December 31, 2008
OREGON ZOO ANNOUNCES GREEN RESOLUTIONS FOR 2009
Sustainability, recycling and waste management at heart of zoo's green actions

The T-shirts on Oregon Zoo campers will be greener next year, no matter their color. The zoo has announced its "green resolutions" for 2009 -- among them, a switch to 100 percent organic cotton T-shirts for camp kids and staff. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Even as snow blanketed the Northwest in white, the Oregon Zoo was thinking green. The zoo has announced its annual New Year's "green resolutions" for 2009 with a promise to make its ever-improving operations more eco-friendly than ever.

"Our green resolutions exemplify the zoo's goals of protecting wildlife and its habitats," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "It only makes sense that the zoo would stand as an model of green operations in the community."

Each year, the Oregon Zoo's Green Team assembles new resolutions with suggestions from staff members. The Green Team is a committee comprised of employees and volunteers representing many of the zoo's departments with the goal of making the zoo an environmental ambassador.

"By publishing our resolutions, we hold our own feet to the fire," Vecchio said. "But we also use this list to share ideas with other businesses and organizations."

The zoo's Green Team meets monthly to explore new ways of taking the zoo's green operations to a higher level and keeping the zoo on the cutting edge of green technologies.

Here are this year's resolutions:

2009 Oregon Zoo Green Resolutions

- Install energy-management systems in two additional buildings to monitor and reduce utility use.

- Complete phase one of a stormwater-separation system that will return filtered, clean water to the watershed rather than sending it into the city sewer system.

- Design and begin building a state-of-the-art utility-sustainability system for the zoo's new veterinary hospital.

- Began planning of a major closed-loop utility system for the zoo.

- Remove bottled water from vending machines in the zoo's administration building.

- Switch to 100 percent organic cotton T-shirts for Zoo Camp kids and staff.

- Add food-composting buckets to all staff kitchens and food-preparation areas that do not already have them.

- Launch a "Kick the Can" campaign, encouraging employees to remove trash cans from their personal workspaces and recycle or compost nearly 100 percent of their office waste.  

- Increase the scope of green conference packages offered by our catering staff to include more recycling in public meeting rooms, on-line promotion of sustainable services, and showcasing of local and organic menus.

- Install occupancy sensors for lighting in zoo office buildings.

- Make adjustments to zoo irrigation systems to improve coverage. Repair and replace parts as needed and change to more efficient nozzles where appropriate, leading to a reduction of water use and healthier plants.  

- Construct a new boutique within the zoo gift store featuring sustainable and socially responsible products.

December 26, 2008
EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTING PLIGHT OF FROGS EXTENDED FOR ONE WEEK
'FROGS!' exhibit includes endangered Oregon spotted frog and several other species

PORTLAND, Ore. -- There's still time to see the Oregon Zoo's popular FROGS! exhibit, but anyone interested had better hop to it! The temporary exhibit, created by Animal Interaction Design Group, was originally scheduled to close Dec. 28, but has been held over through Jan. 4 to coincide with the extended run of ZooLights. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

As the world's frogs vanish at an alarming rate, the zoo has been hosting a few beautiful and unusual species to teach the public about the perils faced by amphibian populations everywhere -- and why they are dying out so rapidly.

"We hope everyone visiting ZooLights this year can take a short break from the lights and learn a little more about these fascinating frogs," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director.

Frogs are considered sentinel animals, which means they are among the first to show the impact of environmental contaminants and climate changes. Their decline serves as a warning sign to other species, including humans.

"As many as 165 amphibian species may be extinct," Vecchio said. "Without an immediate intervention, one-third to one-half of the world's amphibian species could become extinct in our lifetime. This would constitute an extinction comparable to that of the dinosaurs."

FROGS! offers a look at the Oregon spotted frog, which has captured the attention of conservationists as the most threatened frog in the region. Not only has it been affected by pollution and the loss of wetlands, but it has become the prey of the American bullfrog, a larger species native to the eastern and midwestern United States that was introduced here in the early 1900s.

