more than $1 million for many conservation and education programs at the zoo. " Dino Island" plays in the SimEx-Iwerks simulation theater located on the former entry plaza directly across from the Amur tiger exhibit, close to the Zoo Railway Station. In addition to regular zoo admission, a $4.50 ticket is required. Members receive a 50-cent discount. Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able to experience the ride. To complete the dinosaur experience, the zoo's Cascade Outfitters gift shop is stocked with dinosaur puzzles, toys, coloring books, chocolate dinosaur eggs and dino fudge. Dinosaur-shaped cookies are available in the zoo's Cascade Crest restaurant. May
22, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- When school's out, the fun and learning don't have to stop. Several school districts are closed on Friday, May 26, so the Oregon Zoo is featuring animal feedings and trainings all day.
The schedule is as follows: 9:30 a.m.
- Chimp feed May
18, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon Zoo visitors will discover surprising facts about bears during Bear Fair, on Saturday, May 20, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Polar, grizzly and Malayan sun bears - as well as teddy bears - will be featured. This year, Bear Fair is coordinated to fall on the last day of Bear Awareness Week. Many of the bears will receive special treats, including toys, feeder balls, large barrels and huge piles of ice. Other Bear Fair activities include stories, activity stations and experiments that will educate visitors about the different habitats and characteristics unique to each bear, including black bears (not on exhibit).
- At 11 a.m., zoo keepers will host a polar
bear keeper talk focusing on facts about the large animal and conservation
issues. According to Krista Swan, Oregon Zoo event coordinator, "Repair-A-Bear," a special surgical mending station, will be set up for operations, checkups, shots, chiropractic adjustments and emergency patchwork, "in case your teddy bear or other stuffed buddy needs a little extra loving care." The U.S. Forest Service's Smokey Bear will be making friends and taking pictures with visitors during a special appearance. In conjunction with the zoo's effort to bring attention to global warming (which is harming polar bears), Metro will share tips on how to save time and money (and reduce pollution) by trip chaining, carpooling and using other travel options available in the region. Metro's Drive Less/Save More booth will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. National Bear Awareness Week has been designated by Defenders of Wildlife for May 14 through 20. The zoo is participating in an effort to educate the public about the integral role that bears play in nature as well as the importance of respecting biological diversity. On May 20, the zoo's gift shops will donate 10 percent of all plush bear sales to the zoo's Future for Wildlife fund for bear conservation. May
18, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The National Wildlife Federation officially recognizes the Oregon Zoo's butterfly garden Winged Wonders as a certified wildlife habitat. This site demonstrates conscientious planning, landscaping and sustainable gardening while providing wildlife with the four basic elements -- food, water, cover and places to raise their young.
Habitat fragmentation and changing weather patterns have reinforced the need for individuals to incorporate wildlife-friendly practices into their landscape designs. With more than 65,000 certified habitat sites across the country, the NWF estimates that individual backyards have preserved or restored more than 250 square habitat miles. Winged Wonders provides visitors with the opportunity to learn how to create a butterfly-friendly habitat in a relatively small space. Many of the landscape concepts incorporated in the Oregon Zoo's habitat design are easily incorporated in individual backyards, schoolyards, workplaces and other green spaces throughout the greater Portland area.
To learn more about the Wildlife Habitats program, visit the NWF web site at: http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/ The nation's largest member-supported conservation education and advocacy group, the National Wildlife Federation unites people from all walks of life to protect nature, wildlife and the world we all share. The federation has educated and inspired families to uphold America's conservation tradition since 1936. Winged Wonders is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and runs through Labor Day. Admission to the exhibit is $2, in addition to the zoo entrance fee. Web visitors can learn more about butterflies at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Butterfly/moreinfo.htm. May
12, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. - In the closest vote in zoo history, the public has chosen the Oregon Zoo's Meadow as the Zoo Mother of the Year for 2006. The Washington pygmy rabbit mother was the overall winner with 37 percent of the online votes while Crash, the Humboldt penguin, came in a close second with 34 percent. California condor 147 was the third runner-up with 29 percent.
