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.
October
30, 2007
"Red Ape Reserve will provide Inji and the other orangs with climbing structures and several enrichment areas, including a special enrichment tree keepers will access from an underground tunnel," said Dave Thomas, Oregon Zoo senior primate keeper. "The exhibit increases their exhibit space by more than three and a half times and the new features should increase their activity level." According to Thomas, this will be a great improvement over their current indoor-only enclosure, especially for 13-year-old male Kutai. Since his arrival in 2001, it has been obvious that the current exhibit has not been challenging enough for his inquisitive mind. Kutai has been known to dismantle the wooden climbing structures, create "tools" to get items out of keeper areas, and generally keep his keepers on their toes. "Those of us who have been with these orangutans for many years are greatly looking forward to the day these animals enter their new and enriching habitat," continued Thomas. "And the addition of a pair of white-cheeked gibbons in the exhibit should make for some interesting interaction between the species." Red Ape Reserve will provide visitors unprecedented opportunities to observe orangutans, indoors and outdoors, exhibiting natural behaviors as they literally climb and swing over visitors' heads and come nose-to-nose with them at glass viewing windows. The naturalistic exhibit places visitors in the context of the fragile Southeast Asian habitats that are home to wild orangutans and white-cheeked gibbons. It provides visitors opportunities to actively learn about orangutan conservation. Visitors can view the orangutans at multiple locations, beginning at a replica of a field researcher's house. Just beyond the house's windows is a covered porch, which is in the animal exhibit, and though the windows resemble everyday house windows, they are made of thick, orangutan-proof laminated glass. In addition to being covered, the porch is heated, providing an all-weather space inviting orangutans close to visitors. Other features include hidden food hoppers, so keepers can chat with visitors inside the house while feeding and interacting with the apes. The mesh-enclosed outdoor portion of the exhibit occupies 5,400 square feet. This space will provide the orangutans their first opportunity to experience natural substrates, foliage, water features and weather. Sway poles, vines and trees will enable the orangutans and gibbons to swing through their arboreal habitat. Another highlight of the outdoor space is the signature "enrichment tree." Designed to resemble a massive buttress tree overtaken by a strangler fig, this feature is intended to keep the animals alert, engaged and mentally challenged in their new home. The hollow tree's inside is accessible to keepers via an underground tunnel, and features a multitude of holes through which they can place treats, branches, puzzle-feeders and other enrichment devices. Outside the tree, the primates can wander around, searching for food and stimulation, just as they would in the wild. The new indoor space, occupying 820 square feet, is designed to provide more behavioral enrichment opportunities than the orangutans' existing exhibit. The structure of the roof and windows allows them to use 100 percent of the exhibit's vertical space, a massive volume full of trees, logs and vines for climbing. A wall of windows creates a visual connection with the adjacent outdoor portion of the exhibit; making the two spaces seem like one. It also allows ample natural light into the indoor space, aided by large skylights overhead. To watch a video of Thomas presenting a model of the zoo's new Red Ape Reserve exhibit, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/orang_NewExhibit.htm The primates building, constructed in 1959, has undergone significant renovations in the past five years. Following the theme "Fragile Forests," the zoo has been transforming the building into a state-of-the-art, naturalistic experience for visitors and animals. Red Ape Reserve continues the transformation, becoming the cornerstone exhibit for the Asian wing of the building. October
25, 2007
Students from Wilsonville, Aloha and Roosevelt high schools will participate in the hour-long conferences.