This year the Oregon Zoo, in conjunction with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the NW Zoo & Aquarium Alliance, has launched a captive-rearing and release program in an attempt to restore Oregon spotted frog populations and keep the species from extinction.

Other frogs on display include the brightly colored poison dart frog, native to Central and South America and used by indigenous people to poison the tips of blowgun darts, the Vietnamese mossy frog, covered with bumps, spines and tubercles to help it blend in with moss and lichen to avoid predators, and White's tree frog, native to Australia.

To watch a video about the FROGS! exhibit, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Frogs.htm.

The FROGS! ("Future of Frogs") temporary exhibit was created by Animal Interaction Design Group of Virgina Beach, Va. The exhibit is in conjunction with the Association of Zoo and Aquariums' Year of the Frog, which began on Leap Day as a way to engage the public in conservation efforts and draw attention to the amphibian crisis. The frog exhibit is free with zoo admission.

December 26, 2008
ZOOLIGHTS EXTENDED THROUGH JAN. 4
Zoo's holiday tradition continues after rare closures due to inclement weather

ZooLights. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Holiday-light lovers have an extra week to take in ZooLights. After nearly a week of closures due to inclement weather, the Oregon Zoo resumed regular operations at noon today, and has announced it will extend the run of its popular ZooLights display through Jan. 4.

"Like the rest of the city, we've been digging out," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "ZooLights was slated to close Dec. 28, but we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition."

Snow and ice from one of the worst winter storms in recent years forced the zoo to close much of last week and to cancel several nights of the annual holiday light display.

ZooLights, presented by The Boeing Company, features more than a million lights illuminating life-size animal silhouettes, trees, walkways and the ever-popular zoo train.

Visitors can see their old favorites as well as some new surprises - including unicorns, dinosaurs and an animated, roaring lion in honor of the upcoming Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, scheduled to open in 2009. Other new displays include a baby elephant and a California condor chick. More than 650,000 of this year's lights are LEDs, which use about a tenth of the power of normal incandescent bulbs.

Popular costumed characters and elves greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer joins Buddy Beaver, Honey Bear, Eliza Elephant, Lulu Lemur, Nate the Eagle, Rock E. Goat, Sandy Sea Otter and Titus Tiger as they mingle among guests. Some of the zoo's animals will also be visible, including mountain goats, elephants, primates and pettable sheep and goats.

The Cascade Grill, AfriCafe and food carts throughout the zoo provide holiday treats and warm beverages every night during ZooLights.

Visitors can also check out FROGS!, the zoo's popular temporary exhibit, which will continue for an extra week along with ZooLights. Adding to the holiday festivities while highlighting some of the most endangered animals in the region, FROGS! is open from 2:30 p.m. until closing through Jan. 4.

ZooLights is presented by The Boeing Company with additional support from Fox 12, PDX TV, Clear Channel Radio Portland and United Rentals. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. Guests have one hour past closing time to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities continue until the gates close.

ZooLights package tickets, which include admission and a train ride, are $10 for adults (12-64), $8.50 for seniors (65 and older), $7 for children (3-11), and free for children 2 and under. For additional information, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights.

December 19, 2008
LAST CHANCE FOR ZOOLIGHTS
Popular holiday family tradition ends Dec. 28

ZooLights. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Holiday-light lovers have a little longer to take in ZooLights. The 21st annual light display at the Oregon Zoo, featuring more than a million bright bulbs, closes Dec. 28. This family tradition, presented by The Boeing Company, features life-size animal silhouettes and moving light sculptures on display throughout the zoo.

Families can see their old favorites as well as some new surprises - including unicorns, dinosaurs and an animated, roaring lion in honor of the upcoming Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, scheduled to open in 2009.

Other new displays include a baby elephant and a California condor chick. These are only a few new features at ZooLights this year. More than 650,000 of this year's lights are LEDs, which use about a tenth of the power of normal incandescent bulbs.

