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PORTLAND, Ore. - The pitter-patter of little feet is beginning to sound downright thunderous at the Oregon Zoo. Samudra, the zoo's 2-month-old Asian elephant calf, tipped the scales at 499 today, and keepers expect the "little guy" will weigh more than 500 pounds by tomorrow.
"Sam is growing fast, just the way he's supposed to," said Bob Lee, senior elephant keeper at the zoo. "He's put on about 215 pounds over his birth weight. We couldn't be happier about the way he's progressing."
Samudra, born Aug. 23 at the zoo, had a rough start to life when his mother, Rose-Tu, became confused after giving birth and nearly trampled him. Elephant keepers quickly intervened and were able to prevent the new mother from causing harm to her baby. Lee believes Rose-Tu became confused because she had never seen a birth before. Until the new baby's arrival, she had been the last elephant born at the zoo.
Zoo staff worked around the clock during the calf's first week of life to help ensure the critical reintroduction to Rose-Tu was working. The success rate for human-reared elephants is pretty low, Lee noted, so keepers "wanted more than anything for that mother-calf bond to become a strong one."
"It took a while," said Lee. "But now Rose-Tu is a loving and protective mother to Sam."
Once Rose-Tu and Samudra had successfully bonded, keepers faced a new challenge: reintroducing the calf to the rest of the herd, in particular Sung-Surin, familiarly known as Shine - who didn't take a shine to the baby elephant when they first met.
"Shine was spooked by Sam's birth," said Lee, "so when they met initially, her first instinct was to harm him."
Elephant keepers slowly reintroduced the elephant calf to Shine, and the 26-year-old female has now fully accepted her role as "auntie."
To see video of Sam exploring the zoo's elephant yard with Rose-Tu and "Auntie" Chendra, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/elephant_herd.htm.
Samudra's father, Tusko -- a 13,500-pound, 36-year-old Asian elephant -- 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.
Rose-Tu, born Aug. 31, 1994, 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 adult elephant in the herd, weighing about 7,600 pounds. She conceived in late 2006.
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.
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.
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. The new calf is the first third-generation elephant to be born in the United States.
October 30, 2008
ARCTIC RESEARCHERS, LOCAL STUDENTS DISCUSS PLIGHT OF POLAR BEARS
Scientists share their discoveries via live video conference from the Canadian Arctic
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PORTLAND, Ore. - A video conference at the Oregon Zoo will bring scientists in the Arctic together with local students, encouraging discussion about melting ice caps, climate change and the plight of polar bears. The conference is slated for Friday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to noon.
Scientists gathered in Churchill, Manitoba, known as the "polar bear capital of the world," will conduct the video conference via an HD link-up from a Tundra Buggy, with polar bears just outside the vehicle. Students from Roosevelt High School will participate in the conference from the zoo. Students from West Linn and Aloha high schools will also be participating from their respective schools.
Polar Bears International is facilitating the event. Scientists scheduled to participate are Don Moore, associate director for animal care at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.; Thomas S. Smith, associate professor and research wildlife biologist at Brigham Young University; and David Shepherdson, deputy conservation manager at the Oregon Zoo and associate professor of biology at Portland State University.
The scientists and students will discuss the unprecedented rate of retreat for sea ice on the Arctic Ocean, and how that threatens the bears' survival. In addition, the scientists plan to address:
October 27, 2008
ZOO'S ANNUAL 'DINE & DISCOVER' JOINS TRADITION AND TASTE
Oregon Zoo director entertains and educates guests in first of three dinner events
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PORTLAND, Ore. - Indulge in cuisine from around the globe during the Oregon Zoo's first Dine & Discover event of the 2008-2009 season, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the zoo's Vista Room. From appetizers to dessert, the five-course feast is a tour for the palate.
Zoo Director Tony Vecchio, a former primate keeper, will engage dinner guests with a discussion on the social behaviors of primates from around the world.