Polar Bears International is facilitating the event, with scientists representing the U.S. Geological Survey, the World Conservation Union's Polar Bear Specialist Group, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The scientists are gathered in Churchill, Manitoba, known as the "polar bear capital of the world," and will conduct the video conferences via an HD link-up from a Tundra Buggy vehicle, with polar bears just outside. Scientists scheduled to participate are Dr. Steven C. Amstrup, polar bear project leader for the USGS; Dr. Andrew Derocher, chair of the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group; and Dr. Don Moore, chair of animal welfare for the AZA. Scientists and students will discuss the unprecedented rate of retreat for sea ice on the Arctic Ocean, and how that threatens the bears' survival. In addition, the scientists plan to address:
"This video conference supports our mission of conservation through education," said Robert Buchanan, president of PBI. "Students from Portland can learn directly from scientists in the field, and then help implement change -- which will help the environment, the Arctic and, of course, the polar bears." PBI is a nonprofit organization devoted to the worldwide conservation of polar bears through education. For more information, visit www.polarbearsinternational.org. The Oregon Zoo and PBI are gearing up for the 2008 celebration of the Year of the Polar Bear, with special events planned all year. October
25, 2007
"For more than 35 years, the Oregon Road Runners Club has encouraged thousands of people to take steps to improve their health by walking and running," said Dave Cook, ORRC president. "The Turkey Trot has become an annual tradition for Oregon families and their relatives visiting from out of town. It's a great thing to do prior to sitting down to a big Thanksgiving Day meal." Events are noncompetitive and do not include awards. Clocks at the start and finish lines are available for self-timing. Each event starts across from the zoo at the World Forestry Center and finishes inside the zoo by the concert amphitheater. More information and registration forms are available at www.orrc.net/races/turkey_trot/turkey_tba.htm Parking is limited, so participants are encouraged to ride MAX. TriMet's Washington Park light rail station is just steps from the registration area and the start and finish lines. TriMet timetables are available at www.trimet.org No pets or rollerblades are allowed in any of the events. Strollers and child-carrier backpacks are allowed only in the four-mile fitness walk and must start at the back of the group. Volunteers wishing to help with this benefit run may call the ORRC at 503-667-0480 and leave a name and phone number. The ORRC, a nonprofit organization, was founded in Seaside, Ore., in 1970 as an outgrowth of the Trail's End Marathon, the first marathon in the Pacific Northwest. The club is a member of the national Road Runners Club of America, and is one of the largest RRCA running clubs in the United States with roughly a thousand members. The club conducts races and developmental programs for children, adults, runners and walkers, and plans and organizes more than 15 running and walking events in the Portland vicinity. Visit www.orrc.net for more information. October
19, 2007
Zookeeper Mary Jo Andersen presents "Native Butterfly Conservation at the Oregon Zoo: Just How Hungry Are Those Caterpillars?" while the zoo's executive chef, Paul Warner, cooks up a gourmet meal specifically designed for the event. With Andersen in the role of lead keeper, the zoo has been rearing endangered Northwest butterflies in its conservation lab since 1999. Along with the federally listed Oregon silverspot butterfly, the zoo is working to save the Taylor's checkerspot and Mardon skipper. "The zoo's horticulture staff plays a critical role in these projects," Andersen says, "by propagating and maintaining the rare plants that the caterpillars need to eat." And speaking of eating…. A scrumptious multicourse feast, created by Chef Paul to accompany Andersen's discussion, features a sweet teriyaki chicken cocoon with butter lettuce and chili-garlic sauce; coconut prawn with mango and Thai basil; chilled avocado soup with Dungeness crab-meat quenelle, cucumber and balsamic pear vinegar; and grilled beef clod tender with shaved fennel, braised artichoke bottom, and sherried almonds with pearl-onion relish. The dessert menu also should set hearts aflutter: citrus and orange-flower gelato with tropical fruit confit, served martini-style, and chocolate flan with lavender-rosemary crème anglaise. "This time around, we prepared smaller courses to create a wider selection in our dishes," says Chef Paul. "This tropical banquet is a fusion of aromatic floral scents and essences that would make our guests be reminiscent of butterflies as they enjoy their appetizing meal." Dine & Discover is a series of three intimate food-and-wine experiences representing regions from around the world and fascinating animals. Each evening starts with a reception featuring delectable appetizers. The meal is a masterpiece created by Chef Paul and is accompanied by a presentation from a zoo staff member or guest speaker. The series concludes on Feb. 14. The cost for each Dine and Discover evening is $75 per person or $500 per table of eight. Seating is limited to those with reservations. For reservations, call 503-220-2492 or e-mail kris.terich@oregonzoo.org. Reservations are accepted through Nov. 7. Guests must be 21 or older. Proceeds from this year's Dine & Discover series go toward the zoo's Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, coming in 2009. October
16, 2007
"I'm much more aware of the impact climate change is having, not only in the Arctic but all over the globe," said Casimo. Casimo, 16, a volunteer with the Oregon Zoo's ZooTeens, attended the Polar Bears International leadership camp because she was interested in learning more about the effects of climate change on polar bears and what everyday citizens can do to help. Climate change is affecting glaciers and ice sheets, global sea level, species distribution and extinctions, and the frequency and intensity of droughts, heat waves and possibly hurricanes. Over the past 25 years, the summer sea-ice melt period has lengthened, and the summer sea-ice cover has declined by more than a half million square miles. Polar bears' diet consists almost exclusively of seals even though they are not aquatic; their only access to seals is from the surface of the sea ice. Because of their dependence upon the sea ice, temperature changes directly affect the carrying capacity of the Arctic for polar bears.