"Every year, the zoo presents a stunning display of light and color," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "It's so gratifying to know the zoo has become an important holiday tradition to so many families."

The entry plaza transports guests to Bremen, Germany, with a glowing replica of its statue depicting the four farm animals from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "The Bremen Town Musicians." As folks work their way from the plaza down the boardwalk, they'll encounter classic ZooLights scenes such as leaping reindeer and tobogganing polar bears.

A right turn from the boardwalk deposits guests at the wheels of the famous Oregon Steamer train, decked out in luminous finery for a holiday express jaunt around the zoo.

Visitors can continue on through Tiger Plaza to meet up with Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, and the good and wicked witches from the Land of Oz, relocated this year via a revamped cyclone in lights near the zoo's Trillium Creek Family Farm.

Life-size, three-dimensional beasts linger on the zoo's concert lawn, which has been transformed into a 180-foot-long meandering river of light. Hippos graze near the water while crocodiles lie in wait, ready to snap their jaws on unsuspecting prey. From above, an African fish eagle swoops down and scoops fish from the river.

Much-loved displays from previous years make an encore appearance, including a larger model train exhibit (housed in the Elephant Museum), trumpeting elephants and swinging siamangs. Visitors can dodge a dangling anaconda, watch playful penguins dive into arctic waters, and pass beneath a 35-foot-long dragon.

A huge polar bear, rebuilt and brighter than ever, makes his reappearance this year in recognition of the Year of the Polar Bear.

Music fanatics can enjoy the highly animated light silhouette of Mick Jaguar, who performs near the picnic area with his all-star animal band: Packy Pachyderm tickling the ivories, Richard Lion playing guitar, Gerri Giraffe on bass, Billy Bear on trumpet, Orville Orangutan on drums and Willy Wildebeest on sax. The Ostrich Sisters add backing vocals.

Live music will resound throughout the zoo as well, with more than 100 schools, churches, professional groups and local dance troupes performing holiday musical selections.

Popular costumed characters and elves will greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer joins Buddy Beaver, Honey Bear, Eliza Elephant, Lulu Lemur, Nate the Eagle, Rock E. Goat, Sandy Sea Otter and Titus Tiger as they mingle among guests. Some of the zoo's animals will also be visible, including mountain goats, elephants, primates, and pettable sheep and goats.

For last-minute shoppers, the zoo's gift shop is bursting with animal-related gifts. Paintings by the zoo's talented elephant Rama are available for purchase on zoo grounds during festival hours.

The Cascade Grill serves a holiday buffet on select nights and offers a limited menu on evenings when the buffet is not available. AfriCafe and food carts throughout the zoo will provide holiday treats and warm beverages every night during ZooLights.

To see a preview of the light display, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/preview.htm.

ZooLights is presented by The Boeing Company with additional support from Fox 12, PDX TV, Clear Channel Radio Portland and United Rentals. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. Guests have one hour past closing time to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities continue until the gates close. The festival is closed Dec. 24-25.

ZooLights package tickets, which include admission and a train ride, are $10 for adults (12-64), $8.50 for seniors (65 and older), $7 for children (3-11), and free for children 2 and under. For additional information, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights.

December 18, 2008
ZOO HOSTS BELATED BIRTHDAY BASH FOR POLAR BEARS, DEC. 26
Bear event helps bring attention to plight of polar bears in the wild

Conrad the polar bear takes a dive. Photo by Tony Vecchio, circa 1985. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo is treating its polar bears to a belated birthday party Dec. 26 at 10:30 a.m. Throughout 2008, the zoo has participated in Polar Bear International's Year of the Polar Bear with activities designed to bring attention to the plight of polar bears as they continue to face shrinking habitat in the Arctic.

The Dec. 26 event is designed to help tell the story of what is happening to polar bears in the wild, while suggesting practical ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Global warming, and the resultant disappearance of Arctic ice, is the biggest threat to polar bears today.