Vecchio viewed The Zoo Mother of the Year vote as an opportunity to educate the public about pygmy rabbits, Humboldt penguins and California condors that are either threatened or endangered. "Once people make an emotional connection with an animal, they're much more likely to care about the future of that species," said Vecchio. "This online vote has helped bring attention to the plight of these animals." May
12, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- As sea ice in the Arctic Ocean melts due to global warming, polar bears who depend on the ice are drowning. Shrinking sea ice is forcing bears to swim greater distances to find food, up to 75 miles more than average. Global warming is caused by human activities, including automobile emissions.
Bike to Work Day helps kick off the zoo's new year-round bike incentive program, where cyclists who bike to the zoo receive 50 cents off regular admission. The zoo also supports Metro's "Drive Less, Save More" effort to increase public awareness about the personal benefits of reducing single-person car trips. The campaign informs people about trip chaining and other transportation choices that are simple, convenient and save time and money. "Biking means I get some exercise, everyone else in the region gets cleaner air and polar bears get a bit more of the ice they need for hunting," said Metro Councilor Robert Liberty, a long-time bike commuter. "It makes for a cooler commute and cooler planet." According
to Liberty, riding a bike to the zoo isn't as challenging
as one might think. "Riding your bike is a great way to get some exercise, see a different view of Portland and reduce pollution," said Liberty. "It's a win, win, win." TriMet offers another solution. TriMet offers environmental and easy solutions for getting to the zoo without a car. Trains at the Washington Park MAX station are ready to drop zoo visitors within a 20-second elevator ride of the zoo entrance every 15 minutes or less. If packing light is a concern, collapsible strollers and bikes are allowed on the MAX. The zoo is also accessible by the #63 bus to Washington Park, which runs about once an hour every day of the week and is equipped with bike racks. Starting in downtown and ending in the Sylvan neighborhood, the #63 is a great way to explore other areas of Washington Park like the Rose Garden or the Hoyt Arboretum. Similar to last year, MAX and bus riders can also receive a 50-cent discount when they show their TriMet pass at the ticket office. May
10, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Bowlers hit the lanes Wednesday, May 24, to save the world's endangered rhinos. Bowling for Rhinos, an annual fundraiser in its 17th year, takes place at Hollywood Bowl from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Portland chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers sponsors the event. Bowling for Rhinos is a national program that has raised more than $2.1 million since its inception. Portland bowlers have raised more than $168,000 of that total, more than any other city in the country. Money raised goes directly to three specific rhino-conservation projects working to protect three of the world's five species of rhino. Bowlers raise funds by collecting tax-deductible pledges. A $20 participation fee includes three hours of bowling, shoes, food and drink. The Portland event features door prizes and a raffle for a variety of items. Nationally, the top two fundraisers win a two-week trip to Kenya, and will be the guests of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Steve Hash, Africa keeper at the Oregon Zoo and local coordinator for Bowling for Rhinos, noted that globally, all rhino populations are low. " There are fewer than 3,700 black, only 300 Sumatran, and fewer than 60 Javan rhinos left in the wild," said Hash. "While populations of white rhinos [estimated to be 11,300] and Indian rhinos [estimated to be 2,400] are more stable, they too are considered threatened. Saving all species of rhino is important, but the most critically endangered species drive our efforts." Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio is pleased that the zoo's keepers and the greater zoo community have done so much to save rhinos. " The primary mission of the Oregon Zoo is conservation," said Vecchio. "It's gratifying to see that our staff members believe so strongly in that mission that they've devoted much of their own time and resources to this important effort." Registration forms for both bowlers and sponsors are available on the zoo's Web site at www.oregonzoo.org. Individuals and teams are encouraged to register early, but walk-ins are welcome. Additional information is available by contacting Steve Hash at 503-226-1561, ext. 5255, or by e-mail at portlandaazk@aol.com. The Oregon Zoo is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is working to facilitate a conservation ethic in children and adults alike. Bowling for Rhinos is an event that can involve the entire community, and has become a fun tradition for families. May
9, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Taku River watershed in northwestern British Columbia and southeastern Alaska is the largest remaining intact wilderness system on the west coast of North America and the traditional home of the Taku River Tlinglit. The nearly 4.5 million-acre watershed is the habitat for grizzly and black bears, wolves, wolverines, goats, moose, bald eagles and more than five species of salmon.