Each Ambassador of the Arctic created an action plan to help educate and raise awareness about the issues in the Arctic and the problems polar bears are facing. Casimo hopes to speak to at least 50 schools (and community organizations) during the 2008 International Year of the Polar Bear. Casimo explained several easy steps that anyone can do to help the environment, while decreasing the effects of climate change. People can start at home by replacing the incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, limiting automobile use and taking public transportation. This is the fourth year PBI has hosted its annual science leadership camp. PBI is a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Dan Guravich, a wildlife photographer internationally renowned for his work with polar bears. The organization works to conserve the world's polar bears through research and education. PBI sponsors the teens while in Canada; the Oregon ZooGuides, a dedicated team of adult volunteers, sponsored the cost of Casimo's plane ticket to Winnipeg. To see a video about Casimo's Arctic trip, including shots of polar bears coping in Churchill, Canada, with no snow or ice to be found, visit: www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/ArcticAmbassador.htm To learn more about Casimo's Arctic polar bear adventure, visit: www.polarbearsinternational.org/student-journals/kcasimo/ October
12, 2007
"Fun House Express" simulates a trip through a cheesy, broken-down funhouse ride operated by Jimmy, a retired clown. The cars creak and roll through the flimsy-looking funhouse until Jimmy drops riders through a trapdoor, sending them on a wild underground ride he's created, called "Clown Chaos."
"Fun House Express" 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 $3 ticket is required. Because of the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able to experience the ride. October
11, 2007
"Red Ape Reserve will provide Inji and the other orangs with climbing structures and several enrichment areas, which should increase their activity level," said Dave Thomas, Oregon Zoo senior primate keeper. "It will also increase their exhibit space by more than three and a half times." According to Thomas, this will be a great improvement over their current indoor-only enclosure, especially for 13-year-old male Kutai. Since his arrival in 2001, it has been obvious that the current exhibit has not been challenging enough for his inquisitive mind. Kutai has been known to dismantle the wooden climbing structures, create "tools" to get items out of keeper areas, and generally keep his keepers on their toes. "Those of us who have been with these orangutans for many years are greatly looking forward to the day these animals enter their new and enriching habitat," continued Thomas. "And the addition of a pair of white-cheeked gibbons in the exhibit should make for some interesting interaction between the species." Red Ape Reserve will provide visitors unprecedented opportunities to observe orangutans, indoors and outdoors, exhibiting natural behaviors as they literally climb and swing over visitors' heads and come nose-to-nose with them at glass viewing windows. The naturalistic exhibit places visitors in the context of the fragile Southeast Asian habitats that are home to wild orangutans and white-cheeked gibbons. It provides visitors opportunities to actively learn about orangutan conservation.