"When zoo visitors encounter these amazing bears, we hope they connect with them in a way that inspires new insight into helping them," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "People must care about an issue before they'll be moved to act."

The two bears, Conrad and Tasul, will celebrate their 24th birthday with ice cakes made by the zoo's executive chef, Paul Warner.

Conrad gives his mom a kiss, as Tasul waits her turn. Photo by Tony Vecchio, circa 1985. © Oregon Zoo.

"These two bears are special to me, because I've known them since they were born," said Vecchio. "We hope we can spark an emotional connection with polar bears in our visitors too. Conrad and Tasul help tell the story of what's happening to their relatives in the wild."

Earlier this year, the polar bear was designated as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, a move conservationists hope will protect the bears from specific environmental hazards exacerbated by global warming. The World Conservation Union's Species Survival Commission has recommended that the polar bear be reclassified as a vulnerable species, and has placed it on its Red List. The Red List identifies species facing a high risk of global extinction.

Vecchio explained the primary threat to polar bears in the wild is global warming. The sea ice is arriving later each season and melting sooner, which means the bears must swim farther every year to find food.

Conrad and Tasul were born Dec. 1, 1984, at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C., while Vecchio was a keeper there. The healthy brother-and-sister team arrived in Portland on Jan. 31, 1986, and was reunited with Vecchio 12 years later when he became the Oregon Zoo's director.

December 18, 2008
SNOW DAY! OREGON ZOO ANIMALS ENJOY THE WINTER BLAST
Zoo visitors offered a rare chance to see animals playing in the snow

Samudra and his herd-mate Chendra enjoy a snowy day at the Oregon Zoo after another storm transformed the zoo's Asian elephant exhibit into a winter wonderland. Photo by Laura Brown. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's celebrated Asian elephant calf, got his first taste of snow -- literally. Keepers say the newest addition to the elephant herd romped in the snow for nearly a half hour playing with it, rolling in it and, yes, eating it.

After closing for a day and canceling two nights of its popular ZooLights festival, the zoo has resumed regular operations and visitors were rewarded with a rare glimpse of animals enjoying a winter wonderland.

"Our visitors rarely get to watch the animals in the snow" according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "It's beautiful up here - many of the animals are especially active in the cold weather."

Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's 4-month-old Asian elephant, romps in the snow with his mother, Rose-Tu, and the rest of the elephant herd. The zoo and ZooLights resumed regular operations Tuesday, after severe weather that forced the zoo to close today and cancel two nights of its popular winter festival. Photo by Laura Brown. © Oregon Zoo.

Besides Samudra taking his first steps in the snow, Yazhi, the zoo's new wolf pup is enjoying the wintry weather. According to his keepers, the young wolf seemed a bit frightened by the weather at first and tried to dodge the snowflakes as they fell. Since then, keepers say, both Yazhi and her pack-mate, the 8-year-old Cheyenne, have been enjoying the cold weather and are spending most of their time outside, even though they have access to an indoor space should they wish to escape the cold.

The zoo's two Amur tigers, Mikhail and Nicole, have been especially active, rolling in the snow and playfully batting at each other. In the wild, Amur tigers live in a region marked by extreme cold and deep snow. The animals are specially adapted to these conditions, with layers of fat to keep them warm and extra fur around their paws that acts as "snowshoes."

December 11, 2008
WOLVES RETURN TO OREGON ZOO
Wolf exhibit reopens after five-month hiatus

Cheyenne, an 8-year-old wolf from Minnesota, explores her new home at the Oregon Zoo. Cheyenne is grayish white. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- After a five-month hiatus, the wolf exhibit reopens Friday, Dec. 12, with the addition of two new wolves acquired from the Minnesota Zoo.

The pair, an 8-year-old adult female named Cheyenne and a 7-month-old female named Yazhi (Navajo for "little one"), will move into the wolf habitat in the zoo's Elk Meadow, continuing that exhibit's unique predator-prey configuration.

"The wolves have been dearly missed by both zoo staff and the public," said Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo's general curator. "The elk, on the other hand, may not have missed them as much as we did. But having the animals back together should be quite enriching for all of them."

