January 30, 2009
OREGON ZOO ORANGUTANS PICK CARDINALS TO WIN SUPER BOWL
Prognosticating primates unanimously choose underdog Arizona's T-shirts

Inji, matriarch of the zoo's orangutans, tries on an Arizona Cardinals jersey, indicating her pick in this year's Super Bowl.
Photo by Laura Brown, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo's orangutans made their pick clear, unanimously choosing the Arizona Cardinals over the favored Pittsburgh Steelers in Sunday's Super Bowl.

In a tradition dating back to 1996, keepers each year provide the orangs with official T-shirts from the two Super Bowl teams. The uncanny primates make their picks known by trying on a shirt from one of the teams.

"The orangutans made a bold choice," commented Chris Sulages, head football coach at Lewis & Clark College who provided play-by-play for the event. Sulages, whose team went 1-8 this year, knows a thing or two about underdogs.

To see video of the orangs making their prediction, visit the Zoo's video archive.

Kutai, youngest of the zoo's orangs, boasts a flawless 4-0 record, having correctly picked the winner of the past four Super Bowls, including the Giants' upset victory over the heavily favored and previously unbeaten Patriots last year. His grandmother, Inji, has predicted the winners of four Super Bowls and two Civil War games.

Each year, keepers provide the orangs with official T-shirts from the two Super Bowl teams. The uncanny primates make their picks known by trying on a shirt from one of the teams.

Inji's ability to predict the winner of football games was discovered by chance back in 1996. A local sportscaster had seen the orangs receive clothing items as enrichment and wondered what they might do with Beavers and Ducks T-shirts prior to the teams' 100th Civil War game. Inji, the most dominant of the orangs at the time, put on an Oregon shirt, and the Ducks went on to win, 49-13.

Two years later, she was given the same challenge and again picked the winner -- the Beavers this time, in a 44-41 double-overtime thriller. Still somewhat skeptical, keepers put Inji to the test in that season's Super Bowl, and she correctly chose Denver over Atlanta.

After a forced hiatus due to exhibit construction, Inji resumed her predictions in 2002, raising a few eyebrows when she picked the New England Patriots over the powerful St. Louis Rams, who were 14-point favorites at the time. As usual, though, Inji was right: The Patriots upset the Rams, 20-17. Inji eventually attained a record of 6-1 in her predictions, but became less reliable once her grandson Kutai began participating.

According to Senior Primate Keeper Dave Thomas, Kutai began inserting himself into the prediction process in 2005 and has shown he knows how to pick a winner: "While Inji's record has slipped, Kutai's has been perfect."

Thomas won't speculate about whether Inji might be stepping aside to allow her grandson to shine, or if he's taking over by force.

"He did take all the shirts from one team one year, so her choice was limited," Thomas conceded.

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

January 30, 2009
OREGON ZOO ANIMALS TREATED TO VALENTINE'S DAY SURPRISES
Zookeepers show their love for hippos, sea otters, warty pigs

Hippos, sea otters and Visayan warty pigs receive heart-shaped enrichment treats to celebrate Valentine's Day on Feb. 13, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Roses are nice, chocolates are too, but animals crave other treats at the Oregon Zoo. Keepers will be spreading the love Friday, Feb. 13, beginning at 10:30 a.m., with some nontraditional Valentine's Day gifts for the zoo's sea otters, Visayan warty pigs and hippos.

A valentine made of ice might not be the best thing to give your sweetheart in the wintertime, but nothing could be tastier for a sea otter. The zoo's festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. when the sea otters receive heart-shaped ice treats filled with shrimp and mussels.

The Visayan warty pigs join the fun at 10:50 a.m. with valentines from their keepers: heart-shaped boxes stuffed with their favorite fruits and vegetables. And the love keeps flowing at the hippopotamus exhibit, where Valentine food sculptures are sure to entice the hippos out of the water at 11:10 a.m.

Two hippos.
Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

This is the ninth year that special Valentine's Day enrichment treats have been handed out to zoo residents. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, which mentally stimulate the animals, and provide them with the opportunity to play, hunt and forage.

After watching the animals receive their gifts, visitors can pick up some sweets for their sweethearts in the zoo's gift shop. Purchase four pieces of delicious homemade fudge, and receive a fifth piece free.

January 28, 2009
ZOO TO PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL: YOU AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT A GROUNDHOG!
Oregon Zoo's old-school prognosticator gears up for annual Hedgehog Day prediction

Metro President David Bragdon holds a hedgehog during a previous year's Hedgehog Day event at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil and Canada's Wiarton Willie may be better known, but Chriki the hedgehog is the one to watch at the Oregon Zoo. The spiny little creature, whose name is Swahili for "blessed," makes her annual prediction Monday, Feb. 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the zoo's entry plaza: Will the Northwest be blessed with an early spring this year, or should we hunker down for six more weeks of winter?

