August 27, 2009
ZOO ROARS WITH EXCITEMENT FOR ACQUISITION OF AFRICAN PREDATORS
Oregon Zoo employs extensive precautions to ensure safe arrival, well-being of new animals

Volunteer Todd Woods, M.D. examines Kya, one of the new female lions at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Brock Parker, © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — Three newly acquired African lions — Zawadi Mungu, Kya and Neka — got a clean bill of health this morning in preparation for their move into the Oregon Zoo's much anticipated Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, opening Sept. 12. However, acquiring these enormous felines was no small feat.

Zawadi Mungu, meaning "gift of God," is the male of the zoo's new lion pride. He is 1 year and 2 months old, and will join Kya and Neka, two females of the same age, in the zoo's new exhibit.

The lions were acquired from different zoos as part of the Oregon Zoo's new breeding program designed to help ensure the longevity of the African lion. Zawadi Mungu was acquired from the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the females came from Wisconsin's Racine Zoo and the Virginia Zoo.

"Obtaining new animals is a lengthy and detailed process," said Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo's general curator. "It requires cooperation from all participating zoos, animal program managers, veterinarians and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums."

The AZA has established Species Survival Plans, cooperative breeding programs that help create genetically diverse, self-sustaining captive populations to guarantee the long-term future of animals. These SSPs also support relevant field projects, research and public education to help prevent animal endangerment and extinction.

"It's rare to take animals directly from the wild, so for breeding purposes most are obtained through loan agreements with other zoos," Pfefferkorn said. "We take extensive precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our animals before and after they arrive."

A careful review process is conducted with each animal before it arrives at the zoo, during which the creatures' previous zoo histories, growth, reproductive efforts, health and stress levels are evaluated to determine compatibility with the new environment.

"We need to know if the animals have any medical conditions requiring treatment and if they have any contagious diseases that could spread to animals already here," said Mitch Finnegan, lead veterinarian at the zoo. "Just as it's essential for humans to get frequent checkups, it's important for animals to receive regular examinations and healthcare regimens."

There was a time in Sub-Saharan Africa when lion tracks could be found by day and lion roars heard throughout the night. Sadly, that is no longer true. Ten years ago, lions were abundant in much of East Africa, but with the exception of major parks and reserves, lions and other great predators are disappearing at alarming rates. The Oregon Zoo's breeding program aims to help restore these dwindling populations.

In addition to the lions, the zoo will welcome five African wild dogs, all male, from the Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre in Fort Langley, British Columbia. These dogs have bodies similar to wolves, but with larger, batlike ears, white-tipped tails and distinctive patches of black, yellow, white and dark brown on their coats. They are listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union and the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Two male cheetahs from the Wildlife Safari breeding program in Winston, Ore., will also find a home in the grasslands of the Predators exhibit. These magnificent creatures are earth's fastest land animals, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. Cheetahs are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and hunting by farmers concerned about their livestock.

Predators of the Serengeti opens to the public Sept. 12, featuring expansive naturalistic environments and nose-to-whisker views of some of Africa's most endangered carnivores. Other animals joining the exhibit include caracals, red-billed hornbills, dwarf mongooses and an African rock python.

August 21, 2009
ZOO SEEING SPOTS AS NEW 'PREDATORS' EXHIBIT NEARS COMPLETION
Two cheetahs join Oregon Zoo's Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, set to open Sept. 12

A newly arrived cheetah explores a temporary holding area at the Oregon Zoo. Two male cheetahs arrived at the zoo yesterday and will soon make their debut in the highly anticipated Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, opening Sept. 12. Still frame from video by Michael Durham,
© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — Two cheetahs arrived at the Oregon Zoo yesterday from Wildlife Safari in Winston, Ore. Scooter and Suseli, both male, will be joining other African predators in the zoo's new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, which celebrates its grand opening Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13.

"We're thrilled to feature these majestic creatures in our new exhibit," said Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo's general curator. "The two cats are already familiar with one another, and they're acclimating quickly to their new environment."

Thanks to support from the Clark Family -- Mike and Tracey Clark, the Clark/Lewis Family Foundation, Brittney Clark and Christopher Brooks -- the zoo's cheetah enclosure, located within the 2.5-acre Predators exhibit, should prove enriching both for its feline residents and for zoogoers.

Visitors may spot the cheetahs drinking from a waterfall-fed pool or sunbathing atop the hood of an authentic safari vehicle -- which appears to have "crashed" into the enclosure, leaving the front half of the vehicle in the cheetahs' space. Visitors can climb into the vehicle and watch cheetahs lounge on its warm metal hood. This portion of the exhibit was supported by a donation from longtime zoo supporters Jim and Jenny Mark.