Cheyenne and Yazhi were not familiar with each other before arriving at the zoo, but staff members worked hard to acquaint the pair during the wolves' stay in quarantine, before releasing them into their exhibit earlier this week. Keepers expect the two to form a pack in which the young Yazhi learns from Cheyenne.

Seven-month-old Yazhi (Navajo for "little one") is one of two new wolves moving in at the Oregon Zoo this week. Yazhi has black and brown markings. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

The Oregon Zoo has consistently had wolves on exhibit since June 1995, when it acquired three wolf pups -- Marcus, Ceann and Kira. All three lived to be 12 years old and spent their entire lives at the Oregon Zoo. Marcus, the last wolf on exhibit, was euthanized in July due to complications relating to old age.

"It was very important for us to bring wolves back to the Oregon Zoo," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Once a significant character in the Great Northwest ecosystem, wolves were virtually extirpated in this region. They have returned in places such as Montana and Idaho, and will most likely be back in Oregon in the near future. It is important, as the zoo teaches about the roles of predators in nature and how people can live with them, that we don't forget to talk about what's in our own backyard."

Originally housed in the zoo's Alaska Tundra exhibit, the wolves' space was moved to Elk Meadow in 2007 and occupies about 10,000 square feet. The terrain features natural contours that slope from a shady spot downhill up to a sunny knoll, and is seeded with grasses and native Northwest trees and shrubs. Boulders and mounds create places for the wolves to explore and climb for better vantage points, as well as spaces where keepers can stash food and treats. A rock "tunnel" den in one of the mounds gives the wolves a place to seek cover while still on view to the public.

The wolf exhibit is open during regular zoo hours and is free with zoo admission.

December 11, 2008
ZOO'S 'AMAZON FLOODED FOREST' EXHIBIT REPAIRED
Caiman, turtles, fish return home to find repairs and a remodel

A caiman settles back into his home at the Oregon Zoo's Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit. The animals were removed this summer after a large underwater window developed a crack. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Finally returning to the trees, rocks and pools they call home, the displaced residents of the Oregon Zoo's Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit have migrated back to their habitats with hisses and howls and sighs of relief. The animals had been transferred to other areas of the zoo, some for several months, while repairs were made to their exhibit.

Around 7 a.m. on July 15, keepers discovered a crack in the glass outside a large pool housing a caiman, some Arrau river turtles and several species of freshwater fish. The exhibit also features a howler monkey, two white-faced saki monkeys and four newly acquired female anacondas.

"All of the animals were relocated the same day the crack appeared," said David Thomas, senior primate keeper. "It was a great team effort. Water specialists, zookeepers, interns and volunteers all came out in full force to quickly resolve the tense situation."

Their efforts were a success, and not a single animal was lost during the transition. Many fish were transferred to nearby pools in the same area and remained on exhibit. Other fish and reptiles were placed in off-exhibit holding areas until they could return to their pool. The howler and saki monkeys were allowed to return to the exhibit once the glass was replaced, but on a tentative basis while crews were in and out of the exhibit making repairs.

"Some of our animals came down with a touch of cabin fever, especially the monkeys," Thomas said. "They're feeling a lot better now that the repairs have been completed and they've returned home."

The new glass was installed late October, and then a few weeks of curing were required to make sure it was properly sealed. The animals were only returned after several tests had been completed to guarantee the safety of the exhibit for both the animals and zoo visitors.

Even though it was a stressful time for the animals of the Amazon Flooded Forest, this situation presented some opportunities the zoo might have otherwise missed out on.

"With the animals relocated, the zoo made some other needed repairs and upgrades to their environment," Thomas said. "We even had teams redesigning the environment to be better suited for the new anacondas and other animals currently residing in the exhibit."

The public was also able to get up-close and personal with the new anacondas during the summer months while their home was being restored. Several additional keeper talks were held, educating the public about the snakes and their way of life.