The mesh-enclosed outdoor portion of the exhibit occupies 5,400 square feet. This space will provide the orangutans their first opportunity to experience natural substrates, foliage, water features and weather. Sway poles, vines and trees will enable the orangutans and gibbons to swing through their arboreal habitat. Another highlight of the outdoor space is the signature "enrichment tree." Designed to resemble a massive buttress tree overtaken by a strangler fig, this feature is intended to keep the animals alert, engaged and mentally challenged in their new home. The hollow tree's inside is accessible to keepers via an underground tunnel, and features a multitude of holes through which they can place treats, branches, puzzle-feeders and other enrichment devices. Outside the tree, the primates can wander around, searching for food and stimulation, just as they would in the wild. The new indoor space, occupying 820 square feet, is designed to provide more behavioral enrichment opportunities than the orangutans' existing exhibit. The structure of the roof and windows allows them to use 100 percent of the exhibit's vertical space, a massive volume full of trees, logs and vines for climbing. A wall of windows creates a visual connection with the adjacent outdoor portion of the exhibit, making the two spaces seem like one. It also allows ample natural light into the indoor space, aided by large skylights overhead. To watch a video of Thomas presenting a model of the zoo's new Red Ape Reserve exhibit, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/orang_NewExhibit.htm The primates building, constructed in 1959, has undergone significant renovations in the past five years. Following the theme "Fragile Forests," the zoo has been transforming the building into a state-of-the-art, naturalistic experience for visitors and animals. Red Ape Reserve continues the transformation, becoming the cornerstone exhibit for the Asian wing of the building. October
9, 2007
In keeping with the zoo's mission, this event is educational as well as fun. An intriguing scavenger hunt directs trick-or-treaters to easily accessible activity stations throughout the zoo in order to collect candy or prizes. The activities are themed to dispel myths about animals, such as "blind as a bat." "Kids of all ages can hunt for candy and prizes while in the company of some of the world's most exciting and exotic animals," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "When children and adults visit the zoo, we hope they make a connection with the animals that promotes caring about their future." The zoo's enrichment team gets into the spirit of things, providing jack-o-lanterns, ice treats, papier-mache bats and feed-sack or cornstalk scarecrows for the animals. Thoughout the weekend, animals receive pumpkins, courtesy of Al's Garden Center, as enrichment treats.
Saturday, Oct. 27
More Halloween-themed Events On Friday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m., the zoo invites visitors to come and experience the annual Squishing of the Squash. The zoo's Asian elephants receive a huge pumpkin to celebrate Halloween, courtesy of the Wilson Family Farm. To see a video of a previous Squishing of the Squash, please visit: www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Elephant_squishingSquash.htm On Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m., the zoo celebrates the 9th birthday of its Amur tigers, Mikhail and Nicole. Guests sign a birthday card for the twins. The brother-and-sister pair receives a papier-mache birthday cake filled with tiger treats. To see a video of a previous tiger birthday, please visit: http://www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Tiger_birthdayHalloween.htm October
5, 2007
The lecture series highlights wildlife experts whose dedication to conservation and research has an impact on wildlife and habitat conservation in the Pacific Northwest. On Jan. 29, Lance Craighead of the Craighead Environmental Research Institute presents "Planning the Persistence of Large Carnivores." In his lecture, Craighead demonstrates that grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines and Canada lynxes all need large landscapes to maintain stable populations. He discusses how cutting-edge technology, combined with grassroots community connections, has helped protect the last remaining habitats of these powerful predators. On Feb. 26, Dr. Marc P. Hayes of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife presents "Climate Change, Disease, Exotics and Humans: The Unique Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog." In his lecture, Hayes describes the Oregon spotted frog as one of the Pacific Northwest's most remarkable amphibians. For a variety of reasons, this beautiful frog is now found in less than 20 percent of its historic range. Hayes tells the important story of the Oregon spotted frog, and how its precipitous decline may lead us to make better environmental choices in the future. On March 25, Bob Sallinger, conservation director of the Audubon Society of Portland, presents "Peregrines of Portland: Birds, Bridges and Urban Biodiversity." Peregrine falcons are some of the most spectacular birds in the world, diving at speeds of more than 200 mph. Unfortunately, by 1970 widespread use of the pesticide DDT had virtually eliminated nesting peregrines from the continental United States. Today, peregrines once again inhabit our skies, and some Oregon's most productive peregrine nest sites can be found in downtown Portland. Sallinger has worked on peregrine falcon recovery efforts since the early 1990s, when the birds first began nesting on Portland's Fremont Bridge. Sallinger reveals the secrets of these swift birds of prey, and discusses the 20-year effort to restore