July 31, 2008
OREGON ZOO UNVEILS NEW 'WILD LIFE LIVE' SHOW
Flight demonstrations canceled due to construction noise; new animals added

Because the birds of prey can no longer fly, the PGE "Wild Life Live" program has added charismatic animals such as a prehensile-tailed porcupine (pictured) and a green-wing macaw, allowing visitors an up-close view of seldom-seen creatures. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- With construction for Predators of the Serengeti in high gear - the exhibit opens in 2009 - birds in the Oregon Zoo's "Wild Life Live" show are no longer flying. Construction noise was unsettling and confusing the birds.

"The safety and well-being of our animals is always our No. 1 concern," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "When our birds began reacting to the construction noise associated with our lion exhibit, we had to respond."

Because the birds of prey can no longer fly, the "Wild Life Live" program has added charismatic animals such as a prehensile-tailed porcupine and a green-wing macaw, allowing visitors an up-close view of seldom-seen creatures.

Zoo staff will display a variety of animals during the half-hour educational demonstrations. "Wild Life Live," presented by PGE, runs daily through Labor Day, at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. PGE has supported the program since 1986.

July 31, 2008
BRANDI CARLILE ROCKS THE ZOO -- GENTLY
Northwest singer-songwriter takes zoo by storm, Aug. 22

Brandi Carlile proves that age is no measure of talent when she plays the Oregon Zoo, Friday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. as part of the concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- With a seemingly natural feel for old-time country music and a twentysomething's taste for modern rock, Northwest singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has drawn comparisons to everyone from Patsy Cline to Radiohead. Carlile brings her progressive guitar work and intricate lyrics to the Oregon Zoo Friday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

"Brandi Carlile's poetic lyrics, robust voice and incredible instrumental work belie her age," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator. "She has the sound of a seasoned rock veteran, as well as incredible stage energy."

Raised in the small town of Ravensdale, Wash., Carlile spent a lot of time outdoors -- and a lot of time singing. She made her debut at 8, when her mother brought her onstage to sing "Tennessee Flat-Top Box" for a local radio show.

At 18, she hit the nearby Seattle music scene to jumpstart her career. There, she met the Hanseroth twins, Tim and Phil, members of the Fighting Machinists. When that group broke up, she persuaded them to join her in forming a new band, and together they developed their signature folk-inspired rock sound.

In 2005, Carlile was named one of Rolling Stone's "10 Artists to Watch," and quickly justified her spot on that list with the release of her self-titled major-label debut.

Touring rigorously, Carlile and her band opened shows for Dave Matthews, Shawn Colvin, India.Arie and the Indigo Girls, among others. Carlile's follow-up album, "The Story," came out last year, highlighting her earthy sound and contemporary edge. A video for the title track debuted on the TV show "Grey's Anatomy," and the song charted on Billboard's Hot 100.

To see a video of Brandi Carlile singing "Closer to You," visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Concerts/BrandiCarlile.htm.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Oregon Zoo for $19 each. Tickets can also be purchased (with service charge) online or at Ticketmaster locations at area Fred Meyer stores. For more information on the concert schedule, to read artists' biographies or purchase tickets, please visit www.oregonzoo.org.

The Oregon Zoo has brought outdoor music to Portland for 30 years. In 1979, the zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series.

Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo are the presenting sponsors of the series. This year's series is also co-sponsored by KINK fm 102 and KATU Television and PDX magazine.

July 30, 2008
AMOS LEE SINGS HIS SOUL AT OREGON ZOO
Acclaimed artist delivers bittersweet songs with dusky voice, full heart, Aug. 20

Amos Lee stirs a journeyman's sensibility, a poet's gift with language and a soul singer's voice into his own brand of music Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. as part of the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- With a warm, supple voice and lyrics that tug at the heartstrings, Amos Lee performs at the Oregon Zoo, Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m., as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo. Lee is supported by folk singer Lucy Wainwright Roche.

"Amos Lee's beautiful voice and tender lyrics complement a unique style that draws from soul, folk and R&B," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator."

A Philadelphia native, Lee drew some Southern inspiration from his time in South Carolina, where he attended college. Upon graduation, Lee moved back to Philadelphia, where his self-released five-song EP caught the attention of Norah Jones. Jones offered Lee an opening slot on her 2004 tour, and his full-fledged debut album came out on Blue Note the following year.

The album, an acclaimed effort that made it to No. 2 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart in 2005, articulates the woes of a world-weary young man on tracks like "Seen It All Before" and "Arms of a Woman." Lee's second album, "Supply and Demand" (2006), conveys a sense of blue-collar ennui, while the recently released "Last Days at the Lodge" showcases his knack for soul.