"This is sure to be a memorable evening for our guests, as Tony has suggested his presentation will be 'interactive,' " said Kris Terich, Oregon Zoo Foundation special events coordinator. "If you've never heard our zoo director speak, you're in for a treat."
European appetizers and a Middle Eastern fattoush salad begin the meal. The international fare continues with a Central American twist on mahi-mahi, served on a grilled masa cake with chile verde and crema agria. For the entrée, grilled beef receives the Pacific Rim treatment, with sesame and ginger-sake sauce. Edamame fried rice and a Shiitake-mushroom-and-pea-pod stir-fry round out the main course. The best is saved for last: a chocolate-passion-fruit mousse cake for dessert, with a basil-and-black-pepper chantilly.
Dine & Discover is a series of three intimate food-and-wine experiences representing regions from around the world and fascinating animals. Each evening starts with a reception featuring delectable appetizers. The meal, a masterpiece of regional fare created by Zoo Executive Chef Paul Warner, is accompanied by a presentation from a zoo staff member or guest speaker.
The Dine & Discover series continues on Feb. 14 and April 22.
The cost for each Dine & Discover evening is $85 per person, or $650 per table of eight. Cost for the complete series is $225 per person. Seating is limited to those with reservations. For reservations, call 503-220-2492 or e-mail kris.terich@oregonzoo.org. Guests must be 21 or older.
Proceeds from this year's Dine & Discover series go toward the zoo's Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, coming in 2009.
October 27, 2008
OREGON 'ZOOTEEN' STUDIES POLAR BEARS IN THE ARCTIC
'Ambassador of the Arctic' returns from Canada with message about global warming
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Arctic Ambassador Erica Wills' photograph of three wild polar bears, taken during her recent trip to the Canadian Arctic. |
PORTLAND, Ore. - Erica Wills of Aloha, Ore., recently returned from Churchill, Canada, after spending 11 days studying polar bears and learning about their plight. The Liberty High School student worked closely with scientists in the field during the polar bear migration and now serves as an "Ambassador of the Arctic."
"I'm much more aware of climate change and the impact everyday actions can have on it," said Wills. "I'm more conscious of what I do at home and of how simple, easy and effective measures can add up quickly to prevent climate change."
Wills, 16, a volunteer with the Oregon Zoo's ZooTeens, attended the Polar Bears International leadership camp because she was interested in learning more about the effects of climate change on polar bears and what everyday citizens can do to help.
Climate change is affecting glaciers and ice sheets, global sea level, species distribution and extinctions, and the frequency and intensity of droughts, heat waves and possibly hurricanes. Over the past 25 years, the summer sea-ice melt period has lengthened, and the summer sea-ice cover has declined by more than a half million square miles.
Polar bears' diet consists almost exclusively of seals even though they are not aquatic; their only access to seals is from the surface of the sea ice. Because of their dependence upon the sea ice, temperature changes directly affect the carrying capacity of the Arctic for polar bears.
"I was shocked to see how quickly the Arctic sea-ice is melting," Wills said. "It made me realize that our actions truly have an impact, and that we have the power to create a positive change."
Each Ambassador of the Arctic developed an action plan to help raise awareness about issues in the Arctic and the problems polar bears are facing. Wills already has plans to speak at a few schools in Beaverton and Portland. She is also creating a display for her public library and writing a speech to use in a high school competition.
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Arctic Ambassador Erica Wills photographs a pair of male polar bears play-fighting in the the Canadian Arctic. |
Wills listed a few easy steps anyone can take to help the environment and decrease the effects of climate change. People can start at home by recycling more, changing to light bulbs that use less energy, and using reusable bags and mugs.
This is the fourth year PBI has hosted its annual science leadership camp. PBI is a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Dan Guravich, a wildlife photographer internationally renowned for his work with polar bears. The organization works to conserve the world's polar bears through research and education.