On May 30, Sizemore presents a lecture at the Oregon Zoo, discussing "The Taku River: A Generation with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation." The lecture, which focuses on working with native communities to create large-scale wilderness preservation, is the last in the zoo's 2006 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series presented by Pro Photo Supply. With a career that spans four continents and more than 30 years, Sizemore believes that to create lasting conservation, it's crucial that local people recognize that the future depends on their active involvement. The practice of conservation becomes the empowerment of people to acquire political, social and economic authority, through various means ranging from science to civil disobedience, he says. " The zoo is very supportive of Round River's preservation efforts on behalf of the animals of the Taku River watershed," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "This is a fascinating lecture for anyone interested in conservation and a great way to culminate our Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series." The Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series is presented by Pro Photo Supply and receives additional support from New Belgium Brewing, Southwest Airlines, Portland General Electric and Shiels Obletz Johnsen. Hosts for the series are Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Zoo, and World Forestry Center. Lectures will be held in the Oregon Zoo's Banquet Center and begin at 7 p.m. Cost for each lecture: $10 for non-members, $8 for members of host organizations, students or seniors. May
8, 2006 PORTLAND,
Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo will highlight past successes of and future
challenges to the world's endangered species as it observes Endangered
Species Day, Thursday, May 11.The public
is invited to mark this special day at the zoo, where visitors can
experience the beauty of endangered
animal species, learn about their plight in the wild -- and how the
zoo is helping the animals -- and discover how they too can make
a difference. " Endangered Species Day provides us another opportunity to raise awareness about the threats to endangered species and the success stories in species recovery," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "Educating the public about the importance of protecting endangered species and the everyday actions individuals can take to help protect wildlife and their habitat is a crucial part of our mission." Events begin at 11 a.m. on the zoo's concert lawn, with appearances by Chinook and Zorro, the zoo's bald eagle and Peregrine falcon. Both species had been threatened with extinction, but have made a comeback with protection from the Endangered Species Act. In fact, the Peregrine falcons are doing so well, they were removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999, and bald eagles may be removed soon. Visitors who want to learn more about the zoo's endangered species can attend special keeper talks between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. 11:30 a.m.
- Elephants Zoo volunteers wearing "Ask me about endangered species" buttons will be available to answer visitor questions throughout the day. More than 1,800 species worldwide are now listed as threatened and endangered, and thousands more are threatened with extinction. Currently, 23 species at the Oregon Zoo are endangered/CITES I, and 59 are threatened and/or CITES II. The zoo is active in 23 Species Survival Plans and 30 Population Management Plans. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution declaring May 11 as Endangered Species Day, with the goal of sparking wonder and interest in conservation efforts across the country. The resolution has the full support of the American Zoo and Aquarium association, of which the Oregon Zoo is an accredited member. May
5, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon Zoo visitors will discover surprising facts about bears during Bear Fair, on Saturday, May 20, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Polar, grizzly and Malayan sun bears as well as teddy bears will be featured. This year, Bear Fair is coordinated to fall on the last day of Bear Awareness Week.
Throughout the day, zoo visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the bears. - At 11 a.m., zoo keepers will host a polar bear keeper talk focusing on facts about the large animal and conservation issues. - At 11:20 a.m., polar bears will receive ice treats made up of lumps of ice that contain frozen food items. - At 1 p.m., the Malayan sun bears will solve puzzle feeders. - At 2 p.m., grizzly bears will be the center of attention in a keeper talk about the animals and conservation issues. According to Krista Swan, Oregon Zoo event coordinator, "Repair-A-Bear," a special surgical mending station, will be set up for operations, checkups, shots, chiropractic adjustments and emergency patchwork, "in case your teddy bear or other stuffed buddy needs a little extra loving care." The U.S. Forest Service's Smokey Bear will be making friends and taking pictures with visitors during a special appearance. In conjunction with the zoo's effort to bring attention to global warming (which is harming polar bears), Metro will share tips on how to save time and money (and reduce pollution) by trip chaining, carpooling and other travel options available in the region. Metro's Drive Less/Save More booth will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. National Bear Awareness Week has been designated by Defenders of Wildlife for May 14 through 20. The zoo is participating in an effort to educate the public about the integral role that bears play in nature as well as the importance of respecting biological diversity. On May 14 and 20, the zoo's gift shops will donate 10 percent of all plush bear sales to the zoo's Future for Wildlife fund for bear conservation. May
4, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Zoogoers are all aflutter as Winged Wonders, the Oregon Zoo's popular walk-through butterfly exhibit, prepares for its grand reopening. The exhibit, presented by HomeStreet Bank, opens May 20 and continues through Labor Day, with more than 450 Central and South American butterflies on display.