The expansive main viewing area, which overlooks the entire exhibit, was sponsored by Edson and Gayle Whitehurst. A third viewing area, made possible by a contribution from Elizabeth Lilley, provides visitors with a nose-to-whisker look at the felines from inside a cave-like tunnel.

Cheetahs are the world's fastest land animals, able to reach speeds of up to 70 mph. These stealthy predators are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and hunting by farmers concerned about their livestock.

Several other African creatures will soon join the cheetahs in the Predators exhibit -- most are currently living in behind-the-scenes holding spaces in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening Sept. 12-13. A celebration of predators large and small, the exhibit includes lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, red-billed hornbills and dwarf mongooses.

To see video of the cheetahs' arrival at the zoo, please visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/CheetahsArrive.htm

August 20, 2009
SAMUDRA THE ELEPHANT CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY
The Oregon Zoo is throwing a party for Sam, Aug. 23

Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant calf, has made a big splash with visitors this year. Sam turns 1 year old on Sunday, Aug. 23, and the zoo is throwing a big birthday party in his honor. Photo by Carli Davidson,
© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — Born at the Oregon Zoo Aug. 23, 2008, Samudra the Asian elephant had a rough start to life. His mother, Rose-Tu, became confused after giving birth and nearly trampled the baby elephant before keepers quickly intervened.

But that all seems like a long time ago. As Sam's first birthday approaches, the "little guy" is thriving, according to keepers, and the zoo is inviting the public to join in an elephant-sized celebration for the youngest member of its herd on Aug. 23.

"The Portland community has been incredibly supportive of Sam, so we wanted to include them in the celebration," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the zoo's Elephant Plaza will be filled with a village of inflatable houses and slides for kids to play on. Guests who really want to get into the swing of things can wear a pair of elephant ears with "Happy Birthday" printed on them. Decorate-your-own-cupcakes will be available for purchase.

Despite quite a few wrinkles and a decent start to a beard, Samudra the Asian elephant calf, is only turning 1 year old this week. The zoo will host a big birthday party in Sam's honor on Sunday, Aug. 23, and all zoo visitors are invited. Photo by Brock Parker,
© Oregon Zoo

"This will be the biggest first birthday party you've ever seen," Swan said. "Visitors of all ages should have a lot of fun."

The day's schedule will include the following:

• 10:45 a.m.: Rose-Tu and Samudra get balls to play with in the indoor viewing room.
• 11:15 a.m.: Keeper chat in the east yard with a "snow cake" for Samudra.
• 1 p.m.: Sam gets his real birthday cake in the east yard.
• 1:15 p.m.: Elephant walk in the east yard with Samudra, Rose-Tu, Shine and Chendra.
• 2 p.m.: Bath in the east yard.
• 2:30 p.m.: Pool time in the east yard.
• 3 p.m.: Weighing in the indoor viewing area.

The party will top off an eventful first year for Samudra.

Zoo staff worked around the clock during Sam's first week of life to ensure his critical reintroduction to Rose-Tu went well, and now the mother and calf have a strong bond.

Sam weighed 286 pounds at birth and since then has gained an average of about 20 pounds a week.

"We're thrilled with the way Sam's been growing and progressing," said Bob Lee, senior elephant keeper. "He's put on about 1,000 pounds since birth -- which is great for a baby elephant -- and he's inquisitive, energetic and healthy. Sam's doing wonderfully."

Sam was born as a part of the Oregon Zoo's renowned breeding program for endangered Asian elephants. More than 25 calves have been born at the zoo, beginning with Packy in 1962. Samudra is the first third-generation elephant to be born in the United States.

To see a video chronicling Sam's first year, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/SamudrasFirstYear.htm

August 14, 2009
PINK MARTINI, ARMY BAND HELP ZOO CELEBRATE OREGON'S BIRTHDAY
Musical comedy "Oregon! Oregon!" brings laughs, special guests to Oregon Zoo stage

International favorites Pink Martini, above, put away their passports for a special tribute to their home state. The group will take part in the musical comedy "Oregon! Oregon!" as well as performing a set of Pink Martini favorites Sept. 5 at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Adam Levey.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Hometown favorites Pink Martini and the 234th Army Band return to the Oregon Zoo stage for a special performance of "Oregon! Oregon!" to celebrate the state's 150th birthday. The performance takes place Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. and replaces the previously scheduled show at Memorial Coliseum. In addition to the play, both bands will also be performing their own sets of music.

"We're thrilled to host these beloved Portland bands for such a special occasion," said Krista Swan, the zoo's events coordinator. "This is the icing on the cake of the state's 150th birthday party."

In 1958, to mark Oregon's Centennial the following year, the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Co. commissioned a musical comedy about the beaver state by renowned adman and radio personality Stan Freberg. He produced the 21-minute-long "Oregon! Oregon! A Centennial Fable in Three Acts."