"The juvenile anacondas were acquired from Brad Tylman, famous for his reptile shows, and they are accustomed to human contact," Thomas said. "This made it a lot easier for keepers to show them to the public and move them back and forth from their exhibit."

The new anacondas and newly repaired Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit can be seen during regular zoo hours.

December 10, 2008
EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF FROGS DURING ZOOLIGHTS
'FROGS!' exhibit includes endangered Oregon spotted frog and several other species

Two Vietnamese mossy frogs hang out on a branch. Oregon Zoo visitors are invited to visit these and other fascinating amphibians at the zoo's popular FROGS! exhibit, now open 2:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. during ZooLights. Photo by Michael Durham. © Michael Durham.

PORTLAND, Ore. - As the world's frogs vanish at an alarming rate, a few beautiful and unusual species are now appearing at the Oregon Zoo in a temporary exhibit designed to teach the public about the perils faced by amphibian populations everywhere - and why they are dying out so rapidly.

FROGS! runs through ZooLights and is open from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (8:30 Fridays and Saturdays) through Dec. 28.

"We hope everyone visiting ZooLights this year can take a short break from the lights and learn a little more about these fascinating frogs, which will be leaving at the end of the month," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director.

Vecchio added that ZooLights visitors can also attend live performances of the frog-inspired children's book and CD "One Night in Frogtown," featuring top Northwest musicians and artists. Created by award-winning composer and director Philip Pelletier, "One Night in Frogtown." Performances take place Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21 at 7 p.m. in Classroom 3 (near the FROGS! exhibit) and are free with zoo admission. A second weekend of zoo shows was added following the success of the "Frogtown Live! Holiday Spectacular" at the Bagdad Theater earlier this month. For more information, visit www.frogtowncentral.com.

Frogs are considered sentinel animals, which means they are among the first to show the impact of environmental contaminants and climate changes. Their decline serves as a warning sign to other species, including humans.

ZooLight visitors can attend live performances of the frog-inspired children's book and CD "One Night in Frogtown," by award-winning composer and director Philip Pelletier. Performances take place Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21 at 7 p.m. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

"As many as 165 amphibian species may be extinct," Vecchio said. "Without an immediate intervention, one-third to one-half of the world's amphibian species could become extinct in our lifetime. This would constitute an extinction comparable to that of the dinosaurs."

FROGS! offers a look at the Oregon spotted frog, which has captured the attention of conservationists as the most threatened frog in the region. Not only has it been affected by pollution and the loss of wetlands, but it has become the prey of the American bullfrog, a larger species native to the eastern and midwestern United States that was introduced here in the early 1900s.

This year the Oregon Zoo, in conjunction with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the NW Zoo & Aquarium Alliance, has launched a captive-rearing and release program in an attempt to restore Oregon spotted frog populations and keep the species from extinction.

Other frogs on display include the brightly colored poison dart frog, native to Central and South America and used by indigenous people to poison the tips of blowgun darts, the Vietnamese mossy frog, covered with bumps, spines and tubercles to help it blend in with moss and lichen to avoid predators, and White's tree frog, native to Australia.

To watch a video about the FROGS! exhibit, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Frogs.htm.

The exhibit is in conjunction with the Association of Zoo and Aquariums' Year of the Frog, which began on Leap Day as a way to engage the public in conservation efforts and draw attention to the amphibian crisis. The frog exhibit is free with zoo admission.

December 5 , 2008
OREGON ZOO EXPERT STUDIES MYSTERIES OF REINDEER FLIGHT
Zoo director asks children around the world to e-mail their flying-reindeer sightings

Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio stands in front of the zoo's Roosevelt elk, close cousins to the flying reindeer. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Mysteries of the elusive flying reindeer will be revealed when Oregon Zoo Director (and flying-reindeer expert) Tony Vecchio shares his many reindeer theories with children at the zoo's Elk Meadow, Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The "Mystery of Flying Reindeer" discussion is free with zoo admission.