" I'm always surprised how such a small and delicate creature can have such a huge impact on our visitors," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "We hope that once visitors have been surrounded by these captivating fliers, they'll want to create an environment to attract butterflies in their own backyard." Visitors learn that planting herbs such as fennel and dill attract the caterpillars of species such as black swallowtail and anise swallowtail. Visitors also learn about the importance of butterfly-attracting nectar plants like asters, zinnia and yarrow -- and the need for sunlight, water, shelter and avoiding pesticides. The zoo's butterfly garden demonstrates conscientious planning, landscaping and sustainable gardening, while providing the four basic elements needed to sustain wildlife: food, water, cover and places to raise young. The National Wildlife Federation has officially recognized it as a certified wildlife habitat. To learn more about the backyard wildlife habitat program, please visit the NWF website at: http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/ The Winged Wonders exhibit also complements Metro's new Nature in Neighborhoods initiative, a region-wide conservation effort that brings people and government together to ensure a healthy urban ecosystem. Butterflies on display will include royal blues, Aglaura olivewings, Costa Rica clearwings, false malachites and others. They are sometimes attracted to bright colors, and visitors should dress accordingly. " Butterflies sometimes mistake a colorful shirt for a flower," says Vecchio. "When these beautiful butterflies land on children or adults, the exhibit is the most magical place at the zoo." The Aglaura olivewing has velvety black coloring with large blue stripes on the upper surface of its wings. It ranges from southern Mexico to Colombia. The Costa Rica clearwing, also called a glasswing, has mostly translucent wings with unique black veining, and ranges from Mexico to Panama. The false malachite, which has large patches of translucent green on its wings, ranges from Mexico to the Amazon Basin. Before leaving the butterfly exhibit, visitors can view a display where dozens of pupae develop and grow. Butterflies that emerge from these pupae are released into the exhibit. "
It still amazes me that every day visitors can watch these beautiful
creatures eclose from the pupal stage to become butterflies," said
Mary Jo Andersen, butterfly keeper. "I feel lucky to witness
something day after day that very few people get to see in the wild." A display highlighting the zoo's field conservation projects with endangered Oregon silverspot and Taylor's checkerspot butterflies is also featured. The display describes how the zoo rears endangered butterflies and explains the life cycle of wild butterflies. Winged Wonders is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and runs through Labor Day. Admission to the exhibit is $2, in addition to the zoo entrance fee. Web visitors can learn more about butterflies at http://www.oregonzoo.org/Butterfly/moreinfo.htm. Zoo helps save rare butterflies and more. The Oregon Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have joined 34 zoos and aquariums from around the country to form the Butterfly Conservation Initiative. The Initiative is designed to bring together government and non-government agencies to aid in the recovery of imperiled North American butterflies. The Oregon Zoo and AZA are committed to butterfly conservation. A portion of the proceeds from the Oregon Zoo's butterfly exhibit helps support the zoo's butterfly education and conservation efforts. May
4, 2006 PORTLAND,
Ore. -- Back in 1998, the Portland Art Museum opened a blockbuster
exhibit titled "The Wonders of Ancient Egypt." Not to be
outdone, the Oregon Zoo unveils its own Egyptian epic with the May
5 debut of "Acomys Cahirinus" (pronounced uh-SO-miss suh-he-RYE-nus).
Native to Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East, Acomys Cahirinus has a spiny back, which is covered with a bristly-looking fur. It lives in rocky areas with dense vegetation and is extremely quick on its feet.