"The guitar work on Lee's latest album is stunning," said Swan. "His shows are a marriage of fine musicianship and profound messages."

To see a video of Lee performing "Arms of a Woman," visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Concerts/AmosLee.htm.

Like Lee, Lucy Wainwright Roche is renowned for solid lyrics and beautiful melodies. The daughter of two well-known singers (Suzzy Roche and Loudon Wainwright III), with a famous brother to boot (Rufus Wainwright), Roche was determined to develop her own unique sound. "I spent many a stressful moment pre-analyzing what I should sound like," Roche confessed in a radio interview last year, "but it's hard to be like anybody else when you're so hopelessly yourself."

July 29, 2008
BOZ SCAGGS BRINGS 'HEART OF COOL' TO OREGON ZOO YEAR

Boz Scaggs brings his cool, soulful voice and a boatload of hits to the Oregon Zoo stage, Sunday, Aug. 17, as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Blowing in like a cool summer breeze, Boz Scaggs brings his smooth, laid-back soul sound to the Oregon Zoo, Sunday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m., as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo. Opening the show is 24-year-old blues prodigy David Jacobs-Strain.

"Whether Boz Scaggs is playing his earlier Delta blues or his more recent
blue-eyed soul, his driving music and cool stage presence make for an
amazing show," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator.

Scaggs began playing guitar when he was 12, and found a musical kindred
spirit in his prep-school friend Steve Miller. In 1967, he joined the
fledgling Steve Miller Band as a guitarist. After playing on the group's
first two records, "Children of the Future" and "Sailor," Scaggs left to
pursue a solo career.

Though he released a number of well-received solo albums during the late '60s and early '70s, Scaggs didn't attain widespread commercial success until 1976 with "Silk Degrees." Featuring a soaring, soulful voice that Rolling Stone said "could easily hold its own on any street corner in New York," the album reached No. 2 on the pop charts and featured hits like "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle."

With "Middle Man" (1980), Scaggs again made the Billboard Top 10 and notched two more hit singles, "Breakdown Dead Ahead" and "Jojo." It was a big year for the singer, as "Look What You've Done to Me," a Scaggs tune from the "Urban Cowboy" soundtrack, also hit the Top 20 and his first greatest-hits collection was released.

For much of the 1980s, Scaggs kept a lower profile musically, as he opened and ran the successful San Francisco nightclub Slim's.

In 1994, he released the highly regarded "Some Change," which Rolling Stone praised as a "return to strength" that "brings Boz Scaggs back, lit by the fire at the heart of cool."

Though only 24, guitar prodigy David Jacobs-Strain is already an accomplished bluesman and veteran of the stage. He opens for Boz Scaggs Sunday, Aug. 17, as part of the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

"Hits," a 2006 update of Scaggs' 1980 greatest-hits collection, is his most recent release.

To see a video of Scaggs performing "Lido Shuffle," visit

BozScaggs.htm.

Like Scaggs, David Jacobs-Strain flexed his musical muscles at a very young age. At 9, he purchased a guitar at a garage sale and became enraptured with the folk scene of his hometown, Eugene, Ore.

After seeing a Taj Mahal concert, Jacobs-Strain gravitated toward the blues. He released his first album, "Skin and Bones," while still in high school. "Ocean or a Teardrop" (2004) featured intricate slide-guitar work, especially on the track "Girl I Love."

Still, Jacobs-Strain doesn't count himself a strict traditionalist. "I'm just trying to find my own voice within the blues," he told the Santa Barbara Independent.

He is now touring the country to promote his new album "Liar's Day," released in May.

"David Jacob-Strain is a young Oregonian with the mature sound and outlook of a Delta bluesman," said Swan. "His show with Boz Scaggs will have audiences hungrily following his career."

July 29, 2008
ZOO ATTENDANCE TOPS 1.5 MILLION FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

A T. rex roars at Andy, a 7-year-old visiting the Oregon Zoo's dinosaur trail. The popular dinosaur exhibit helped push zoo attendance past 1.5 million for the second year in a row during the fiscal year ending June 30. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A popular new dinosaur exhibit, camps, concerts and
family-friendly events helped boost the Oregon Zoo's attendance to 1,500,462 for the fiscal year ending June 30, the second-highest figure in the zoo's 121-year history. This marks the second time zoo attendance has topped 1.5 million, and falls just 8,102 admissions short of the previous record, set last year, when the zoo attracted 1,508,564 visitors.

Metro Council President David Bragdon is pleased by the strong community
support.

"The strong attendance is a testament to the quality of our community's zoo," says Bragdon. "The zoo not only provides a wonderful family experience, but also supports conservation education and our vision to create a better future for wildlife."

Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio attributes the near-record year to the zoo's excellent programs and special events -- and the popularity of its summer "Dinosaurs!" exhibit, which lets visitors meander through an ancient rain forest filled with lifelike prehistoric creatures.

"We're always trying to make new and innovative additions to draw in first-time visitors and bring back our loyal supporters," he says.

According to Bragdon, events such as ZooLights, the summer concert series and the World Animal Festival not only bring in more visitors, they also help fund the zoo's many conservation and education programs.

"We attract large audiences because of our commitment to offer new exhibits and programs," says Bragdon. "With work under way on the new Red Ape Reserve exhibit and the highly anticipated Predators of the Serengeti, I'm very optimistic that we'll continue to be the most well-attended zoo in the Northwest."

The first time the zoo's attendance topped 1 million was during 1962-63, the fiscal year immediately following Packy's birth in April 1962. The baby pachyderm drew 1,010,964 spectators from all over the Northwest, eager to see the first elephant born in the United States in 44 years. It wasn't until 1989 that the zoo broke the one million mark again. Since then, the zoo has welcomed more than a million guests in 17 of the past 20 years.

The Oregon Zoo continues to have the highest attendance of any fee-based tourist attraction in Oregon. Only Multnomah Falls and Spirit Mountain Casino, which do not charge admission fees, have more annual visitors.

July 23, 2008
OREGON ZOO WELCOMES SIX NEW ANIMALS TO AFRICA COMPLEX
Monkeys, gerenuk and gazelles debut in Savanna, Rainforest exhibits

Mr. Brooks, a handsome 2-year-old gerenuk from Oklahoma City, is one of six animals newly arrived at the Oregon Zoo's Africa complex. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Construction is under way on the new Predators of the
Serengeti exhibit in the Oregon Zoo's Africa complex, but there's also
activity in the zoo's Africa Savanna and Rainforest exhibits. Six new
animals have arrived recently.

Averill, a 6-year-old male Allen's swamp monkey has been introduced to the
two other swamp monkeys and four colobus monkeys in his Rainforest exhibit. He's from Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo.

A DeBrazza's monkey, a gerenuk and three Speke's gazelles have new homes in the Savanna exhibit:

•The DeBrazza's monkey, a 7-year-old male named Gus, arrived from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kan. He shares an exhibit with the zoo's female DeBrazza's monkey, Debra.

•Call him Mr. Brooks, please. The 2-year-old male gerenuk with the formal name hails from the Oklahoma City Zoo.

•Three female Speke's gazelles from St. Louis and Los Angeles join a male and female already residing in the zoo's Savanna exhibit.

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.

"Our Africa exhibits are bustling with activity," commented Oregon Zoo
Director Tony Vecchio. "We're excited to have all the new animals, and look
forward to even more when Predators of the Serengeti opens next summer.
Fund-raising is exceeding expectations. When we meet the $300,000 challenge grant from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation and the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, we will surpass our goal."

Set to open in 2009, Predators of the Serengeti celebrates African predators large and small, including lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, red-billed hornbills, dwarf mongooses and caracals. For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org/ROAR.

July 23, 2008
RIDERS IN THE SKY PLAY THE ZOO -- THE COWBOY WAY
Cowboy quartet celebrates 30 years of country fun, Aug. 13

Riders in the Sky, celebrating 30 years of outstanding wboy music, performs at the regon Zoo Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo. Photo © www.ridersinthesky.com.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- "Mighty fine and a great big Western howdy, all you buckaroos and buckarettes!" With this immortal cowboy greeting, Riders in the Sky launches into a show celebrating three decades of its Grammy-winning music, Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m., as part of the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

"There isn't a group out there that can fiddle faster, 'cowpolka' better, or yodel longer than Riders in the Sky," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator. "They're amazingly talented Wild West performers, not to mention adept tongue-in-cheek comedians."

Riders in the Sky began its career in 1977 at a Nashville nightclub called Herr Harry's Phranks 'n' Steins. Ranger Doug ("Idol of American Youth"), Too Slim ("Fastest Wit in the West") and Woody Paul ("King of the Cowboy Fiddlers") took Nashville by storm. In recent years, the trio has been joined by Joey, the "Cowpolka King."

The band's first album, "Three on the Trail" (1979), set the tone for its signature mix of sentimental Western revival, parody, traditional quartet harmonies and crack swing instrumentals.

Several albums later, the group was featured in "Sweet Dreams," a 1985 film biography of Patsy Cline. The success of the 1988 album "Riders Radio Theater" led to weekly performances on National Public Radio.

In 2000 and 2002, Disney asked Riders in the Sky to provide music for "Toy Story 2" and "Monsters, Inc." Both "Woody's Roundup" and "Scream Factory Favorites," the movies' respective soundtrack albums, won Grammys.

In 2006, the Academy of Western Artists named Riders in the Sky its Western Music Group of the Year.