This year, for the state's sesquicentennial, a team of Oregonians have added another act to Freberg's original three, with contributors including Metro Council President David Bragdon, "Chariots of Fire" conductor Harry Rabinowitz, Pink Martini's Thomas Lauderdale, PICA Flash Choir's Sarah Dougher and Pat Janowski, and writers from OPB's "Live Wire!" radio show.

Featuring new songs and a rollicking plot, "Oregon! Oregon! 2009: A Sesquicentennial Fable in IV Acts" will be performed by Pink Martini, the Oregon 234th Army Band and a surprise cast of Oregonians.

Everyone who previously purchased tickets to the Coliseum show has been sent an e-mail with refund instructions and a link to purchase tickets for the zoo show. No Coliseum refunds will take place at the zoo, and everyone must have a Tickets Oregon ticket for the zoo show to enter.

August 13, 2009
LOCAL WHIZ KIDS USE ROBOTICS EXPERTISE TO HELP ZOO ELEPHANTS
Tech-savvy teens repair, update device that encourages Oregon Zoo elephants to exercise

Tusko is getting more exercise this summer, thanks to three former Catlin Gabel students, who revived an out-of-service enrichment device to help the Oregon Zoo's elephants. Photo by Brock Parker, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo's Asian elephants have been getting fitter this summer, thanks to some local teenagers.

Three Catlin Gabel students recently revived a six-year-old, out-of-service environmental enrichment device for the zoo's bull elephants. The device was initially designed by Portland State University students to mentally engage the elephants, while also encouraging them to exercise.

Unfortunately, wiring in the machine had become tangled, and zookeepers didn't have the resources to upgrade it -- until the tech-savvy high schoolers stepped up to the challenge.

Trevor Burtzos, Natalie Farci and Cole Perkinson are robotics students and recent Catlin Gabel graduates. The trio became involved with elephants after Tony Vecchio, then-director of the zoo, spoke to a school assembly about the importance of animal enrichment.

"We wanted a hands-on senior project, and working with the zoo's enrichment program presented an excellent opportunity," Perkinson said. "It was the perfect chance to apply our technical skills and help enhance the lives of the elephants."

The original project evolved from the zoo's desire to promote the overall health and fitness of its elephants. PSU mechanical engineering students were chosen from the top of their class to help the zoo increase the amount of time elephants spent walking while keepers were away.

"Elephants that exercise, in general, are in better health than those that don't," said Mike Keele, acting zoo director and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' species survival plan coordinator for Asian elephants. "These students took a complex problem and came up with an ingenious solution."

According to Joe Sebastiani, the zoo's elephant manager, the bull elephants receive one bale of hay per night. Using the same amount of hay, the PSU students implemented a "pay-as-you-play" distribution system that provided hay as a reward. Employing a conveyor belt, they designed a machine to deliver a portion of hay each time an elephant completed a specific walking assignment.

Sadly, the device developed technical difficulties and fell into disrepair, so elephant keepers had to scrap the idea; however, the Catlin Gabel students presented a solution and set out to reprogram the device.

"We only had three and a half weeks to complete our senior project, so we dove headfirst into troubleshooting," Burtzos said.

After discovering some wiring issues, the students created a new central control board and replaced the water-damaged sensors in the elephant yard. The group kept detailed notes of their work and wrote an operations manual for keepers in the event of future technical difficulties.

"It was great to work alongside the keepers in an out-of-school environment," Farci said. "We had to figure everything out on our own without help or guidance from our professors. It was invigorating."

Thanks to the students' adjustments, the enrichment machine now triggers at random times during the evening, minimizing predictability and allowing elephants the full benefit of the activity. Two sensors placed in the east yard activate once an elephant completes its exercise program, resulting in the distribution of hay. The conveyor belt is placed out of reach to protect it, and hay is delivered through a small slot in the wall.

"For me, it was not only great to improve the lives of the elephants, but it was incredible to expand my knowledge of engineering through real-world experience," Perkinson said.

Perkinson and another Catlin Gabel student are currently working on a second elephant enrichment project, which has potential for use in zoos nationwide. Their apple launcher performs functions similar to the hay-distribution machine but is cost-effective and easily transportable.

"While the hay machine is wonderful for stimulating elephants in the current exhibit, the apple launcher provides cheaper and more sustainable enrichment opportunities," Perkinson noted.

Although Burtzos, Farci and Perkinson plan to leave for college soon, Catlin Gabel's robotics team will continue working with the zoo to implement additional enrichment activities and increase the number of sensors in the elephant yard.

"Adding sensors increases the randomness of the activities, encouraging elephants to work harder for their reward," Farci explained. "We're excited to have the team continue improving elephant enrichment even after we're gone."

