February 29, 2008
AUCTION BRINGS MORE ENRICHING LIFE TO ZOO'S ORANGUTANS
Zoo staff, supporters work to create an exciting home for orangs and gibbons

© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Big changes are in store for the Oregon Zoo's orangutans and gibbons when they move into Red Ape Reserve later this year. With construction on the new outdoor-indoor exhibit already under way, zookeepers and others are working hard to ensure the new space has everything the animals need - and maybe a little bit more.

"Metro, the zoo's governing agency, has generously provided funds for the exhibit," explains Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "But keepers, zoo staff and volunteers want to provide some extra housewarming gifts, so to speak."

"We want to show our support and passion for our animals by providing sway poles as enrichment," says Oregon Zoo primate keeper Amy Dunning. "Sway poles mimic the movement of the small trees these animals would use to navigate through the forest in the wild."

To raise funds for purchasing sway poles, Dunning, along with a committee of staff and volunteers, has organized an auction and Indonesian-style dinner to be held March 16 in the zoo's Cascade Crest Banquet Center. The auction is sponsored by Portland American Association of Zoo Keepers. Doors and auction open at 5 p.m. and dinner begins at 6 p.m. Tickets, which include entrance and dinner, are $25 and must be purchased by March 10. Entertainment will be provided by local band the Dead Beetles.

Auction items include a two-night stay at the Hallmark Inn in Newport with a two-hour Marine Discovery boat excursion; a two-night stay at a two-bedroom cottage in Cannon Beach; a Powered Parachute lesson and flight; and a scenic airplane ride around Portland.

Raffle tickets are available for $2. Items to be raffled include a behind-the-scenes "Meet our Orangutans" tour, a $50 Chevron gas card, and a $25 certificate to Greek Cusina plus two Regal Cinema movie passes. Visit for a full list of auction and raffle items.

Those who sponsor a table for a donation of $400 or more will receive eight registered spaces for the auction night with recognition. The first 30 people to donate $75 or more will each receive a bottle of Red Ape Reserve wine with a picture of one of the zoo's orangutans on the bottle.

To purchase tickets, or for further information, go to.

"Red Ape Reserve will provide the orangs with climbing structures and several enrichment areas, which should increase their activity level," said Dave Thomas, the zoo's 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 the orangs' current indoor-only enclosure, especially for 13-year-old Kutai. Since his arrival in 2001, it has been obvious that the current exhibit has not been challenging enough for Kutai's inquisitive mind. He 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.

The new exhibit will allow Batik, Inji and Kutai to experience an open-air naturalistic exhibit for the first time since arriving at the zoo.

"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.

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.

February 29, 2008
OREGON ZOO, ODFW TEAM UP TO SAVE THE FROGS
Conservation workshop calls attention to imperiled Northwest amphibians

© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Are frogs disappearing? Yes, according to researchers, and the rate of their disappearance is alarming.

"Frogs are in severe decline in the Northwest and all over the world," says Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "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."

In an effort to spread the word about the global frog crisis, the Oregon Zoo and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are hosting an amphibian conservation workshop April 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the zoo.

Landowners, biologists, watershed councils, conservation groups and others are invited to share information and discuss opportunities for action.

The workshop will highlight issues such as climate change, disease, pollutants and invasive species, all of which are causing a rapid decline in frog populations. Other presentations will focus on state and federal priorities, ODFW's Aquatic Inventories Project and habitat management for landowners. Copies of the newly published "Habitat Management Guidelines" for Northwest amphibians and reptiles will be available at the workshop for $10 each.

© Oregon Zoo

Following the presentations, participants may choose between a breakout session providing more detailed guidance to land managers or a panel discussion on data collection and management.

For more information on the workshop, or to obtain registration forms, visit or contact Suzanne Rosen. The deadline for registration is March 21.

The workshop is being held as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Year of the Frog. The Oregon Zoo is also launching a recovery program for Oregon spotted frogs in March, head-starting these imperiled amphibians before eventually releasing them into the wild.

February 28, 2008
ZOO SEEKS VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES FOR NEW DINO EXHIBIT
ZooAmbassadors allows families to volunteer together; orientations begin March 29

© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Do you enjoy interacting with people and animals? Do you love dinosaurs? The Oregon Zoo is seeking youth and adult volunteers to work at least one four-hour shift per week as ZooAmbassadors at its blockbuster Dinosaurs! exhibit this summer.

The exhibit, presented by Wells Fargo, opens May 17 and runs through Labor Day. ZooAmbassadors will provide dinosaur information to visitors as they walk through an ancient rain forest surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs that move with lifelike ferocity. Duties also include ensuring the safety of the dinosaurs and assisting children looking for dinosaur bones at the archaeological dig site.