"When attending a Riders in the Sky concert, you'll not only witness amazing musicianship, you'll also be treated to a rootin'-tootin' good time," said Swan.

July 21, 2008
ENDANGERED WASHINGTON TURTLES RELEASED IN COLUMBIA GORGE

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo is releasing about 55 endangered western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) back to the wild with the help of local Columbia River Gorge summer campers.

An Oregon Zoo conservationist (Virginia Grimley) readies an endangered western pond turtle for release back into the wild in the Columbia River Gorge. On July 29, the zoo will help release about 55 turtles, which have spent the past 11 months growing large enough to avoid being eaten by non-native bullfrogs and large-mouth bass. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

The turtles have spent the past 11 months under lights, which simulate
perpetual summer.

"The lights trick the turtles into thinking that it's still summer so they don't go into hibernation," according to Dr. David Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo's conservation program scientist. "The turtles grow and grow, experiencing three years' growth in 11 months."

Once the turtles reach a suitable size of about 70 grams (a little more than 2 ounces), they are returned to their homes and monitored for safety.

"Since the turtles are larger, predators such as non-native bullfrogs and large-mouth bass are no longer threats," said Shepherdson.

The turtle reintroduction is part of a collaborative effort by the Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bonneville Power Administration. As part of the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project, conservation scientists "head-start" newly hatched turtles gathered from wild sites, nurturing them at both zoos for about 11 months.

"Spending the first months of their life at the zoo gives the turtles a real edge," explained Shepherdson. "Woodland Park Zoo and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been working to save Washington's western pond turtles for 18 years. We're glad that we could provide additional assistance in helping save these highly endangered turtles."

Ten children from Skamania County, Wash., who are learning about the turtles in their Forest Explorers program (through Northwest Service Academy), will help biologists release them in the Columbia River Gorge.

"It is one thing to learn about conservation efforts, but it makes a much bigger impact when you actually see a zoo-reared turtle released back into the wilds of the Columbia Gorge," said Shepherdson.

The Forest Explorers program fosters a sense of stewardship for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in rural Skamania County youth. This free after-school program culminates in a one-week overnight summer camp.

"By going out to the release site, the campers not only have a hands-on turtle education, but they also gain a sense of the careers available to them in wildlife management," said Melissa Sandoz, education program coordinator for the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute. "We want the kids to realize they can have a cool, environmentally important job in the same county where they grew up."

Just a decade ago, western pond turtles were on the verge of completely dying out in Washington, with only 150 turtles left in the wild. Today, researchers estimate there are about 1,400. Habitat degradation and disease were, and still are, problems, but the biggest threat to fragile baby turtles is the bullfrog. Native to areas east of the Rockies, this nonindigenous frog has thrived throughout the West, driving pond turtles and a host of other small, vulnerable aquatic species to the brink of
extinction.

Another non-native threat to western pond turtle survival is the red-eared slider. Sliders are native to the same range as the bullfrog and are winning the survival race against the native turtles. The sliders lay eggs later in the season and dig up existing turtle nests to use as for their own.

A tiny western pond turtle emerges from its egg at the Oregon Zoo's Conservation Station. About 55 of the endangered turtles, which have spent the past 11 months at the zoo growing large enough to avoid being eaten by non-native bullfrogs and large-mouth bass, are being released back into the wild in the Columbia River Gorge. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

To help restore these rare pond turtles to their natural habitat, recovery workers take to the field each year. Under the supervision of western pond turtle expert Kate Slavens, they count, trap and fit transmitters on adult female western pond turtles. The female turtles are monitored every two hours during the nesting season to determine where they nest. The nests, which the females dig in the ground and then cover after depositing their eggs, are protected with wire "exclosure" cages that help prevent predators from eating the eggs. The eggs are then allowed to incubate naturally, and the hatchlings are collected in the fall. The hatchlings are about the size of a quarter when they are removed and taken to the zoo facilities, where they can grow in safety. Unlike wild turtles, zoo turtles are fed throughout the winter, so by their summer release, the 11- month-olds are about as big as 3-year-old turtles that grew up in the wild.

Some of the juvenile turtles are equipped with radio transmitters before release, so biologists can learn more about post-release dispersal, habitat use during active and hibernation periods, and, ultimately, their survival rate. Scientists tracking the released turtles estimate that 95 percent of the turtles released back into the Columbia River Gorge have survived.

Now listed as an endangered species in Washington and a sensitive species in Oregon, the western pond turtle was once common from Baja California to Puget Sound. The Oregon Zoo's participation in the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project is funded through The Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future for Wildlife conservation fund.