"The groundhog is a relative newcomer to the prognosticating game," said Metro Council President David Bragdon, who will oversee the Hedgehog Day festivities. "Historically, the hedgehog was used in this centuries-old European tradition, but immigrants to North America discovered there were no hedgehogs in their new homeland. They substituted the groundhog, but being purists, we're going back to the original critter."

To watch highlights from a previous year's Hedgehog Day at the zoo, visit Video Archive

January 27, 2009
KIDS CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S HOLIDAY AT OREGON ZOO

Kids make Valentine's-themed enrichment for the animals at the Oregon Zoo during the zoo's popular "I Love the Zoo" overnight program on Feb. 14-15. Southern sea otter.
Photo by Michael Durham © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — While their parents enjoy an evening of Valentine's romance, kids can experience the nighttime wonders of the Oregon Zoo during its "I Love the Zoo" overnight. The special kids-only overnight begins Saturday, Feb. 14, at 5 p.m. and ends Sunday, Feb. 15, at 9:30 a.m.

Kids ages 7 to 13 will receive special guided tours, animal visitors and behind-the-scenes peeks. They will also create valentine treats for the animals to receive the following day. Dinner, an evening snack and a continental breakfast are included in the $45-per-child fee.

"Valentine's Day is an especially appropriate time to teach kids to care about animals and their habitats," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "By educating them in a fun environment, we empower them to respect and protect the world around them."

This program has been filled. For more information, visit I LOVE the Zoo Overnight or call 503-220-2781.

January 23, 2009
CARDINALS OR STEELERS? OREGON ZOO ORANGS SET TO PICK WINNER
Zoo's uncanny orangutans ready to don T-shirts, predict Super Bowl outcome

Kutai, investigates a previous year's Super Bowl team shirts
Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Gamblers take note: Before placing any bets on this year's Super Bowl, you might want to consult the area's foremost football prognosticators, the orangutans at the Oregon Zoo. In a tradition dating back to 1996, Kutai and Inji will don T-shirts to predict the Super Bowl winner at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 30, the Friday prior to the big game.

Kutai, youngest of the zoo's orangs, boasts a flawless 4-0 record, having correctly picked the winner of the past four Super Bowls, including the Giants' upset victory over the heavily favored and previously unbeaten Patriots last year. His grandmother, Inji, has predicted the winners of four Super Bowls and two Civil War games.

Each year, keepers provide the orangs with official T-shirts from the two Super Bowl teams. The uncanny primates make their picks known by trying on a shirt from one of the teams.

To watch Kutai and Inji make their predictions prior to last year's Super Bowl, with play-by-play provided by former NFL coach and commentator Jerry Glanville, visit the Video Archive.

Inji's ability to predict the winner of football games was discovered by chance back in 1996. A local sportscaster had seen the orangs receive clothing items as enrichment and wondered what they might do with Beavers and Ducks T-shirts prior to the teams' 100th Civil War game. Inji, the most dominant of the orangs at the time, put on an Oregon shirt, and the Ducks went on to win, 49-13.

Kutai, the zoo's male orangutan, tries on a jersey and predicts a previous year's Super Bowl winner.
Photo by Michael Durham © Oregon Zoo

Two years later, she was given the same challenge and again picked the winner — the Beavers this time, in a 44-41 double-overtime thriller. Still somewhat skeptical, keepers put Inji to the test in that season's Super Bowl, and she correctly chose Denver over Atlanta.

After a forced hiatus due to exhibit construction, Inji resumed her predictions in 2002, raising a few eyebrows when she picked the New England Patriots over the powerful St. Louis Rams, who were 14-point favorites at the time. As usual, though, Inji was right: The Patriots upset the Rams, 20-17. Inji eventually attained a record of 6-1 in her predictions, but became less reliable once her grandson Kutai began participating.

According to Senior Primate Keeper Dave Thomas, Kutai began inserting himself into the prediction process in 2005 and has shown he knows how to pick a winner: "While Inji's record has slipped, Kutai's has been perfect."

Thomas won't speculate about whether Inji might be stepping aside to allow her grandson to shine, or if he's taking over by force.

"He did take all the shirts from one team one year, so her choice was limited," Thomas conceded.