The ZooAmbassador program is designed to be educational while bringing families together. Anyone 15 or older can volunteer as a ZooAmbassador individually; kids ages 10 to 14 can volunteer with a parent or grandparent.

The zoo is encouraging entire families to volunteer. "Last year several family members volunteered together," commented Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "It's rare for children to be included in these opportunities. It's a unique way to create lasting family memories."

© Oregon Zoo

There are many benefits to volunteering. ZooAmbassadors meet people who share similar interests and values; receive free zoo admission and a complimentary train ride; have the opportunity to volunteer at zoo concerts; learn about how to attract local wildlife; and participate in training opportunities only available at the zoo.

"I have seen huge changes in the demeanor and communication skills of kids who volunteer," commented Paula McCall, volunteer manager. "It's a fun learning experience for everyone involved."

Prospective ZooAmbassadors are required to attend an initial orientation session. After attending this overview, those choosing to continue will receive 10 hours of training.

The orientation will be offered on the following days:

Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 15, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

To sign up for the session of your choice, call 503-226-1561, ext. 5397, or e-mail. The deadline to sign up for the first orientation session is March 20.

The Oregon Zoo has one of the largest zoo volunteer programs in the country. More than 2,000 individuals volunteer more than 167,000 hours per year.

February 22, 2008
AUDUBON EXPERT DISCUSSES NW BIRDS OF PREY AT OREGON ZOO
Bob Sallinger details the peregrine falcon's remarkable return to Northwest skies

Bob Sallinger, conservation director of the Audubon Society of Portland, rappels into a peregrine falcon nest site on the St. Johns Bridge. 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

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Local commuters have grown accustomed to seeing the world's fastest animal, the peregrine falcon, during trips across the Fremont Bridge these past several years. But not so long ago, the peregrine was considered among the most endangered species on the planet.

Bob Sallinger, conservation director of the Audubon Society of Portland, discusses the remarkable return of the peregrine to the Northwest on Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo, as part of the 2008 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series.

In his lecture, "Peregrines of Portland: Birds, Bridges and Urban Biodiversity," Sallinger, focuses on the 20-year effort to save these birds and notes the important role urban areas play in protecting and restoring wildlife populations.

From the 1940s through the 1960s, the pesticide DDT nearly wiped out the peregrine falcon. Exposure to chemicals caused falcons, as well as bald eagles and osprey, to lay eggs with thin shells, leading to premature death and a precipitous drop in populations.

Through the creation of urban nature areas, and a ban on the use of DDT, Northwest conservationists have helped rebuild the peregrine falcon population.

"Members of the Portland metro area have played a key role in the return of this species," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "Large numbers of these birds use urban natural areas for habitats, and there are peregrine nests on at least six Portland bridges."

Though peregrine falcons typically nest on cliff ledges, records of them nesting on man-made structures date back to the Middle Ages. Today, Portland's Fremont Bridge is the second-most productive peregrine nest site in Oregon. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo

Though peregrines typically nest on cliff ledges, records of them nesting on man-made structures date back to the Middle Ages. Today, the Fremont Bridge is the second-most productive peregrine nest site in Oregon.

The city of Portland is committed to leaving peregrine nests undisturbed during construction or maintenance on local bridges, though there are times when this is impossible. For these occasions, the Audubon Society of Portland developed a program for preventing harm to the birds. Often eggs are hatched in captivity and the birds are later released into the wild when ready.

In addition to Portland's bridges and downtown parks, peregrine falcons have benefited from local wildlife areas such as the Oaks Bottom wetlands and Sauvie Island.

Sallinger has worked on peregrine falcon restoration since the early 1990s, when the birds first began nesting on the Fremont Bridge.

The Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series is presented by Pro Photo Supply and Shiels Obletz Johnsen, with additional support from Portland General Electric. Hosts for the series are the Oregon Zoo, the Audubon Society of Portland and the World Forestry Center. Lectures are held in the Oregon Zoo's Banquet Center and begin at 7 p.m. The cost for each lecture is $10 for nonmembers and $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.

The series concludes April 29, when Scott Black, entomologist with the Xerces Society, presents
"What Good Are Bugs? The Case for Invertebrate Conservation."

February 20, 2008
OREGON ZOO ANNOUNCES NEW 'HOMESCHOOL SAFARI'
Zoo offers special package and activities for homeschool families, March 11

The male wolf howling out from his exhibit. © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- With an informal environment designed to make learning fun, the Oregon Zoo is inviting homeschool students and their families to an educational "safari" Tuesday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Our 'safari' is a great way for homeschool students and their families to learn about wildlife together," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "We are providing experiences that complement and enhance homeschool activities. Kids have the opportunity to see extraordinary animals and learn about the importance of conservation while having a great time."