The Oregon Zoo is also helping turtles in Oregon. Working with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the zoo helped establish the Oregon Native Turtle Conservation Group, which helps field biologists monitor and track populations of western pond and western painted turtles in and around the Willamette River. The group created a Web site to educate the public about the plight of the native Oregon turtles, www.oregonturtles.com. The site includes an electronic form that allows the public to report turtle sightings to ODFW and the Oregon Zoo, which aids both agencies in the
tracking process.

July 17, 2008
NEW ZOO EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF FROGS
‘FROGS!’ exhibit includes endangered Oregon spotted frog and its predator

PORTLAND, Ore. -- As the world's frogs vanish at an alarming rate, a few species will appear at the Oregon Zoo Sept. 13 in a temporary exhibit designed to teach the public about the perils faced by amphibian populations everywhere.

The brightly colored poison dart frog secretes toxins from its skin. It is one of the many amphibians featured in the Oregon Zoo's new "Frogs!" exhibit. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

"FROGS!" will run through Jan. 4 and will feature several different species from around the world. It will also explain what's happening to amphibians in the wild and why they are dying out so rapidly.

"As many as 165 amphibian species may be extinct," 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."

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.

In addition to pollution and loss of habitat, amphibian populations worldwide are being decimated by chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease caused by the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). The fungus has rapidly spread from Africa to other parts of the world, including the Pacific Northwest.

The most threatened frog in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon spotted frog, has lost much of its wetlands habitat and has become food for invasive species such as bullfrogs. The Oregon Zoo is participating in a recovery program to help restore Oregon spotted frog populations. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

The exhibit will offer 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 Northwest Zoo and 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.

"FROGS!" will feature examples of both the Oregon spotted frog and the American bullfrog.

Other frogs on display will include the brightly colored poison dart frog, native to Central and South America, which secretes toxins from its skin that are foul-tasting to predators. Three highly toxic species of poison dart frogs were used by indigenous people to poison the tips of blowgun darts.

The Vietnamese mossy frog is covered with bumps, spines and tubercles, helping it blend in with moss and lichen to avoid predators. This species' camouflage has been called the most elaborate in the animal kingdom.

White's tree frog, native to Australia, was one of the first amphibian species documented in the discovery of the deadly chytrid fungus. In dry conditions, it can surround itself with a cocoon of dead skin and mucus and burrow to keep moist.

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.

July 17, 2008
OLIVER MTUKUDZI SINGS WITH SOUL, SOCIAL CONSCIENCE
Zimbabwean musical pioneer brings "Tuku style" to Oregon Zoo, Aug. 6

PORTLAND, Ore. -- To sing with one voice representing a collective soul is no small feat, but Zimbabwean Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi just might be up to the task. Mtukudzi plays the Oregon Zoo Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. as part of the summer concert series presented by Wells Fargo and Fred Meyer.

Zimbabwean musician Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi sings with the soul of his country Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. as part of the Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo. Photo © Tafadzwa Mukiwa.

"Oliver Mtukudzi is graced with a haunting, husky voice that powerfully conveys his profound lyrics," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator. "But the weight of his words is juxtaposed with light, traditional R&B and South African pop-inspired tunes. The combination is irresistible and inspirational."

Mtukudzi's style is so innovative and unique that it is dubbed "Tuku style." With a voice that National Geographic calls "mellifluous," he takes listeners on a stylistic journey "from Cape to Cairo," balancing his melodies with important social messages.

Using a recording studio in South Africa, Mtukudzi has produced many successful world-market albums, including "Tuku Music" (1998), "Paivepo" (2000) and "Vhunze Moto" (2002). Citing his prolific writing and fluid style, Parade magazine dubbed him "one of the few genuine innovators on the Zimbabwean music scene."

"Oliver Mtukudzi is not only a joy to listen to, he is also an agent of social change," said Swan. "There are not many world-class concerts by someone so instrumental in strengthening a country's social and political freedom."

To see a video of Oliver Mtukudzi, visit OliverMtukudzi.htm.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Oregon Zoo for $10 each. Tickets can also be purchased (with service charge) online or at Ticketmaster locations at area Fred Meyer stores. For more information on the concert schedule, to read artists' biographies or purchase tickets, please visit www.oregonzoo.org.

July 16, 2008
OREGON ZOO CLOSES EARLY TO PREPARE FOR 'ZOOLALA'
Zoo foundation's summer gala takes place July 19

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo is closing at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, to set up for The Oregon Zoo Foundation's fund-raiser, "Zoolala: Serengeti Rendezvous." Visitors already in the zoo by 4 p.m. may remain until 6 p.m.

The ninth annual Zoolala, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, features culinary delights from 30 of Portland's premier restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries and coffee hosts, plus live music from 5 Guys Named Moe.