The zoo has not decided if babies are in its future. To help Acomys Cahirinus feel more at home, the zoo's staff has decorated the outside of the exhibit with hieroglyphics, scarabs and a depiction of the Egyptian god Horus. May
2, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- If you felt there weren't enough hours in the day, the Oregon Zoo just made it a little easier to squeeze everything in. The zoo has implemented its summer hours.Gates now open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., and visitors are welcome to remain on zoo grounds for one hour after closing.
Much as people, many animals avoid the midafternoon heat by staying out of the sun and resting in cooler locations. That, unfortunately, means zoogoers often miss out on seeing exciting activities such as animals eating breakfast, exploring their exhibits or swinging from the trees. " The best time to see animals more active is by arriving first thing in the morning when we open or by visiting the zoo later in the day," recommends Tony Vecchio, zoo director. While animal feeding times vary, sea lions and sea otters are usually in the water and eating their morning meals of squid, urchins and clams around 11 a.m., and lunch is served around 2 p.m. Elephants typically participate in enrichment activities around the time the zoo opens, then eat a late breakfast. Zoo visitors arriving early will also discover that grizzly, sun and polar bears, as well as tigers and leopards, are livelier before the sun peaks midday. Zookeepers have feeding and enrichment activities scheduled for the times listed above, but due to varying circumstances, exact times cannot be guaranteed. In addition to active animals in the exhibits, zoogoers may also have the opportunity to watch free-flying birds soaring over the concert lawn. Bird show staff are currently training birds for "Wild Life Live," featuring various species, including eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, vultures and parrots. On nice days, visitors are invited to watch as show staff train the birds to perform complex behaviors on cue. Other added benefits of getting to the zoo earlier or later include an easier-to-manage parking lot, shorter lines for tickets and food, and smaller crowds at popular exhibits. May
1, 2006 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Defenders of Wildlife has designated May 14-20, 2006, as national Bear Awareness Week. The Oregon Zoo is participating in an effort to educate the public about the integral role bears play in nature as well as the importance of respecting biological diversity. Keepers kick off the week with special activities Sunday, May 14.
- Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., zoo volunteers will lead activities for children of all ages in the polar bear viewing area. Children will go on a seal hunt, solve a melting-sea-ice jigsaw puzzle and explore a papier-mâché polar bear maternity den. In addition, educational materials about bears will be available and Andrew Eberle, a ZooTeen Ambassador to the Arctic, will answer questions about his trip to see wild polar bears in Churchill, Canada. - At 1 p.m., sun bears will forage for bugs, using their long tongues. - At 2 p.m., grizzly bears will be the focus with a talk about human impact on grizzly habitat. On May 14 and 20, the zoo's gift shops will donate 10 percent of all plush bear sales to the zoo's Future for Wildlife fund for bear conservation.
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PORTLAND,
Ore. -- They might not be able to teach you how to throw a baseball
or build a tree fort, but fathers of the animal kingdom still have
a lot to share with their children. If not for them, the young animals
wouldn't know how to catch fish, climb trees or fly. The Oregon Zoo
is honoring these devoted fathers by selecting its 2006 Zoo Father
of the Year. 
The finalists
were selected by zoo employees from an initial list of seven zoo dads.
This year, animal keepers expect
a close race,
because
all three fathers have excellent parenting skills.
Rounding
out the trio of dads is Woy, a California condor who recently became
a dad
for the fourth time when his chick
hatched
on May
13.
"
Our zoos are a precious resource for recreation, for education and for
the critical work they do in animal conservation," said Kathryn
Williams, HomeStreet Bank community relations director. "Our
communities are very much the richer for having the excellent zoos
we do in the Northwest and Hawaii. We are happy to be able to continue
our
support through our Wild About Zoos program."
When the
chick began to hatch on May 13 -- with its condor parents Woy and Wiloq
looking on -- condor keepers
were becoming more and more concerned
that the hatching was taking too long.
"
We have to be very careful that the chick doesn't bond with us," said
St. Michael. "Every time we get our hands on the chick to
do a physical or draw blood, it's a negative experience for the
chick. The chick can't
associate people with comfort or food if it hopes to survive
in the wild. It must associate with condors and realize it's
a condor, not a person."