Homeschoolers can stop by the zoo's Kalahari Room (adjacent to the concert lawn), where a number of hands-on discovery stations give children and their families the chance to learn more about wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.

Stations will feature live animals such as snakes and birds of prey native to the region. Safari-goers also can examine bones, fur and feathers while learning about animal adaptations, habitats and more.

Each station offers activities and questions geared toward children from a range of different age groups, with staff members on hand to facilitate the learning process.

After visiting the discovery stations, safari-goers receive an activity flier and go on a self-guided exploration of the zoo's Great Northwest exhibit, a journey that takes them from the crest of the Cascades to the Pacific Coast. The Great Northwest features a variety of animals, including mountain goats, black bears, bobcats, beaver, river otter, cougars, bald eagles, wolves, elk, sea otters, sea lions and even rockfish.

"Education is our No. 1 priority at the Oregon Zoo," said Vecchio. "By introducing students to seldom-seen animals, we can help spread the word about the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation."

Admission is $7 per person and includes a $2 food coupon that can be used anywhere inside the zoo. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and space is limited.

February 15, 2008
STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT ZOO JOBS DURING CAREER DAY
Students go behind the scenes and come face-to-face with penguins and elephants

Jennifer Edman, of Parkrose High School, feeds Chendra. Photo by Michael Durham.© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- More than 60 high school students from Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas counties go behind the scenes and come nose-to-nose with rhinos, penguins, raptors and elephants during the Oregon Zoo's free Career Day, Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students learn about careers in animal and veterinary care, education, design, management, visitor services, marketing and development.

"During their zoo visit, these kids quickly discover the importance of continuing their education," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "They learn what it takes to work at a zoo or other conservation organization, and how they can make a real difference in helping save endangered species by the choices they make."

From touring the animal care facilities to exploring how the zoo promotes its programs, students discover a variety of job possibilities and learn what educational backgrounds are required for each position. Students visit the zoo's animal hospital and go behind the scenes to view penguins, rhinos, hippos and elephants.

Career Day is a free program that the zoo has offered to local students since 1999. To attend, students must apply through their "school to work" coordinators.

The Oregon Zoo is committed to education. In 2005-2006, the zoo hosted 254,971 participants through 25 educational programs, including Career Day.

February 14, 2008
ZOO CELEBRATES 'POLAR BEAR DAYS,' FEB. 28 and MARCH 1
Polar bears take center stage as zoo highlights imperiled Arctic predators

Conrad, a male polar bear plays with his toys as part of enrichment at the Oregon Zoo. © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Canadian province of Manitoba took steps recently to protect polar bears along the Arctic coastline known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." The Oregon Zoo is doing its part to bring attention to the plight of these bears on Feb. 28 and March 1, as the zoo continues its Year of the Polar Bear with a series of special activities and talks.

"We hope this event brings attention to what is happening to these charismatic animals in the wild," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "These bears are very affected by climate change. The sea ice is arriving later and later in the season and melting sooner, which is putting great stress on them."

During 2008, the zoo is participating in the Year of the Polar Bear in conjunction with its conservation partner, Polar Bears International. The yearlong event is designed to tell the story of what is happening to polar bears in the wild, 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.

During Polar Bear Days at the zoo, visitors learn more about the crisis in the Arctic and what they can do to help save the world's largest land carnivore.

At 9:45 a.m., guests visit a hands-on learning station and discover little-known polar bear facts at an interactive polar bear display. Children can touch a replica of a polar bear skull and feel a polar bear pelt. Guests also receive polar bear bookmarks and puzzles to take home. A separate station is dedicated to teaching children what they can do to reduce their carbon footprints at home.

The festivities continue at 10 a.m., when guests can watch the zoo's polar bears play and interact with plastic balls and ice blocks. At 10:15 a.m., keepers discuss issues the bears are facing and factors contributing to their decline.

From 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., "Arctic Ambassador" Kaitlyn Casimo discusses her trip to Churchill, Canada. She dramatically reveals how these captivating animals are coping with climate change.

Thursday's polar bear activities will be repeated on Saturday, March 1, from noon to 2 p.m., with the bears receiving treats at noon and 1:15 p.m.

"When visitors watch our bears, we hope we can spark an emotional connection that inspires new insight into helping them," said Vecchio. "People must care about an issue before they'll be moved to act."

As the ice covering the Arctic Ocean continues to shrink, the wild polar bears that depend on the sea ice for their survival suffer. 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.