PBI sponsors the teens while in Canada; the Oregon ZooGuides, a dedicated team of adult volunteers, sponsored the cost of Wills' plane ticket to Winnipeg.
To learn more about Wills'Arctic polar bear adventure, visit www.polarbearsinternational.org/student-journals/wills.
October 23, 2008
YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY! SAM THE ELEPHANT IS 2 MONTHS OLD
Oregon Zoo's baby elephant Samudra is cutting teeth and packing on pounds
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Two-month-old Samudra takes a dip in one of the pools at the Oregon Zoo elephant exhibit. Keepers say Sam is doing extremely well after a rough start to life. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo. |
PORTLAND, Ore. - Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant calf, is two months old today, and keepers say the "little guy" has made great strides.
Sam tipped the scales at 467 pounds yesterday, a gain of more than 180 pounds from his birth weight, according to Bob Lee, senior elephant keeper at the zoo. And last week, keepers noticed that the elephant calf is even cutting some teeth. Sam's first deciduous teeth, or "milk teeth," resemble "two little kernels of corn stuck to each side of the roof of his mouth," Lee said.
"We couldn't be happier about the way Sam's progressing," Lee said. "He's growing and learning and interacting well with all the females in the herd. It warms the heart to see Sam and Rose-Tu together, especially after all they've been through."
Samudra, born Aug. 23 at the zoo, had a rough start to life when his mother, Rose-Tu, became confused after giving birth and nearly trampled him. Elephant keepers quickly intervened and were able to prevent the new mother from causing harm to her baby. Lee believes Rose-Tu became confused because she had never seen a birth before. Until the new baby's arrival, she had been the last elephant born at the zoo.
Zoo staff worked around the clock during the calf's first week of life to help ensure the critical reintroduction to Rose-Tu was working. The success rate for human-reared elephants is pretty low, Lee noted, so keepers "wanted more than anything for that mother-calf bond to become a strong one."
"It took a while," said Lee. "But now Rose-Tu is a loving and protective mother to Sam."
Once Rose-Tu and Samudra had successfully bonded, keepers faced a new challenge: reintroducing the calf to the rest of the herd, in particular Sung-Surin, familiarly known as Shine - who didn't take a shine to the baby elephant when they first met.
"Shine was spooked by Sam's birth," said Lee, "so when they met initially, her first instinct was to harm him."
Elephant keepers slowly reintroduced the elephant calf to Shine, and the 26-year-old female has now fully accepted her role as "auntie."
To see video of Sam exploring the zoo's elephant yard with Rose-Tu and "Auntie" Chendra, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/elephant_herd.htm.
As Samudra grows older, father Tusko - a 13,500-pound, 36-year-old Asian elephant - will be introduced and allowed to interact with him, as well. 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.
Rose-Tu, born Aug. 31, 1994, 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 adult elephant in the herd, weighing about 7,600 pounds. She conceived in late 2006.
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.
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.
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. The new calf is the first third-generation elephant to be born in the United States.
October 22, 2008
OREGON ZOO HOSTS HOWLIN' GOOD TIME
Animals and visitors receive treats during zoo's 'Howloween celebration
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The Oregon Zoo's elephant herd examines a giant pumpkin supplied by Wilson Family Farm. The zoo's annual "Squishing of the Squash" takes place Friday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo. |
PORTLAND, Ore. - Trick-or-treaters can fill their bags with goodies and learn more about wildlife during the Oregon Zoo's annual "Howloween" event, scheduled for Oct. 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Howloween is presented by Sterling Savings Bank and sponsored by MomsLikeMe.com, 99.5 The Wolf and
PDX TV. The event is free with zoo admission.
In keeping with the zoo's mission, Howloween aims to be educational as well as fun. An intriguing scavenger hunt directs trick-or-treaters to easily accessible activity stations throughout the zoo to collect candy or prizes.The activities are themed to dispel myths about animals - as exemplified by that oft-heard phrase "blind as a bat."