As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Oregon Zoo is committed to animal welfare, and is working diligently to provide pioneering environmental enrichment efforts for its elephants and all zoo animals. Zoos are working hard to make daily enrichment activities a reality. The objective of enrichment is to improve the welfare of zoo and aquarium animals. Environmental enrichment uses a variety of methods and devices to provide animals with a stimulating environment full of behavioral opportunities.

August 12, 2009
ZOO OPENS 'PREDATORS OF THE SERENGETI' EXHIBIT, SEPT. 12-13
Highly anticipated exhibit features return of African lions to the Oregon Zoo

Kya, a female lion, is one of several new animals moving into the Oregon Zoo's Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, which will celebrate its grand opening Sept. 12 and 13. Photo courtesy of the Racine Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The roar is back: After 10 years of fund raising and planning, the Oregon Zoo has brought lions back to Portland as part of the new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit. The $5 million exhibit celebrates its grand opening Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13.

"When lions were phased out of the zoo in 1998, we made a promise to the community to someday bring these incredible animals back," said Mike Keele, interim zoo director. "I'm thrilled to announce that we've done just that. The zoo recently acquired three young African lions for our Predators exhibit."

Predators of the Serengeti provides complex, expansive environments for some of Africa's most endangered carnivores, including lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs. The nearly 2.5-acre exhibit is also home to red-billed hornbills, a caracal, dwarf mongooses and an African rock python.

The exhibit brings visitors nose to nose with these impressive predators through glass walls and mesh screens, and provides wide-ranging views of the animals' spacious enclosures from a variety of observation points.

"We found a good balance between giving visitors up-close encounters with the predators -- you can look at the lions from a foot away -- and providing the animals with large, naturalistic living space," said Brent Shelby, the zoo's exhibit and interpretive design manager.

A number of grand opening activities celebrating Serengeti animals and their native continent will take place during the opening weekend. These activities, which run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, include the following:

- Music and dance performances near the new exhibit and in the zoo's entrance plaza.

- Storytelling and "Wild Life Live" shows on the zoo's main stage.

- Games, puzzles and other learning activities focusing on Africa's animals and geography.

- Signings by authors of Serengeti-themed books in the zoo's gift shop.

In addition, Lions of Oregon will be collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aids in support of their Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation. A collection table will be located near the zoo entrance.

Predators of the Serengeti, which was designed and built by the zoo's in-house exhibits team, contains innovative constructs that keep both humans and animals mentally engaged.

Mongooses can run through acrylic tunnels that cross the caracal exhibit, giving the caracal an exhilarating glimpse of possible prey and the mongooses new territory to safely explore. At the cheetah enclosure, an exciting encounter awaits visitors: A real safari vehicle appears to have crashed into the enclosure, leaving the front half of the vehicle in the cheetahs' space. Visitors can climb in and watch cheetahs lounge on the vehicle's warm metal hood. These experiences are complemented by the exhibit's naturalistic features, like grasslands, heated dens, grassy knolls and waterfalls.

Designers of Predators of the Serengeti had both animals and humans in mind when they decided to make the exhibit authentic to the featured predators' homeland.

"We want visitors to feel as if they've been transported from Portland to the Serengeti," Shelby said. "To make such an experience possible, the exhibit needed to not only include Serengeti animals, but also incorporate the region's geography and history."

In the exhibit's open-air entrance plaza, a large and colorful mosaic of the African continent adorns the walkway, and the canopy of a life-size replica baobab tree stretches across the sky. The plaza also features a traditional African village containing hands-on activity stations. Further into the exhibit, the Roaring Canyon pathway evokes the canyons and gorges of Africa's Rift Valley, with ancient petroglyphs and rock art adorning the pathway's walls.

The Oregon Zoo Foundation raised more than $6 million for Predators of the Serengeti. Construction cost $5 million; all remaining money will be used as an operating fund for the exhibit. Supporters who contributed $50,000 or more to Predators include: Banfield, The Pet Hospital; the estate of Marjorie H. Black; the Clark Family (Mike & Tracey Clark, Clark/Lewis Family Foundation, Brittney Clark & Christopher Brooks); The Collins Foundation; the estate of Melvin F. Dersham; Institute of Museum and Library Services; Metro Regional Center; Meyer Memorial Trust; M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust; The Oregon Zoo Foundation; Oregon Zoo Volunteers; Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation and Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation; the Jay and Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation; Zoolala 2007; Zoolala 2008; Mary Clark; Clear Channel; Columbia Sportswear Co.; Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde through the Spirit Mountain Community Fund; Michele Mass and Jim Edwards; Don Frisbee; Elizabeth Lilley; Jim and Jennifer Mark; James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation; Portland General Electric; Spirit Mountain Casino; The Standard; Edson and Gayle Whitehurst; and three anonymous donors.

For more information about Predators of the Serengeti, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/PredatorsOfSerengeti/index.htm.