them to the skies of Portland. He also brings attention to the important role urban areas can play in protecting and restoring wildlife populations. On April 29, entomologist Scott Black of the Xerces Society presents "What Good Are Bugs? The Case for Invertebrate Conservation." Black makes a compelling case for appreciating bugs. People can thank insect pollinators for one third of every mouthful of food they eat. Without the lowliest flies in a stream for young fish to eat, grilled salmon would never make the menu. In fact, the direct benefit of insects to Americans is around $57 billion a year. Prepare to be astounded and enlightened about some of the planet's smallest, but most important inhabitants. Lectures are 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. The motivation for this series is the hope that community knowledge will be raised in the areas of wildlife conservation, environmental problems and ecological systems. October 4, 2007
Kaitlyn Casimo, one of the Oregon Zoo's volunteer ZooTeens, is currently in Churchill attending Polar Bear Leadership Camp, and will participate in the videoconference. "I'm excited to share my experiences with students back home," said Casimo, a resident of Camas, Wash., and a student at the Oregon Episcopal School. "I'm learning how to make a difference for polar bears, and if I can empower others to make a difference then I feel like I've done my job." "This videoconference supports our mission of conservation through education," said Robert Buchanan, president of PBI. "These students from around the globe are working directly with scientists in the field, and then sharing their experiences directly from the field." Buchanan hints that a surprise visitor may greet the students. The polar bear leadership campers will be aboard a Tundra Buggy during the videoconference, and there is a good chance students will catch sight of a nearby polar bear. Students are encouraged to ask questions about current polar bear research projects, including studies on polar bear behavior, whisker pattern recognition, Conservation Manitoba's Polar Bear Alert Program, and polar bear maternity dens in the Churchill area. PBI is a nonprofit organization devoted to the worldwide conservation of polar bears through education. For more information, visit www.polarbearsinternational.org Oregon Zoo and PBI are gearing up for the 2008 celebration of the Year of the Polar Bear with special events planned all year. October
2 ,
2007
Jack, who comes to the zoo via the Sarvey Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Washington, joins the zoo's other bald eagle, Athena, in its award-winning Eagle Canyon exhibit this week. Before coming to the zoo, Jack had been in the care of the Sarvey center, having been found severely injured on the Lummi Indian Reservation in the northwest corner of Washington in April 2006. Wildlife officials deemed Jack's injuries too severe for him to be released back into the wild. He is missing his right eye and has a badly injured right wing. He is unable to sustain flight and would starve in the wild because he can no longer hunt. Despite Jack's disabilities, he is described as a spirited and spunky bird that gets around very well in his habitat. "Jack is a real character with a lot of personality," says Michael Illig, the Oregon Zoo's assistant zoological curator. "He will make a great addition to Eagle Canyon, and we are very happy to provide him with a permanent home." Jack joins Athena, a female bald eagle, who came to the zoo with the opening of Eagle Canyon in 2004. Like Jack, Athena had been injured in the wild and was deemed non-releasable. She too came to the zoo from a rehabilitation center in Washington state. Zookeepers say she's very vocal, occasionally "talking" to them and to visiting birds. Athena is thought to be at least 9 or 10 years old. Although no longer considered an endangered species, bald eagles are still threatened by poaching, habitat loss and injuries sustained from human encroachment, such as running into power lines. Bald eagles are unique to North America. The biggest population is in Alaska, but the species also can be found in Canada and every state in the U.S., except Hawaii. The birds have an impressive wingspan of 6 to 8 feet and a length of 2 to 3 feet, with the females generally being slightly larger than the males. Bald eagles can weigh from 10 to 14 pounds. Bald eagles choose the same mate year after year, but will accept a new mate if one dies. Eggs are laid after 5 to 10 days and incubation is 35 days. One to three eggs are laid within a few days of each other. In the wild, bald eagles primarily feed on fish, like salmon, and waterfowl. October
1 ,
2007
In the fall of 2006, Tusko was introduced to Rose-Tu in hopes the two would make a love connection. The zoo monitors the female elephants' ovulatory cycles closely and planned the introduction for the appropriate time. "We were confident that when we introduced Tusko to the girls, sparks would fly," said zoo Deputy Director Mike Keele, who also serves as the Asian elephant Species Survival Plan coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. "From what we saw that day, Tusko was a true gentleman, a real 'lady's elephant' -- a true Casanova." Rose-Tu gets along very well with Tusko and seemed receptive to his advances. Her keepers describe Rose-Tu as playful and highly intelligent; they hope she will be a doting mother. "The birth of a new baby is the most enriching thing that can happen in an elephant herd," said Keele. "If all goes well, and we hope it will, the herd will tightly bond and protect the baby as if it were their own. It's still early in the pregnancy and there are some risks associated with being a first-time mother, but we're hopeful."