Conservation groups are also urging legislators to classify polar bears as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, to further protect the bears from the consequences of global climate change and other threats.

In conjunction with Polar Bears International, the zoo is coordinating an Arctic adventure to Canada, Oct. 29 through Nov. 3. Dr. David Shepherdson, polar bear researcher and the zoo's deputy conservation manager, leads a small group to Churchill, Manitoba, the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." Reservations are limited; please contact the zoo for details.

February 14, 2008
IS LOVE IN THE FUTURE FOR OREGON ZOO'S BLACK RHINO?
On Valentine's Day, zoo learns whether Pete will get a new mate

© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- It's Valentine's Day, and the Oregon Zoo is hoping love gets a chance to blossom between its black rhinoceros, Pete, and Marsha, a female rhino from the Oklahoma City Zoo. A procedure conducted this morning will reveal whether a love connection is in their future, or if they're destined to be star-crossed lovers.

According to the zoo, shipping rhinos is not routine, and it would be unnecessarily stressful on a female to bring her to Oregon to breed to an infertile male. They want to confirm Pete's fertility before subjecting a female to shipping.

"If Pete's semen looks healthy, we'll put things into motion to bring Marsha to Oregon," said Oregon Zoo Veterinarian Mitch Finnegan. "However, if we don't think he's capable of producing offspring, it's in the best interest of the species for her to pair with a male who can."

The zoo has concerns regarding 21-year-old Pete's fertility, because he sired only one baby rhino with his former mate, Miadi. The pair had been together for 15 years, 10 of which were prime for reproducing.

The zoo brought in reproductive physiologist Terri Roth to perform today's procedure, which allowed staff to obtain semen samples while Pete was undergeneral anesthesia.

"Black rhinos are considered one of the world's most endangered mammals, "said Senior Africa Keeper Anna Michel. "We're hoping the best for Pete, because every individual counts. We'd all be thrilled to be able to haveanother baby rhino."

Fewer than 3,700 black, 400 Sumatran, and 60 Javan rhinos remain in thewild. While populations of white rhinos (about 11,300) and Indian rhinos (about 2,400) are more stable, they too are considered threatened.

February 8, 2008
DEADLY FUNGUS THREATENS AMPHIBIANS WORLDWIDE
Oregon Zoo, others to focus on crisis during 'Year of the Frog'

A blue poison dart frog, part of the Oregon Zoo's flooded forest Exhibit. © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Are frogs going extinct? A disease caused by a noxious fungus is decimating amphibian populations in the Northwest and around the world, and scientists are growing increasingly alarmed, as frog, toad, newt and salamander populations continue to drop.

"Frogs are in severe decline in the Northwest and all over the world," says Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "As many as 165 amphibian species may be extinct. Habitat destruction is a serious threat, but the most immediate cause is this parasitic fungus."

Great numbers of frogs and other amphibians have been succumbing to chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease caused by the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), which has quickly spread from Africa to other parts of the world.

To bring attention to these imperiled species, the Northwest Zoo and Aquarium Alliance in conjunction with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is promoting the Year of the Frog. The yearlong effort, starting on leap day, Feb. 29, aims to engage the public in conservation efforts and heighten awareness of the worldwide amphibian crisis.

The Oregon Zoo, a founding member of the alliance, will launch a recovery program for Oregon spotted frogs in March. The zoo will head-start these imperiled amphibians before eventually releasing them into the wild, in hopes of halting their decline.

"Zoos and aquariums play a significant role in the recovery of these species," says Vecchio. "Without an immediate intervention, one-third to one-half of the world's 6,000 amphibian species is in danger of becoming extinct in our lifetime."

As a prelude to its conservation efforts, the zoo will host a lecture on the Oregon spotted frog Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., as part of the 2008 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series. Dr. Marc P. Hayes, research scientist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will discuss "Climate Change, Disease, Exotics and Humans: The Unique Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog."

On April 7, the zoo will host a daylong amphibian conservation workshop, highlighting issues such as climate change, disease, pollutants and invasive species. The workshop, co-hosted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to provide a forum for biologists, land managers, watershed councils, conservation groups and private landowners to discuss strategies and opportunities for amphibian conservation. For more information, or to obtain workshop registration forms, contact Suzanne Rosen. The deadline for registration is March 21.

Other Northwest zoos and aquariums participating in 2008's Year of the Frog include Zoo Boise, Northwest Trek, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, the Seattle Aquarium, the Vancouver (B.C.) Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo, and Wildlife Safari. More than 70 zoos and aquariums nationwide also will be participating.