August 12, 2009
ZOO RELEASES 2,000 THREATENED NW BUTTERFLIES INTO WILD
Oregon Zoo and conservation partners hope to save Oregon silverspot from extinction

An Oregon silverspot butterfly displays its distinctive markings. Over the past few months, the Oregon Zoo and its conservation partners have released 2,000 of these rare Northwest beauties, reared at the zoo's butterfly conservation station, in an effort to stabilize the declining population. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — In an effort to save the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly from extinction, the Oregon Zoo and its conservation partners released 406 pupae this month, sending half to U.S. Forest Service land at Bray Point and half to the Nature Conservancy's 280-acre Cascade Head Preserve.

Since June, the zoo has released 2,000 of the rare Northwest butterflies: 800 larvae to USFS land in Rock Creek, Ore., and 600 pupae each to Cascade Head and Bray Point. Around 300 larvae remain in the zoo's care awaiting future release. Butterfly conservationists hope these efforts will help stabilize the declining population.

"This conservation effort is serving as a model for rebuilding an ecosystem," said Mike Keele, interim zoo director. The zoo, through combined efforts with Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, Lewis and Clark College, the Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of State Lands, hopes to stabilize the butterfly population and bring it back from the brink of extinction, Keele said.

It requires hundreds of hours and dozens of volunteers, interns and staff to help feed and clean the thousands of butterfly larvae, according to Mary Jo Andersen, zoo butterfly conservationist.

"It really takes the whole zoo community to raise these beautiful butterflies and build public awareness about them," Andersen said. "In addition to feeding and watering them every day, we have to keep their enclosures clean and maintain meticulous records."

The Oregon silverspot butterfly is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. It was once found in coastal grasslands from northern California to southern Washington, but has since disappeared from all but a handful of sites along the Oregon coast due to habitat loss and the disappearance of its host plant, the western blue violet.

During the preceding decade, monitoring at Cascade Head revealed a dramatic decline in the number of butterflies seen flying. In years prior to 1992, average numbers exceeded 1,000 adults, but in 1998, only 57 of the butterflies were found.

Each year, female silverspot butterflies are collected from Mount Hebo and induced to lay eggs at the Oregon Zoo's butterfly conservation facility. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae (caterpillars), which are kept in refrigerators over the winter. So far this year, the zoo has had an 80 percent survival rate, contributing to its successful 10-year history of rearing threatened and endangered butterflies.

"Each larva is only about one millimeter long when it hatches," Andersen said. "They look like tiny specks, but when you observe them under a microscope, you can see that they are perfect miniature caterpillars."

The Oregon silverspot captive-rearing effort is a project of the NW Zoo & Aquarium Alliance, which promotes collaboration on regional conservation among zoos and aquariums in the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to conserving Oregon silverspots, the zoo has enjoyed phenomenal success in its work with another endangered butterfly, the Taylor's checkerspot, raising and releasing thousands of these butterflies over the past six years. This effort is in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

According to Andersen, butterfly populations throughout North America are in decline, with 23 species listed as either endangered or threatened. To address this problem, the Oregon Zoo has been a charter member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Butterfly Conservation Initiative, which involves nearly 50 national zoos and aquariums. The initiative is designed to bring together government and non-government agencies to aid in the recovery of imperiled butterflies.

"Our cooperative conservation efforts are being seen more and more as part of the new zoo ethic," said Keele. "It's becoming quite common for zoos to work outside their traditional captive programs to aid in the protection of species in their natural habitat."

August 7, 2009
SAMUDRA THE ELEPHANT TURNS 1 YEAR OLD
The Oregon Zoo is throwing a birthday party for Sam, Aug. 23

Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant calf, is turning 1 year old on Sunday, Aug. 23. The zoo is throwing a big birthday party in his honor, and all zoo visitors are invited. Photo by Brock Parker, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant calf, will be 1 year old Aug. 23.

On his big day, Sam will get to chow down on a cake made by the zoo's Executive Chef Paul Warner, but he won't be the only one celebrating. The zoo will throw a party in Sam's honor on Sunday, Aug. 23, and all zoo visitors are invited.

"The Portland community has been incredibly supportive of Sam, so we wanted to include them in the celebration," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator.

As part of the birthday festivities, the zoo's Elephant Plaza will be filled with a village of inflatable houses and slides for kids to play on. Guests who really want to get into the swing of things can wear a pair of elephant ears with "Happy Birthday" printed on them. Decorate-your-own-cupcakes will be available for purchase.

"This will be the biggest first birthday party you've ever seen," Swan said. "Visitors of all ages should have a lot of fun."

The party will top off an eventful first year for Samudra.

Born at the zoo Aug. 23, 2008, Sam had a rough start to life. His mother, Rose-Tu, became confused after giving birth and nearly trampled her baby before keepers quickly intervened.