A plethora of restaurants, including Legends at Spirit Mountain, Timberline Lodge, Le Bistro Montage, Uptown Billiards Club, Paragon Restaurant and Bar, Bay 13 and Salty's on the Columbia, are making a return appearance this year. And restaurants such as the Old Spaghetti Factory, Beaverton Bakery, Espresso Volare and Huber's Restaurant have been at Zoolala from the start. Kells Irish Pub and Desserts of Distinction are making their debut at this year's summer gala. To see a full list of participating restaurants, bakeries, wineries and breweries, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Zoolala.

The old zoo entrance will open its doors to all ticket holders at 7 p.m. Admission is $135 for Oregon Zoo members and $150 general admission. A portion of the cost is tax deductible. For more information, or to reserve tickets, contact Kris Terich at 503-220-2492.

July 16, 2008
LONE GRAY WOLF AT OREGON ZOO EUTHANIZED
Last of the pack, 13-year-old Marcus dealt with mobility issues

Marcus, the lone wolf remaining at the Oregon Zoo, was euthanized today. The 13-year-old gray wolf, much beloved by zoo keepers and staff, had suffered from age-related medical issues that were causing him pain and affecting his mobility. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Marcus, the lone gray wolf at Oregon Zoo, was euthanized today. Zoo veterinarians made the decision after consulting with keepers regarding his deteriorating condition.

According to Oregon Zoo Veterinarian Mitch Finnegan, Marcus' age contributed to the significant medical issues that affected his mobility.

"We treated his mobility problems medically for as long as possible, to give him the quality of life we all wanted him to have," said Finnegan.

Keepers and veterinary staff were in frequent communication about Marcus and worked together to provide the best care.

"All of us involved in taking care of Marcus kept his overall well-being in mind and strove to do what we thought was in his best interest," said Finnegan. "In the end, we could no longer manage Marcus' pain, and his quality of life was diminishing."

Gray wolves' life expectancy in the wild is believed to be about 6 to 8 years; however, wolves in captivity often live longer.

The zoo's wolves were born in April 1995 at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Ind., and arrived at the Oregon Zoo in June 1995.

Tower of Power brings high-energy R&B to the Oregon Zoo as part of the Summer Concert Series, presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo on Sunday, Aug. 3.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The wail of a trumpet, the lick of a snare and the buttery notes of a sax are hallmarks of great R&B and jazz. On the Oregon Zoo concert lawn, these sounds mean Tower of Power and the Crusaders will take the zoo by storm Sunday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. as part of the summer concert series resented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

"Tower of Power and the Crusaders are musical pioneers," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator. "From fiery R&B to melt-in-your-mouth jazz, these artists produce music that makes for a once-in-a-lifetime concert."

Celebrating nearly four decades of great music, Tower of Power has hosted at least 60 musicians. Some hold a chair for a tour or recording session, while others play with the group once and are hooked, becoming full-time band members.

Emilio Castillo and Stephen "Doc" Kupka formed Tower of Power in 1968 with Mic Gillette, who has since left the group. Castillo still leads the band, and he and Kupka are the primary songwriters.

Gaining notoriety in the early '70s, the group hit its stride with 1972's "Bump City." "Tower of Power" followed in 1973, and included the band's most famous song, "What Is Hip?"

Tower of Power's horn section became legendary, collaborating with musicians such as Elton John, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Little Feat, David Sanborn, Michelle Shocked, Paula Abdul, Aaron Neville, Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, Billy Preston, PiL, and Rod Stewart.

Most recently, the group released "The Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years," which topped the 2003 jazz charts. To see a video of Tower of Power in concert, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Concerts/TowerOfPower.htm.

Like Tower of Power, the Crusaders hit their commercial stride in the early 1970s, although they'd been performing together for more than a decade before that. In 1960, pianist Joe Sample, drummer Stix Hooper, saxophonist Wilton Felder and trombonist Wayne Henderson formed the Jazz Crusaders, releasing 15 albums on the Pacific Jazz label during the 1960s.

After almost 50 years of jazz innovation, the Crusaders prove jazz-fusion mastery as they perform on Sunday, Aug. 3, as part of the Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series, presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

In the early '70s, the group shortened its name to the Crusaders, adding guitarist Larry Carlton and pioneering a funkier sound that came to be known as "jazz fusion." In 1972, the album "1" was released to great acclaim, peaking at No. 3 on the jazz charts. "The Second Crusade" (1973) and "Chain Reaction" (1975) both reached No. 1 on the jazz charts. In 1979, the Crusaders released "Street Life," which cracked the Top 20 on Billboard's pop album charts and earned a Top 40 pop hit with the title track.