In addition, the Amphibian Ark, in coordination with the World Conservation Union, has inspired many organizations internationally to get involved with the Year of the Frog through its work with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The Pacific Northwest Zoo and Aquarium Alliance was formed by the directors of 10 AZA-accredited institutions in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia to promote collaboration on conservation issues of special concern to the region.

February 6, 2008
NW WILDLIFE EXPERT DISCUSSES PLIGHT OF OREGON SPOTTED FROG
Dr. Marc P. Hayes explores reasons behind native amphibian's precipitous decline

The Oregon Spotted Frog © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Dwindling populations of the Oregon spotted frog have caught the attention of Pacific Northwest scientists and researchers. Dr. Marc P. Hayes of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife tells the important story of this amphibian's decline on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo, as part of the 2008 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series.

In his lecture "Climate Change, Disease, Exotics and Humans: The Unique Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog," Hayes describes the creature as one of the Pacific Northwest's most remarkable amphibians. For a variety of reasons, this frog is now found in less than 20 percent of its historic range.

The Oregon spotted frog is now being considered as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act. This amphibian is most commonly found in Deschutes, Klamath and Lane counties. The frog formerly occupied Clackamas, Linn, Benton, Multnomah and Wasco counties.

"Many factors are believed to have contributed to the decline of this species," said Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "Loss of habitat, non-native plant invasions and the introduction of exotic species like the bullfrog have all had strong impacts."

Changes in water quality, new development and livestock overgrazing continue to result in habitat change and loss across Oregon.

"The majority of Oregon spotted frog populations are more vulnerable to naturally occurring events such as drought, disease and predation because they are small and isolated," said Vecchio. "Larger, connected populations are less affected by these occurrences. Dr. Hayes' lecture illustrates how we can make changes to help these amphibians and prevent other Northwest species from becoming threatened."

Hayes, currently a research scientist at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is committed to helping Northwest animals sustain their populations.

The Oregon Zoo is participating in the Pacific Northwest Zoo and Aquarium Alliance's "Year of the Frog," and will launch its Oregon spotted frog recovery program in March. The zoo will be headstarting these imperiled amphibians, before eventually releasing them into the wild.

February 1, 2008
OREGON ZOO ORANGUTANS MAKE A SPLIT DECISION

2008 Orangutan Super Bowl predictions © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Predictions can be a tricky business, and the Oregon Zoo orangutans' Super Bowl predictions may be a perfect example. As they have for more than a decade, the zoo's orangs put on T-shirts indicating their picks for winner of the big game. The females chose one team, while the male chose the other.

Inji, matriarch of the zoo's orangutans, donned a New England T-shirt, signaling a Patriots win in Sunday's Super Bowl XLII. In the past, Inji has correctly predicted the winners of two Civil War games and four Super Bowls, and her overall record is 6-4. Her grandson Kutai, who is three for three in Super Bowl picks, chose a New York Giants T-shirt. The zoo's other orang, Batik, chose to follow the lead of her fellow female Inji and chose a Patriots shirt. This is only the second year Batik has shown an interest in this event. Her record is 1-0. "Inji's pick has been the official prediction in the past," said senior primate keeper Dave Thomas. "However, as the other orangutans have shown interest, especially Kutai, we have to give their input some credence."

According to Thomas, Kutai began inserting himself into the prediction process four years ago -- and with a perfect record, he would seem to have a knack for picking winners.

This year, the zoo invited the colorful and legendary football coach Jerry Glanville to provide play-by-play commentary. Glanville's lengthy career in football includes 30 years coaching, 21 of those in the NFL, and more than a decade as an NFL broadcaster.

"Coach Glanville was a great addition," said zoo spokesperson Linda D'Ae-Smith. "He quickly learned which orang was which, and he was very adept at interpreting their actions."

Inji's ability to choose the winner of football games was discovered more than 10 years ago by chance. A local sportscaster had seen the orangs receive clothing as enrichment items and wondered what they would do with T-shirts from the University of Oregon Ducks and Oregon State University Beavers prior to the Civil War football game. Inji, the more dominant of the group at that time, chose to wear the T-shirt of the school that eventually won the game. She was given the same challenge the following year, and again picked the winner. Due to exhibit construction and new animal introductions, Inji took some time off from her predictions. When conditions were again favorable, that year's Civil War game had passed, but the Super Bowl was only a few weeks away, so she began predicting Super Bowl outcomes.

Zookeepers are always looking for new and interesting ways to keep the animals engaged and active. Giving the orangutans T-shirts and other interesting items serves as environmental enrichment. The Oregon Zoo is internationally renowned for its environmental enrichment program, designed to keep animals mentally and physically challenged and stimulated.