"Kids of all ages can hunt for candy and prizes while in the company of some of the world's most exciting and exotic animals," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "When people visit the zoo, we hope they make a connection with the animals that promotes caring about their future."
On Saturday, Oct. 25, MomsLikeMe.com will be accepting gently used children's books for the Children's Book Bank, hoping to collect 500 books for children who might not otherwise have books of their own at home. A collection booth will be located in the zoo's entry plaza. For more information on the book drive, contact Jen Bolger at jbolger@gannett.com or 503-635-2933.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch the zoo's enrichment team provide animals with tasty holiday-themed treats:
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Mikhail, one of the zoo's two endangered Amur tigers, kicks back with a giant jack-o'-lantern donated by Al's Garden Center. Mik and his |
Saturday, Oct. 25
- 1 p.m. - tigers receive a spider piñata
Sunday, Oct. 26
- 8:45 a.m. - black bears receive ice treats
- 10:30 a.m. - hippos receive ice treats
- 12 p.m. - sun bears receive ice treats
More Halloween-themed Events
"Pumpkin Prowl" showcases amazing jack-o'-lanterns by some of the area's most skilled pumpkin carvers. Master carvers will give demonstrations the weekend of Oct. 25-26, and jack-o'-lanterns will be on display Oct. 25-31 at the Elephant Overlook during regular zoo hours. Pumpkin Prowl, sponsored by KINK.fm and PDX TV, is free with zoo admission.
On Friday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. the zoo celebrates the 10th birthday of its Amur tigers, Mikhail and Nicole, Guests sign a birthday card for the twins and watch the brother-and-sister pair receive a papier-mâché cake filled with tiger treats. To see a video of last year's celebration, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/TigerBdayHalloween.htm.
The zoo's polar bears will also celebrate Halloween. On Friday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m., Conrad and Tasul will receive ice treats shaped like candy corn as a form of enrichment.
October 13, 2008
AREA FAMILIES GET FIT BEFORE PACKING ON POUNDS
Oregon Zoo hosts annual Turkey Trot, Nov. 27
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Baby Samudra (Sam) takes a rest after running around the elephant yard. Sam and his mom (and the rest of the herd) will greet visitors as they complete their Turkey Trot on Nov. 27. Photo by Michael Durham. © Oregon Zoo. |
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo invites runners and walkers of all ages to its annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 27. The Thanksgiving Day event, organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club, includes a four-mile run and fitness walk, starting at 8 a.m., and a one-kilometer "Tot Trot," beginning at 9:30. A portion of Turkey Trot proceeds will fund animal care and conservation programs at the zoo.
"The Turkey Trot has become an annual tradition for Oregon families and their relatives visiting from out of town," said David Cook, ORRC president. "It's a great thing to do prior to sitting down to a big Thanksgiving Day meal."
Events are noncompetitive and do not include awards. Clocks will be available at the start and finish lines for participants who wish to time themselves. Each event starts at the World Forestry Center and finishes inside the zoo by the concert amphitheater. For information and registration forms, visit www.orrc.net/races/turkey_trot/turkey_tba.htm.
Pets and roller skates are not allowed in any of the events. Participants with strollers or child-carrier backpacks are allowed only in the four-mile fitness walk and must start at the back of the group.
Parking is limited, and participants are encouraged to ride MAX. TriMet's Washington Park light-rail station is just steps away from the registration area and starting lines. TriMet timetables are available at www.trimet.org.
This year's Turkey Trot is co-sponsored by West Coast Bank through the ORRC. Volunteers wishing to help with the benefit may call 503-667-0480 or e-mail dwgreen@stoel.com.
"For more than 35 years, the Oregon Road Runners Club has encouraged thousands of people to take steps to improve their health by walking and running," Cook said.