"We think Rose-Tu was confused because she'd never seen a birth before," explained senior elephant keeper Bob Lee. "Prior to Sam, Rose-Tu had been the last elephant born at the zoo."

Zoo staff worked around the clock during Sam's first week to ensure that his critical reintroduction to Rose-Tu went well, and now the mother and calf have a strong bond. As Sam grows older, keepers will also introduce him to his father, Tusko, and the two will get to spend an increasing amount of time together.

While it will take another six tons or so before Sam is in the same league as his 13,000-pound dad, keepers do expect big things from the youngster. He weighed 286 pounds at birth and since then has gained an average of about 20 pounds a week.

"We're thrilled with the way Sam's been growing and progressing," Lee said. "He's put on about 1,000 pounds since birth -- which is great for a baby elephant -- and he's inquisitive, energetic and healthy. Sam's doing wonderfully."

Sam was born as a part of the Oregon Zoo's renowned breeding program for endangered Asian elephants. More than 25 calves have been born at the zoo, beginning with Packy in 1962. Samudra is the first third-generation elephant to be born in the United States.

Videos chronicling Rose-Tu's pregnancy and Sam's first year are available at www.oregonzoo.org/Gallery/video-elephants.htm.

August 7, 2009
ORPHANED RIVER OTTER FINDS HOME, HEALTH AT OREGON ZOO
Zoo's new baby otter is recovering from injuries sustained in the wild

The Oregon Zoo has taken in a baby river otter — now named Tilly — who was recently found orphaned and injured near Milwaukie, Ore. Photo by Carli Davidson, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo has taken in a boisterous baby river otter who was recently found orphaned near Milwaukie, Ore. Though she was wounded in the wild by an animal attack, the otter has bounced back from her harrowing experience and is settling in at the zoo. Keepers have named her Tilly, after the Tillamook River.

"Tilly is a tough little otter," said keeper Kristina Smith. "She was in really rough shape, but thanks to the efforts of veterinarians both at the zoo and in Milwaukie, we anticipate she'll make a full recovery."

Once Tilly is a strong swimmer, she'll move into the Cascade Stream and Pond section of the zoo's Great Northwest exhibit. Until then, she won't be available for public viewing.

"Like all young river otters, Tilly needs to practice her swimming skills," Smith said. "Over time, she'll become more comfortable and confident in increasingly large bodies of water."

Tilly the river otter, who has bounced back from injuries sustained in the wild, enjoys playing with her stuffed toy crayfish. Once she is fully grown, Tilly will join the zoo's Great Northwest exhibit. Photo by Carli Davidson, © Oregon Zoo.

Veterinarian Barbara Cain initially treated the 4-month-old otter at Milwaukie's Linwood Animal Clinic after a client found the orphaned animal. Dr. Cain, who had interned at the Oregon Zoo while earning her veterinary degree, transferred Tilly to the zoo once the otter's health had stabilized. The transfer was facilitated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Now in the care of zoo veterinarians and keepers, Tilly is "quite rambunctious," according to Smith. The otter enjoys playing with her favorite stuffed toy crayfish and splashing around in the small pool of water in her enclosure.

Tilly is the third orphaned wild animal to be rescued and brought to the zoo this summer; she was preceded by Montane the mountain goat, who now lives in the zoo's Cascade Crest exhibit, and Gillin the cougar cub, who recently moved to the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo.

"These animals are alive and well thanks to the collaborative efforts of zoos, veterinarians, private individuals, and the Oregon and Idaho Fish and Wildlife Services," said Mike Keele, acting zoo director. "These collaborations have been very successful, and I think such relationships will continue to make us better able to find homes for orphaned and injured animals."

To see video of the baby river otter, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/BabyRiverOtter.htm.

August 6, 2009
SOULFUL, SOPHISTICATED AMOS LEE TO CLOSE OUT ZOO CONCERT SERIES
Acclaimed Blue Note recording artist mixes folk, R&B at Oregon Zoo Aug. 28

Amos Lee's soul-folk fusion speaks to the emotions of his listeners and tugs at every heartstring. On Aug. 28, Lee closes out the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural. Photo by Marina Chavez.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Amos Lee's soul-folk fusion speaks to the emotions of his listeners and tugs at every heartstring. On Aug. 28, Lee closes out the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

"Lee is an incredible songwriter," said Krista Swan, the zoo's events coordinator. "His shows are a marriage of fine musicianship and profound messages."

Lee hails from Philadelphia, where he caught the attention of Norah Jones after self-producing his first EP in 2003. Jones offered Lee an opening slot on her 2004 tour, and his full-fledged debut album came out on Blue Note Records the following year. The album reached No. 2 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers Chart and garnered Lee a spot on Rolling Stone's list of "Top 10 Artists to Watch" for 2005.