This year, the Crusaders released "Kick the Jazz," a crossover album that includes everything from R&B influences to hip-hop. "The horn-based, sax-heavy sounds of Tower of Power and the Crusaders are tight, impeccable and downright funky," said Swan. "Their concert will be amazing." To see a video of the Crusaders performing, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Concerts/Crusaders.htm

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Oregon Zoo for $22 each. Tickets can also be purchased (with service charge) online or at Ticketmaster locations at area Fred Meyer stores. For more information on the concert schedule, to read artists' biographies or purchase tickets, please visit www.oregonzoo.org.

The Oregon Zoo has brought outdoor music to Portland for 30 years. In 1979, the zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series.

Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo are the presenting sponsors of the series. This
year's series is also co-sponsored by KINK fm 102 and KATU Television and
PDX magazine.

July 14, 2008
DINOSAURS COME OUT AFTER DARK AT OREGON ZOO
Zoo visitors get a new look at T. rex and friends during 'DinoNites'

Megalosaurus and T. rex are among the fierce predators featured at "DinoNites," the Oregon Zoo's new after-hours dinosaur experience. Photo by Reid Chavis, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo has added a nocturnal twist to a popular summer exhibit. "DinoNites," a new outdoor experience featuring life-size (and lifelike) dinos lurking in the dark, takes place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 20, Aug. 9, Aug.15, Aug. 16, and Aug. 23.

Expert dino guides lead brave visitors along an ancient rain-forest trail for some eerie up-close looks at more than a dozen towering animatronic beasts.

"Our courageous visitors travel back 65 million years, coming face to face with the famed Tyrannosaurus rex and his other terrifying friends," said Rex Ettlin, the zoo's education programs manager.

In addition to the guided tour, guests receive a pizza dinner, followed by dinosaur games and activities, including the following:

A life-size T. rex roars at 7-year-old Andy at the Oregon Zoo. "DinoNites," the zoo's new after-hours dinosaur experience, features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

•Cotton plate tectonics
•Kids vs. adults sandbox dig
•Artifact discovery stations
•Do-it-yourself "diggin' dino" dessert

Admission is $38 for zoo members and $44 for non-members. One adult with five children is free. Zoo admission is included.

To see pictures and video coverage of the animatronic dinosaurs along the zoo's dino trail, visit www.oregonzoo.org/dinonites

July 11, 2008
NEWS ON ZOO'S PREGNANT PACHYDERM: IT'S A GIRL!
Blood research indicates baby elephant is likely to be female

Asian elephant Rose- Tu enjoys a swim at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Michael Durham © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- In just a couple of months, Rose- Tu, the Oregon Zoo's pregnant Asian elephant, will be having a baby girl. Probably.

"We're pretty confident it's going to be a girl," said Mitch Finnegan, the zoo's lead veterinarian, "although I'm still not putting any money on it."

The announcement came following analyses of hormone levels in Rose- Tu's blood. Typically, Finnegan says, testosterone levels would be higher if the baby were going to be male. However, he adds, with so few elephants born in captivity, the sample size is fairly small and there is still a bit of room for error.

The much- anticipated addition to the zoo's elephant herd, conceived in late 2006, is due to arrive any time from late August to early October. Tusko, a 13,500- pound, 36- year- old Asian elephant, is the father.

Although Rose- Tu is nearly 20 months pregnant, you'll still need to look closely to spot her "baby bump," Finnegan says. The bulge that some visitors have been noticing is actually "part baby, part breakfast" -- the result of Rose- Tu's abdominal organs shifting to make room for the baby.

"For many wild animals," Finnegan notes, "the signs of pregnancy are a lot less obvious than they are in humans."

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 quite the gentleman, a real 'lady's elephant' -- a true Casanova."

Rose- Tu, left, and Tusko share a moment at the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant exhibit. Photo by Mackenzie Reed © Oregon Zoo

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 rest of the herd will tightly bond and protect the baby as if it were their own. 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 30 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 25 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 another male, which would grow up to be a powerful bull elephant with no home to place him.

Rose- Tu, born Aug. 31, 1994, was the last elephant born at the zoo.

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 nearly the same age. Rose- Tu is the second smallest elephant in the herd, weighing about 7,600 pounds.

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.

July 8, 2008
ZOOLALA 2008: SERENGETI RENDEZVOUS' RAISES FUNDS FOR LIONS
Oregon Zoo Foundation hosts its ninth annual summer gala, July 19

When the Oregon Zoo's lions moved to Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida 10 years ago -- to make room for the new state-of-the-art ocean exhibit, Steller Cove -- the public never forgot about one of its favorite animals. Visitors have not been shy about asking for their return. In 2009, lions will return to the zoo, thanks in part to fund-raisers like Zoolala 2008, slated for July 19 at 7 p.m. Photo by Michael Durham © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo Foundation's ninth annual Zoolala is all about lions. These ferocious felines have been gone from the zoo for a decade, and proceeds from Zoolala will help bring them back. Zoolala 2008, "Serengeti Rendezvous," presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, is slated for Saturday, July 19, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

When the zoo's new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit opens next summer, guests will experience -- separated only by glass or wire mesh -- fierce animals such as lions, cheetahs, caracals, dwarf mongooses, red-billed hornbills and African wild dogs. To learn more about bringing back the roar, visit www.oregonzoo.org/ROAR.