The ORRC, a nonprofit organization, was founded in Seaside, Ore., in 1970 as an outgrowth of the Trail's End Marathon, the first marathon held in the Pacific Northwest. The club is a member of the national Road Runners Club of America, and is one of the largest RRCA running clubs in the United States with roughly a thousand members. The club conducts races and developmental programs for children, adults, runners and walkers, and plans and organizes more than 15 running and walking events in the Portland vicinity. For more information, visit www.orrc.net.
October 9, 2008
OREGON 'ZOOTEEN' TO ATTEND POLAR BEAR SCIENCE CAMP
'Ambassador of the Arctic' Erica Wills heads to Churchill, Canada, Oct. 9
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ZooTeen Erica Wills of Aloha, Ore. is one of 16 students from around the world heading to Churchill, Canada, this month to learn more about how climate change is affecting polar bears. She is studying to become an "Ambassador of the Arctic" during the fifth annual Polar Bear Science Camp, organized by Polar Bears International. © Oregon Zoo. |
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Things are looking up for Oregon ZooTeen Erica Wills... up north, that is. Wills, a resident of Aloha, Ore., is one of 16 students from around the world heading to Churchill, Canada, to learn more about how climate change is affecting polar bears. Wills is studying to become an "Ambassador of the Arctic" during the annual Polar Bear Science Camp, organized by Polar Bears International.
"This represents a real highlight in the programs we've developed to support our mission of conservation through education," said Robert Buchanan, president of PBI. "Students from around the globe work directly with scientists in the field, overcoming unique challenges and reporting back to their schools through Web communication and online journals."
Wills is no stranger to challenges. The camp application process is
notoriously intense, weeding out all but the most serious students. Wills
wrote an essay about an issue she felt needed to be addressed in her
community, and gave a five-minute presentation in front of seven panelists
about what makes an exceptional Ambassador of the Arctic.
"I'm so excited and thankful for this opportunity to really make a difference," said Wills. "I can't wait to meet other teens from across the country -- and around the world -- who are as passionate about animals and the environment as I am."
"This will be a life-changing experience for Erica," said Mia Reager, youth volunteer coordinator at the zoo. "Working with renowned scientists and studying polar bears in the wild is something few teens get the chance to do."
When Wills returns home, Reager believes the teen will have an influential voice in addressing the Arctic's changes, and how those changes are harming polar bears.
"I know she'll share what she's learned about what people here in the Northwest can do to help these magnificent creatures," she said.
This is PBI's fifth annual science camp and marks the third year that volunteer organizations at the zoo have sponsored the selected ZooTeen's flight to Canada. The 10-day camp allows students to interact with classmates at home and keep an online journal throughout the trip to share their experiences with others. After the camp, each participant creates a plan for raising school and community awareness about issues in the Arctic Tundra, global warming and other problems polar bears encounter.
Besides participating in ZooTeens and the zoo's Leadership Corps, Wills is a member of Liberty High School's speech and debate team, the Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council and the Helping Empower Youth Together alcohol and drug prevention coalition. A junior at Liberty, she also enjoys reading and photography.
"Once I get back, I want to speak at local schools in Hillsboro, Beaverton and Portland," said Wills. "I also plan to put together an expository speech about my trip for my school's speech and debate program, which I'll compete with during the year."
Polar Bears International is a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Dan Guravich, a wildlife photographer internationally known for his work with polar bears. The organization works to conserve the world's polar bears through research and education.
October 7, 2008
RHINO DIES DURING TRANSPORT TO OREGON ZOO
Female black rhino was intended to be a companion for the zoo's male
PORTLAND, Ore. -- An 8-year-old black rhinoceros in transit from Kansas City to Portland died at 9:30 p.m. Monday in Phoenix. Zookeepers had planned for the rare rhino to breed with the Oregon Zoo's male.
"Black rhinos are among the world's most endangered mammals," said Mike Keele, the Oregon Zoo's deputy director. "This is a devastating loss for us and for accredited zoos across the nation."