With more than 30 years of zoo experience, Keele is keenly aware that there is a 40 percent infant mortality rate among captive Asian elephants. There is no reliable data on the infant mortality rate in the wild. "There can be complications to both mother and calf," said Keele. "A calf may be stillborn or get lodged in the birthing canal. We'll be monitoring her pregnancy very closely." The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for Asian elephants recommended that Rose-Tu be bred with Tusko. The AZA, of which the Oregon Zoo is an accredited member, strives to maintain a sustainable population of the endangered elephants in North America. Currently, birth rates are lower than necessary to do so. With few bulls and low birth rates-combined with an aging female population-the North American elephant population is at of risk becoming extinct. In the late 1990s, scientists warned zoos that unless a reproductive management program was undertaken, North America was in danger of not sustaining a viable elephant population. Statistics indicate that if females do not become pregnant by the age of 25, their ability to reproduce is severely diminished. The Oregon Zoo has a renowned breeding program for endangered Asian elephants. More than 20 elephants have been born at the zoo beginning with Packy in 1962. From 1994 to 2005, the zoo suspended its breeding program because it lacked the space to house four bull elephants. The zoo could not risk the 50 percent chance of having a male, which would grow up to be a powerful bull elephant with no home to place him. The last elephant born at the zoo was Rose-Tu on Aug. 31, 1994. Rose-Tu is a popular elephant within the herd and with her keepers. She is always looking to tease her herd mates and shares a strong friendship with Chendra, who is very close in age. Rose-Tu is the second smallest elephant in the herd, weighing nearly 7,000. Tusko arrived at the zoo in June 2005 on a breeding loan. He has successfully sired three calves in the past-two while living in Canada and one in California. An endangered species, Asian elephants are represented by an estimated 38,000 to 51,000 individuals living in fragmented populations in the wild. Agriculture, deforestation and conflict with humans pose a constant threat to wild Asian elephants.
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Senior primate keeper David Thomas descends into the underworld of the Oregon Zoo, which will allow access for keepers to give enrichment to orangutans and gibbons in new exhibit Red Ape Reserve now under construction.
Oregon ZooTeen and Polar Bears International's Arctic Ambassador Kaitlyn Casimo's photograph of a wild polar bear during her trip to Canada.
Turkey Trot runners
are not the only ones who celebrate Thanksgiving at the Oregon Zoo, the meerkats
receive papier-mache turkeys
(filled with crickets) during the annual holiday tradition. Photo by Michael
Durham.
An endangered Taylor's checkerspot butterfly at the Oregon Zoo.
Butterfly Conservationist Mary Jo Andersen discusses the plight of Northwest
butterflies and the Oregon Zoo's continuing efforts to save them. Photo by
Michael Durham.
Arctic Ambassador Kaitlyn Casimo's photograph of a wild polar
bear, taken during her recent trip to the Canadian Arctic. 
Arctic Ambassador Kaitlyn Casimo photographs a fellow student
(15-year-old Conner Gilbert from Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Md.)
and a polar bear during her recent trip to the Canadian Arctic, where she
studied polar bears in the wild.
Riders encounter many obstacles in the spooky, crazy world of "Fun
House Express," the Oregon Zoo's newest 3-D thrill ride. 
© SimEx-Iwerks
© Oregon Zoo
Inji, a 47-year-old orangutan at the Oregon Zoo, will enjoy an
outdoor exhibit for the first time when the new Red Ape Reserve exhibit
opens next summer.
© Oregon Zoo
© Oregon Zoo
Bob Sallinger, conservation director of the Audubon Society of
Portland, rappels into a peregrine falcon nest site on the St. Johns Bridge
in Portland, Ore. In April 2003, Sallinger removed eggs from the site in
advance of a major construction project that would have completely enveloped
the nest location. The eggs were incubated at the Oregon Zoo's Center for
Species Survival, and the Audubon Society released the young falcons later
that year.
© Oregon Zoo
One-eyed Jack,
the Oregon Zoo's new bald eagle, is acclimating well to his home at the zoo's Eagle Canyon exhibit and getting along nicely with his exhibit-mate, Athena. Jack had been found severely injured on Washington's Lummi Indian Reservation and was deemed non-releasable by state
Asian elephant Rose-Tu enjoys a swim at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by
Michael Durham.
Rose-Tu, left,
and Tusko share a moment at the Oregon Zoo's Asian