Zoolala 2008 features food and drink from 30 of Portland's leading restaurants, bakeries, wineries, breweries and coffeehouses, plus live music from a 12-piece horn-driven dance band called 5 Guys Named Moe.

A myriad of restaurants will be represented. Restaurants returning for another year include Legends at Spirit Mountain, Timberline Lodge, Le Bistro Montage, Uptown Billiards Club, Paragon Restaurant and Bar, Bay 13 and Salty's on the Columbia. Other restaurants, such as the Old Spaghetti Factory, Espresso Volare, Beaverton Bakery and Huber's Restaurant have been at Zoolala from the start. Kells Irish Pub and Desserts of Distinction are making their debut at this year's summer gala. To see a full list of participating restaurants, bakeries, wineries, and breweries, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Zoolala.

"Zoolala features fine cuisine, wine and microbrews from some of Portland's best," says Kris Terich, Oregon Zoo Foundation special events coordinator. "Experiencing lively music and fabulous food on a warm summer evening is something not to be missed."

Zoolala receives support from Parr Lumber, Aramark and 1190 KEX. To see a list of participating companies, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Support/Zoolala/index.htm.

The old zoo entrance will open its doors to all ticket holders at 7 p.m.

Zoolala 2008 tickets can be purchased at www.oregonzoo.org up to a week before the event. Admission is $135 for Oregon Zoo members and $150 general admission. A portion of the cost is tax deductible.

July 3 , 2008
MATISYAHU PROVES PERFORMING AT ZOO IS MORE THAN KOSHER
Hasidic reggae artist lays down beats at Oregon Zoo, Aug. 1

Combining Hebrew chants, reggae rhythms and hip-hop beats, Matisyahu performs at the Oregon Zoo Friday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- While reggae and Hasidic Judaism may not seem to have much in common, the two cultures combine for some powerful music-making in artist Matisyahu. Taking the stage with reggae beats, spacey synths and intricate beatboxing, Matisyahu plays the Oregon Zoo Friday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. as part
of the summer concert series presented by Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo.

"Matisyahu occupies a unique niche in the music world," says Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator. "His Kingston-style reggae transitions into Yiddish chanting, and again into stellar beatboxing. It's new, fresh and exhilarating to watch."

Born Matthew Miller to secular Jewish parents, the performer felt drawn to the music of the Grateful Dead at an early age. After a high school visit to Israel, he dropped out and followed the band Phish around on tour.

Upon returning home, Miller enrolled in a wilderness camp in Bend, Ore., and discovered a love of reggae and hip-hop.

At 19, he enrolled in the New School for Social Research in Manhattan. While in New York, he joined the Carlebach Shul synagogue and renamed himself Matisyahu, Hebrew for Matthew.

Encouraged by his synagogue to pursue a musical career, Matisyahu assembled a band and began to attract notice. However, it was at the Bonaroo 2005 music festival that the performer gained true notoriety. Invited to perform with former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, Matisyahu gained the credibility necessary to produce a successful album.

His 2004 debut, "Shake Off the Dust … Arise," dealt primarily with religious themes, and was followed in 2005 by the critically acclaimed "Live at Stubb's." The live version of "King Without a Crown" from the latter release cracked the U.S. Top 30 and helped the album achieve gold status.

Matisyahu's latest album, 2006's "Youth," features "Shalom/Salaam," which Peter Relic of Rolling Stone magazine called a "beautiful nylon-string guitar and beatbox interlude."

"Matisyahu's style represents a cross of cultures and styles," says Swan. "The synthesis of his various musical influences fills his concerts with electric energy."

Tickets for the Matisyahu concert can be purchased at the Oregon Zoo for $19 each. Tickets can also be purchased (with service charge) online or at Ticketmaster locations at area Fred Meyer stores. For more information on the concert schedule, to read artists' biographies or purchase tickets, please visit www.oregonzoo.org.

The Oregon Zoo has brought outdoor music to Portland for 30 years. In 1979, the zoo became the first zoo in the nation to host a summer concert series. Since then, the series has become one of the top outdoor events in the Northwest, and is the region's longest-running outdoor series.

Fred Meyer and Wells Fargo are the presenting sponsors of the series. This year's series is also co-sponsored by KINK fm 102 and KATU Television and PDX magazine.