After 100 years, California condors return to Oregon
In September
of 2005, Oregon's first condor hatched in a century, Kun Wak Shun,
was released into
the wild at
at Pinnacles
National
Monument
in central California. Though there are no
plans as yet to release California condors in Oregon,
the California
condor's
former
range did extend as
far north as the Columbia River. Archeologists
have unearthed
9,000-year-old condor bones from Native American
middens. Explorers Lewis and
Clark documented sightings of the California
condor in their journal, describing
it in an October 28, 1805 entry as a "Vulture
of the Columbia" and
noted that the species was common. The last
condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the
town of
Drain.
The "Dino Island" adventure catapults riders into the action
from the very beginning. As a crisis unfolds on Dino Island, the Earth
Science Team has to capture "Tony," the only male T. rex
left in the world, before a volcano erupts and takes out all remaining
life.
It's a race against time as lava begins to flow, cliffs break away
and dinosaurs come at riders from every direction.
"
We understand that parents and kids need options on days when school's
out," says Rex Ettlin, education program coordinator. "Parents
or grandparents can bring their families to the zoo and check out our
animal enrichment activities, training and feeding -- they're a lot
of fun to watch!"
Throughout
the day, zoo visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the
bears.
The
grand reopening of Winged Wonders May 21 comes at a time when regional
butterfly populations are declining. It is believed that a combination
of habitat loss and global warming are the likely culprits. Butterflies
are becoming the canary in the coal mine, as they are extremely sensitive
to climate change -- and this year's cold, wet spring has taken its
toll on our local butterfly population. 
"
Our regional zoos are perfect places to educate and inspire individuals
to take action on behalf of wildlife," said Paula Del Giudice,
NWF center director. 
"Meadow is a great choice for zoo mother of the year," said
Oregon Zoo Director," Tony Vecchio. "This is the first time
we've had a winner from one of our conservation projects."
To help
bring attention to global warming and support Bike to Work Day and
Metro's "Drive Less, Save More" campaign,
the Oregon Zoo is inviting the public to bike to the zoo and receive
free admission
on May 19.
Lewa was
the first rhino program supported by the bowling event. Two additional
Indonesian
programs now receive funds: Ujung Kulon
National
Park, on the island of Java, a tropical lowland rainforest area
that is home to the reclusive Javan rhino; and Bukit Barisan Selatan
National
Park, on the island of Sumatra. Bukit Barisan is home to the rare
Sumatran rhino and other endangered animals, including Asian elephants,
tigers,
clouded leopards and Malayan sun bears. 
But nearly
eight years ago, the wilderness was threatened by a proposed gold mine.
The Taku
River Tlingit First Nation decided it was time to
take action and enlisted the help of Dennis Sizemore and Round River
Conservation Studies. Since then, the organizations have been working
together to complete a biology-based conservation area design and land
plan for their territory. 
Many of
the bears will receive special treats, including toys, feeder balls,
large barrels and huge piles of ice. Other Bear
Fair activities
include stories, activity stations and experiments that will educate
visitors about the different habitats and characteristics unique to
each bear, including black bears (not on exhibit).
Grand reopening
activities are scheduled around the zoo for Sunday, May 21, from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Children of all ages can participate in creating
backyard-habitat stamp crafts, handmade paper and bookmarks, and wildflower
crafts. A finger-puppet station will help show the importance of butterflies
in the pollination process. A special emphasis this year will be placed
on encouraging zoo visitors to create their own backyard habitats. 
"
With their foxlike faces, enormous ears and big, round, black eyes, they
can be a little intimidating," says Gilbert Gomez, assistant
zoological curator. "They're very active creatures, and males
can be somewhat aggressive and downright dangerous to each other.We'll
really have to watch them closely." 
Females
of the species are good mothers and sometimes act as "surrogate
moms," according to Gomez. "Females often help other
females give birth and even nurse their babies," he says.
The zoo
is also suggesting visitors take advantage of the new time schedule
to see animals at their most active.
- At 11
a.m., polar bear keepers will give a short presentation about how
global warming is affecting polar bear habitats. During the talk,
polar bears will receive ice and enrichment toys. The keepers will
repeat their 11 a.m. talk at the polar bear exhibit every day through
Saturday,
May 20.