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

January 23, 2009
Sam the elephant is 5 months old, into sports
Oregon Zoo's youngest Asian elephant described as playful, inquisitive

Samudra, the 5-month-old Asian elephant, practices "soccer" at the Oregon Zoo.
Photo by Laura Brown © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's celebrated Asian elephant calf, turns 5 months old today, and according to keepers he is more playful and inquisitive than ever.

"Sam is wandering farther away from his mom, Rose-Tu," said Bob Lee, senior elephant keeper at the zoo. "He's growing comfortable with not having her in sight, and he's exploring more of the barn on his own."

The "little guy" now weighs in at around 770 pounds, nearly 500 pounds more than his birth weight, and he has become less clumsy, keepers say.

"It appears he's developed some athletic ability," Lee said. "He loves playing with a blue ball, knocking it around with his trunk soccer-style."

See video of Sam practicing his "soccer" moves

Samudra, born Aug. 23, 2008, 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 Samudra'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."

The Oregon Zoo has a renowned breeding program for Asian elephants. More than 25 elephants 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.

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.

January 22, 2009
OREGON ZOO CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR, JAN. 26
Visitors invited to help zoo ring in Year of the Ox

A rare Malayan sun bear climbs a log at the Oregon Zoo. The species, whose range includes southern China, will be featured a keeper talk during the zoo's Chinese New Year celebration, Jan. 26.
Photo by Michael Durham © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — Already blown your New Year's resolutions for 2009? Why not start over? The Oregon Zoo invites visitors to chuck the Gregorian calendar and celebrate the Year of the Ox.

The Chinese lunar calendar begins anew Jan. 26, and the zoo marks the occasion by highlighting animals from throughout the Chinese zodiac — as well as the highly endangered Malayan sun bear, whose range includes southern China. A special keeper talk with treats for the sun bears takes place at their exhibit at 10:30 a.m. The first 100 children attending the talk will receive red packets, a Chinese New Year tradition, each containing a surprise for good luck in the coming year.

"Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to highlight animals that often don't get as much attention as some of the zoo's more famous residents," said Krista Swan, zoo event coordinator. "We want visitors to have fun but also make a connection with our animals, so they leave the zoo wanting to make the world a better place for wildlife."

Oregon Zoo animals represented in the traditional Chinese zodiac's 12-year cycle include tigers, rabbits, snakes, sheep, goats, monkeys, roosters and pigs. Various animals will receive traditional celebratory food treats.

The zoo's Cascade Grill plans to ring in the Year of the Ox as well. The Jan. 26 daily special won't be oxtail soup, but the menu that day will feature Chinese cuisine.

January 20, 2009
OREGON ZOO FREE DAY BRINGS TONS OF VISITORS AND FOOD
More than 10,000 visitors donate more than 5,600 pounds of food to Oregon Food Bank

Pete the bear kicks back at the Oregon Zoo's popular Black Bear Ridge exhibit. More than 10,000 visitors took advantage of the zoo's free day Jan. 19, bringing in 5,684 pounds of donated food for the Oregon Food Bank.
© Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — More than 10,000 visitors took advantage of the Oregon Zoo's free day Jan. 19. They also responded to the zoo's call for donations, bringing in 5,684 pounds of nonperishable food items for the Oregon Food Bank.

"True to their nature, our visitors didn't just take advantage of the free day," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "They also gave generously, bringing tons of food donations."

Donation barrels placed at the zoo entrance filled quickly, and were replaced several times.

"As unemployment and foreclosures climb, so does the number of people who are hungry," said Rachel Bristol, executive director and CEO of the Oregon Food Bank. "Hundreds of new families are walking in the doors of local food pantries — people who have never had to ask for help before. We thank the Oregon Zoo for giving the community this marvelous opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the zoo and, at the same time, to help fight hunger."

Zoo officials said the day of free admission was a way of keeping the zoo accessible to all families in tough economic times. Martin Luther King Day was chosen because public service is the cornerstone of the holiday and because schools were not in session.

Debbie Mueller, who visited the zoo Monday, wrote to express her appreciation: "Thank you so much for your free zoo admission day yesterday. My whole family and a couple of daycare kids totally enjoyed our time... You guys were so thoughtful to open up the zoo to families in this tough economic time!"

January 16, 2009
ZOO OFFERS FREE ADMISSION ON MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY
Visitors urged to make donations to Oregon Food Bank

Gus and Julius, the Oregon Zoo's two powerful Steller sea lions, perform underwater ballet at Steller Cove. The zoo is offering free admission on Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Monday, Jan. 19.
Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- After suffering through a blustery two months, the Oregon Zoo invites families to venture out of their homes and enjoy a free day on Monday, Jan. 19.