Vecchio has studied flying reindeer for more than a decade and hopes to gather new data this month during the elusive creatures' annual journey. He is asking children around the world to report their sightings by visiting (link no longer available) and clicking to the (link no longer available).

"The science of reindeer flight continues to evolve as new data pours in every Dec. 24, during their once-a-year migration," said Vecchio. "I'm asking anyone who sees flying reindeer to e-mail me with details, such as where they saw the reindeer, what time it was and how high they were in the sky."

All reported sightings will be documented on a map located on the zoo's Web site. Visitors can watch a video of Vecchio discussing his theories while feeding the flying reindeer's cousin, the Roosevelt elk, at (link no longer available).

Vecchio began studying reindeer flight when he was asked to theorize the concept for Robert Sullivan's 1996 book "Flight of the Reindeer." Sullivan, a senior editor at Life magazine, consulted with respected scientists, zoologists and Arctic explorers for his book, which aims to document and explain the mysterious phenomenon.

Throughout the month, the zoo hosts a variety of holiday-themed activities, including ZooLights (through Dec. 28), Presents for Primates (Dec. 18), winter break ZooVenture day camps for kids 4 years of age through fourth grade (Dec. 22-24 and 29-31), and a New Year's Eve sleepover for kids ages 6 through 13 with an adult (Dec. 31).

December 5 , 2008
ZOO AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL GRANT FOR LION EXHIBIT
Institute of Museum and Library Services grants $104,973 for Predators of the Serengeti

Lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs will debut at the Oregon Zoo's new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit in summer 2009. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo has been awarded a $104,973 Museums for America grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, supporting the design, production and evaluation of interpretive displays for its new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit. The multifaceted exhibit, set to open in summer 2009, will highlight the critical role predators play in nature.

"We are extremely grateful for the generous contribution by IMLS," said Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "We hope to bring attention to the plight of predators. Just as wolves and bears have been pushed aside in North America, African predators are in decline because of human encroachment and persecution. We hope people will recognize the critical role of carnivores - and how we can live with them - a great lesson even now as we see wolves returning to our state."

The zoo plans to employ a variety of interpretive strategies - from hands-on activities to video presentations - to help educate and inspire visitors about African predators. The IMLS-supported interpretive project will also include surveys to determine what the public learns from visiting the exhibit.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

December 2 , 2008
OREGON ZOO EXPERT INVITES PUBLIC TO EXPLORE EXOTIC BELIZE
Zoo conservation manager leads 11-day tour of rain forests, beaches, ancient ruins

A jaguar peers up from the rain-forest floor. The spotted cat is one of many exotic creatures that may be glimpsed during the Oregon Zoo's 11-day guided adventure through Belize in March. Photo by Mason Fischer, courtesy of International Expeditions.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Those looking for a Caribbean adventure or desiring to traverse through rain forests can explore travel opportunities at the Oregon Zoo's Wild World Tours program and go on an 11-day adventure through Belize. Zoo Conservation Manager Anne Warner will lead the tour, which takes place March 1-11, 2009.

"For a tiny country, Belize contains a vast wealth of natural history and cultural interest," Warner said. "There are so many diverse opportunities in Belize. There are lush rain forests, beautiful rivers, and the jungle-veiled ruins of Caracol."

Tour participants can also observe more than 300 bird species, and swim and snorkel along the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. This trip provides ample opportunity to observe wildlife and to relax on Caribbean beaches.

The 11-day expedition costs $3,595 per person, and includes accommodations and meals, English-speaking guides, and transportation within Belize and Guatemala.

Animals that may be observed during the trip include howler monkey, violaceous trogons, basilisk lizards, gray foxes, ocelots, toucan, aracaris and possibly even king vultures.

International airfare from Portland to Belize City is currently available for $695 roundtrip including taxes and fees. This fare is subject to change and has been published as high as $800 within the past month; those interested are encouraged to contact International Expeditions to book airline reservations while reduced fares are available.

For more information, please contact Sharley LaMora at 503-525-4234 or sharley.lamora@oregonzoo.org. Registration deadline for the tour is Jan. 1, 2009.