His most recent release, 2008's "Last Days at the Lodge," made the Top 30 nationally and demonstrated Lee's increasing maturity as an artist.

Lee's voice has accompanied dozens of heartwarming and tear-jerking television moments, including scenes in "Studio 60," "ER" and "Six Degrees." His song "Colors" was featured on an episode of "House" and the 2006 season finale of "Grey's Anatomy."

To see a video of Lee performing "Shout Out Loud," visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Concerts/AmosLee.htm.

The Oregon Zoo's summer concert series is presented by NW Natural with support from KINK.fm, Willamette Week, KOIN Local 6 and Portland Monthly. It is the longest continuously running outdoor concert series in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at the zoo.

No outside beverages are permitted. Beverages brought to a concert may be returned to the owner's vehicle or donated to Oregon Food Bank prior to entrance. (A collection box will be available and concertgoers are welcome to bring food donations as well.) The zoo will have several free water stations set up, and visitors may bring empty, refillable containers for water.

August 4, 2009
BLUES BELTER SUSAN TEDESCHI BRINGS ROADHOUSE VIBE TO ZOO
Acclaimed singer is joined by J.J. Grey & Mofro for a soulful summer evening

Susan Tedeschi's powerful voice and true blues style have earned her gold records, Grammy nominations and numerous comparisons to Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt. On Aug. 21, she and J.J. Grey & Mofro bring their bluesy, rootsy rock to the Oregon Zoo's Summer Concert Series presented by NW Natural. Photo by Pieter Van Hattem, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Susan Tedeschi's powerful voice and true blues style have earned her gold records, Grammy nominations and numerous comparisons to Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt. On Aug. 21, she and J.J. Grey & Mofro bring their bluesy, rootsy rock to the Oregon Zoo's Summer Concert Series presented by NW Natural.

Tedeschi has won a large and loyal audience for her ability to craft elements of classic blues, rock, R&B, folk and gospel into a distinctly individual style that honors roots musical traditions without being limited by them. Her breakout album, 1998's "Just Won't Burn," reached gold-record status, rare for a blues record.

"Susan Tedeschi has got the whole package," wrote Guitar Player magazine. "A sultry and soulful voice, an engaging personality, a broad palette of stylistic influences, and an articulate pen that tells it like it is."

Tedeschi's latest album, "Back to the River," uses tender lyrics and bluesy-rock arrangements to tell stories of love and family life. She is married to Derek Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band and has two children who inspire much of her work.

Susan Tedeschi performs Aug. 21 as part of the Oregon Zoo's Summer Concert Series presented by NW Natural. The zoo has the longest continuously running outdoor concert series in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at the zoo. Photo by Pieter Van Hattem,
© Oregon Zoo.

Joining Tedeschi for the concert are Florida natives J.J. Grey & Mofro. With an honest, down-to-earth style similar to Tedeschi's, these guys create their own eclectic blend of soulful, Southern-fried rock.

"J.J. Grey seems to be the type of guy who would sing his heart out to an audience of stray dogs in an alley," one critic wrote. "His music snarls, swerves and careens, rooted in the swamp rock of the South, by turns soulful and joyous. If the Allman Brothers or the Black Crowes ever need another vocalist, Grey's their man."

The Oregon Zoo's summer concert series is presented by NW Natural with support from KINK.fm, Willamette Week, KOIN Local 6 and Portland Monthly. It is the longest continuously running outdoor concert series in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at the zoo.

No outside beverages are permitted. Beverages brought to a concert may be returned to the owner's vehicle or donated to Oregon Food Bank prior to entrance. (A collection box will be available and concertgoers are welcome to bring food donations as well.) The zoo will have several free water stations set up, and visitors may bring empty, refillable containers for water..

August 4, 2009
OREGON ZOO HOSTS TILLAMOOK CHEESE DAY
Zoo celebrates Oregon's farming tradition, Aug. 28

Visitors can celebrate Oregon's farming tradition during the zoo's popular Tillamook Cheese Day on Friday, Aug. 28. Apple Blossom, a Dexter cow, can be seen at the zoo's popular Trillium Creek Family Farm. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Happy birthday, Tillamook Cheese! This year marks the 100th birthday of the farmer-owned cooperative, and to celebrate, the Oregon Zoo presents Tillamook Cheese Day on Friday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Tillamook Cheese Day is a fun family event that highlights the importance of farming," said Mike Keele, the zoo's acting director. "Heritage livestock, like our new Dexter cows and Guinea hogs, take visitors back to a time when this state was a vast agricultural center. We're delighted that Tillamook Cheese is helping us celebrate Oregon's tradition."