According to Keele, the transport had been going well, with Oregon Zoo staff checking on the animal every two to three hours, as is standard protocol.
Early Monday morning, about 20 miles outside Phoenix, the rhino became agitated, causing the truck to sway back and forth. Zoo staff immediately stopped to check on the rhino and discovered her in distress. They turned back toward Phoenix, to seek emergency care from the Phoenix Zoo, and contacted Oregon Zoo veterinarian Dr. Lisa Harrenstien. Harrenstien contacted Phoenix Zoo veterinarians, requesting medical assistance.
The rhino arrived at the Phoenix Zoo's parking lot at 6:30 a.m.
"We were inside the zoo by 6:35 a.m.," said Gilbert Gomez, assistant curator for the Oregon Zoo. "The Phoenix Zoo was amazing. Their staff hastily arranged to have a crane delivered, which then lifted the crate from our truck. The rhino was unloaded into their elephant barn before 9 a.m."
Dr. Harrenstien caught a flight to Phoenix, leaving Portland at 11:25 a.m. to aid in the care of the sick animal.
"Phoenix's veterinary and keeper staff did everything possible to save this animal," said Harrenstien. "Their efforts were truly heroic."
The rhino, named Kipenzi (Swahili for "precious one"), was born at the Kansas City Zoo on Aug. 26, 2000.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' black rhino Species Survival Plan called for the 8-year-old female to breed with the Oregon Zoo's 21-year-old male, Pete. The SSP is a cooperative breeding program among accredited zoos aiming to provide a sustainable, genetically diverse population in North America.
In the wild, habitat loss and poaching have pushed the species to the brink of extinction. The world population of black rhinos has plummeted from an estimated 65,000 in 1970 to fewer than 3,700 today.
October 1, 2008
OREGON ZOO HOSTS HOWLIN' GOOD TIME
Animals and visitors receive treats during zoo's 'Howloween' celebration
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Mikhail, one of the zoo's two endangered Amur tigers, kicks back with a giant jack-o'-lantern donated by Al's Garden Center. Mik and his sister Nicole celebrate their 10th birthday this Halloween with pumpkins and a papier-mâché cake filled with tiger treats. Photo by Mackenzie Reed. © Oregon Zoo. |
PORTLAND, Ore. - Trick-or-treaters can fill their bags with goodies and learn more about wildlife during the Oregon Zoo's annual "Howloween" event, scheduled for Oct. 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Howloween is presented by Sterling Savings Bank and sponsored by Moms Like Me, 99.5 The Wolf and PDX TV.
In keeping with the zoo's mission, Howloween aims to be educational as well as fun. An intriguing scavenger hunt directs trick-or-treaters to easily accessible activity stations throughout the zoo to collect candy or prizes. The activities are themed to dispel myths about animals - as exemplified by that oft-heard phrase "blind as a bat."
"Kids of all ages can hunt for candy and prizes while in the company of some of the world's most exciting and exotic animals," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "When people visit the zoo, we hope they make a connection with the animals that promotes caring about their future."
Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch the zoo's enrichment team provide animals with tasty holiday-themed treats:
Saturday, Oct. 25
· 1 p.m. - tigers receive a spider piñata
Sunday, Oct. 26
· 8:45 a.m. - black bears receive ice treats
· 10:30 a.m. - hippos receive ice treats
· 12 p.m. - sun bears receive ice treats
More Halloween-themed Events
On Friday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. the zoo celebrates the 10th birthday of its Amur tigers, Mikhail and Nicole, Guests sign a birthday card for the twins and watch the brother-and-sister pair receive a papier-mâché cake filled with tiger treats. To see a video of last year's celebration, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/TigerBdayHalloween.htm.
The zoo's polar bears will also celebrate Halloween. On Friday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m., Conrad and Tasul will receive ice treats shaped like candy corn as a form of enrichment.
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