December 2 , 2008
OREGON ZOO TEAMS UP WITH LIONS CLUB ON DEC. 12
Volunteer organization to collect used glasses, hearing aids for people in need

African lions have not been seen at the Oregon Zoo for more than 10 years. That will change when Predators of the Serengeti opens in summer 2009. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Although its new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit doesn't open until summer, the Oregon Zoo will host one group of lions in just a couple of weeks. The Lions Club of Oregon will be at the zoo Friday, Dec. 12, accepting donations of used eyeglasses and hearing aids for refurbishment and distribution to people in developing countries.

Visitors who make a donation on Dec. 12 receive a 20 percent discount on zoo admission plus a voucher for a free pair of 3-D glasses to enhance their ZooLights experience. Admission vouchers are only good Dec. 12.

Lions Club volunteers will be stationed outside the zoo's front gates from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., collecting used hearing aids, glasses, sunglasses and frames. Donated hearing aids will be refurbished, while donated glasses will be shipped to countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, Kenya and the Philippines. Broken metal eyeglass frames will also be accepted for recycling.

"This is a great opportunity for our visitors to enjoy the zoo and ZooLights on Dec. 12, while helping those in need," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Donating used eyeglasses or hearing aids is an easy way for people to make a difference. We're pleased to help the Lions Club in this important endeavor."

Guests who visit the zoo between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. can receive a free eye exam on a mobile unit provided by the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.

In summer 2009, the zoo will open Predators of the Serengeti, a multispecies exhibit featuring state-of-the-art lion, cheetah and African wild dog habitats. With the return of the lions, local Lions Club chapters hope to become more involved in the zoo.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation collects over 150,000 pairs of eyeglasses annually from communities around the state. For additional information please contact the foundation at 503-413-7399 or visit www.orlions.org.

December 1 , 2008
RECORD-BREAKING HOLIDAY WEEKEND FOR OREGON ZOO
Thanksgiving Day attendance exceeds that of most peak-season summer days

Ian Wilhelm looks at the lighted animal displays during ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo drew more than 40,000 visitors over Thanksgiving Day weekend, easily a record for the four-day period and more than it drew during the past two Thanksgiving weekends combined. Over the same four-day period last year, the zoo drew 22,647 visitors, and in 2006 it was 14,227.

"We're delighted that so many people chose to make us part of their holiday plans," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Obviously, the rest of the community enjoys visiting the zoo as much as I do."

Despite some rainy weather, more than 15,000 visitors jammed the zoo on Thanksgiving Day, taking advantage of a special free day of admission. The "open house" was held in appreciation for the public's support of the $125 million bond measure to improve outdated exhibits and make the zoo more sustainable.

"We wanted to show our appreciation for the public's continued support of the zoo and its mission," Vecchio said. "Our open house was a great success, and visitors were able to learn more about the zoo, its programs and what we hope to accomplish with the recent passage of the bond measure.

Surrounded by his mother, Rose-Tu, and his "Aunties" Chendra and Shine, Samudra plays in the yard of the elephant exhibit. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo.

Thursday's attendance, the second-highest of any single day in the zoo's history, included 12,624 regular visitors, plus 2,606 participants in this year's Turkey Trot, the annual Thanksgiving Day run-walk organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club. Turkey Trot participants were given vouchers for free admission to the zoo another day, since their race registration included zoo admission. The all-time record of 16,536 visitors was set Aug. 12, 2003, a sunny summer day when admission was free after 1 p.m. The last time the zoo offered free admission, on New Year's Eve 2007, attendance was 8,100.

Attendance remained strong throughout Thanksgiving Day weekend, as ZooLights drew more than 16,500 people over its first three days (counting Friday's members preview), its best opening weekend ever, topping last year's record of 13,646.

"Each year, more and more people make ZooLights one of their holiday traditions," Vecchio said. "With more than a million brightly colored lights, this year's display may be our best yet."