After savoring cheese samples and getting a picture taken with Loafy, the newest addition to the Tillamook Cheese mascot family, at the entry plaza, visitors can head down to the zoo's Family Farm exhibit, where Tillie, the Tillamook cow mascot, will be posing for free photos with the kids, which they can put in special cow-print frames. Youngsters can play a game of "Toss the Beanie Cow" to win a prize. Visitors can also try to guess the number of beanie cows in a box, for a chance to win a year's supply of Tillamook cheese.

"In honor of our 100th anniversary, we are delighted to be hosting a Tillamook Cheese Day at the Oregon Zoo," said Kathy Holstad, Tillamook Cheese senior brand manager. "As a 100-year-old farmer-owned Oregon dairy cooperative, we are dedicated to maintaining the legacy of our founders. Many of our farmers are second-, third- and fourth-generational — so sustaining family dairy farms is very important to us. We're excited to be celebrating our centennial at the Oregon Zoo and look forward to seeing everyone there!"

The Trillium Creek Family Farm is part of the zoo's Great Northwest exhibit, which simulates significant areas of the region's diverse ecosystem, from the Cascades to the Pacific Coast.

The 100-year-old Tillamook County Creamery Association has earned a reputation as one of the nation's premier brands of cheese and dairy. Tillamook is a national marketer of naturally aged cheddar and a variety of other premier dairy products. TCCA is most famously known for its internationally award-winning Tillamook cheddar cheese. For more information, visit www.tillamookcheese.com. To join the official Tillamook Fan Club, visit www.tillamookfanclub.com. Fans can also follow Tillamook on Facebook and Twitter.

August 3, 2009
GLOBAL EFFORT NEEDED TO SAVE POLAR BEARS, ZOOKEEPER SAYS
Oregon zookeeper represents Polar Bears International at Norway summit

This spring, Oregon Zoo senior keeper Amy Cutting traveled to Tromso, Norway, to participate in an international polar bear conservation summit. Photo by Michael Durham,
© Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Should current climate warming trends be left unchecked, scientists predict the death of up to two-thirds of all wild polar bears by 2050. Global warming is melting the Arctic sea ice polar bears call home, and with it, access to the food and shelter necessary for the species' survival.

"As the sea ice melts, we expect to see a growing number of starving, injured and orphaned polar bears," said Oregon Zoo senior keeper Amy Cutting. "More bears will also be pushed ashore into often-fatal contact with human settlements and industry. All these factors pose a serious threat to the species' future."

In response to this worsening situation, Cutting has been working with Polar Bears International, a nonprofit conservation group and longtime partner of the zoo, to develop a set of specific contingency plans for addressing the predicted fallout of polar bears' habitat loss.

PBI is drafting possible plans for wildlife management authorities to use when rescuing orphaned polar bear cubs. In one such plan, orphaned cubs would be quickly captured by local veterinary staff, transported to a temporary holding facility where they could receive medical treatment, and then moved to a permanent home at an accredited animal facility.

PBI's other contingency plans provide a range of procedures to choose from when dealing with bears in crisis. These include a rehab program for sick and injured bears, a mobile "de-oiling" unit for bears caught in oil spills, and supplemental feeding of malnourished bears.

Global warming is melting the Arctic sea ice polar bears call home, and with it, access to the food and shelter necessary for the species' survival. Photo by Kourtney H. Kuiper,
© Oregon Zoo.

This spring, Cutting traveled to the snow-covered fishing village of Tromso, Norway, to present and discuss PBI's contingency plans at an international polar bear summit. Called the Range States Meeting, the gathering aimed to coordinate and improve conservation efforts between nations with wild polar bear populations: Norway, Canada, Greenland, Russia and the United States.

"The Tromso summit's collaborative approach to conservation gave me an ideal opportunity to explain PBI's contingency plans," Cutting said, "since each is designed to facilitate and support the efforts of multiple parties — government wildlife services, private conservation groups, researchers — working in tandem."

Cutting said her presentation was well received by delegates, many of whom showed interest in working with PBI in the future. While the collective efforts of those represented at the meeting cannot save the species, Cutting is hopeful that their work will "help polar bears survive as long as possible while humans figure out how to deal with climate warming."

All eyes are now turned toward the December 2009 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. It's the largest such meeting since the 1997 negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement intended to curb greenhouse gas emissions. At the Copenhagen summit, the United Nations hopes to create a new treaty, balancing the needs of developing nations with an effective plan to reduce human impact on climate.

"At the end of the Range States Meeting," Cutting said, "five nations officially agreed that polar bear conservation relies on the successful mitigation of climate change. If all goes well in Copenhagen, dozens of nations will reach a similar agreement. We must work together to mitigate climate change if we want to conserve our planet's biodiversity."

For more information about the Oregon Zoo's conservation work, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Conservation; for more information about PBI's contingency planning, visit www.polarbearsinternational.org/sustainability-alliance; and for more information about the U.N. Climate Change Conference, visit http://en.cop15.dk.