"Schools are out on Martin Luther King Day and with the state of the economy weighing heavy on people's hearts and minds, we thought families might enjoy visiting us for free during this important holiday," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director.

Although not required for admission, visitors are asked to bring donations of food or donate the price of zoo admission to benefit the Oregon Food Bank. Food barrels and a donation box will be available at the zoo entrance.

"We hope our visitors will take the money they saved on zoo admission and 'pay it forward' to their less fortunate neighbors," Vecchio said.

Samudra and his mother, Rose-Tu have developed a strong bond. Visitors are encouraged to donate to the Oregon Food Bank during the zoo's free day on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Monday, Jan. 19.
Photo by Michael Durham © Oregon Zoo

From polar bears in the frigid Arctic to elephants in the forests of Asia, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day visitors can see animals from around the world in an afternoon at their zoo. Visitors can trek through the tropics amid the sounds of birds and monkeys. They can travel through the African savanna, where giraffes, zebras, hippos and rhinos graze. They can visit the penguins of Peru and come nose to nose with the bald eagles, black bears and cougars of the Great Northwest. They can even visit the charismatic animals of Asia such as Amur tigers, Malayan sun bears, and warty and babirusa pigs.

"Our hope is to make the zoo accessible to all Oregonians and Washingtonians," said Vecchio. "Through discounted days like MLK Day and our Second Tuesday program held every month, we strive for as many visitors as possible to make emotional connections with animals."

January 9, 2009
LION EXPERT KICKS OFF CONSERVATION LECTURE SERIES AT ZOO
Laurence Frank discusses how lions' enemies have become their protectors

Lions and other great predators are disappearing at alarming rates in their native habitat. Laurence Frank, wildlife biologist with U.C. Berkeley, discusses how to reverse this process when he kicks off the 2009 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo.
Photo by Charis Henrie, © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — There was a time when lions' tracks could be found by day and their calls could be heard at night across Sub-Saharan Africa. Sadly, that simply isn't true anymore. Ten years ago, lions were abundant in much of East Africa. Now, outside of the biggest parks and reserves, lions and other great predators are disappearing at alarming rates.

Laurence Frank, a wildlife biologist with the University of California at Berkeley, discusses how to reverse this process when he kicks off the 2009 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo.

In his lecture "Living With Lions," Frank discusses Lion Guardians, a program that works with young Maasai warriors in East Africa, using their ancient knowledge and traditions to preserve wildlife and help local communities.

"Lions are in real danger of disappearing unless urgent action is taken," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Developing conservation plans for large carnivores is incredibly important in sustaining wildlife and ecosystems across the globe."

The largest threats to lions have come from people who kill them for taking livestock and from young, tribal warriors for whom killing lions is a way to prove their manhood and uphold cultural traditions. The combination of Africa's ever-increasing livestock industry, the abundance of young warriors and the decline of lion populations has created a perilous situation.

The Lion Guardians program attempts to reduce the pressure on lions by employing young Maasai warriors to conserve them rather than kill them. The program gives the guardians duties such as monitoring and tracking lions' movements, improving livestock kraals, and teaching herders in high-conflict grazing areas how to avoid carnivores.

Frank has been a research associate at U.C. Berkeley since 1984, first as part of the Berkeley Hyena Project and currently in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. He spent 20 years studying the behavioral ecology and endocrinology of the spotted hyena before turning to conservation research. Frank directs both the Laikipia Predator Project and the Kilimanjaro Lion Conservation Project in Kenya.

Lion profile.
Photo by Charis Henrie © Oregon Zoo

The Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series continues through April with the following additional lectures:

Tuesday, Feb. 24 Greg Rasmussen, Director, Painted Dog Conservation Project: "Last Conservation Solutions to Conserve the Painted Dog in Zimbabwe and Beyond."

Tuesday, March 31 Kay E. Holekamp, Professor, Michigan State University: "The Spotted Hyena: Fact and Fiction."

Tuesday, April 28 TBA: lecture to discuss a predator native to the Northwest.

The lecture series is presented by Pro Photo Supply and Shiels Obletz Johnsen. Lectures will be held in the Oregon Zoo's Cascade Crest Banquet Center and begin at 7 p.m. Cost for each lecture is $10 ($8 for members of host organizations, students or seniors).

Hosts for the lecture series are the Oregon Zoo, the Audubon Society of Portland and the World Forestry Center.

January 8, 2009
OREGON ZOO ELEPHANT PROGRAM ENJOYS BANNER YEAR
Baby Samudra, funding to expand exhibit highlight 2008 for storied program

Samudra, born Aug. 23, has brought new energy to the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant herd.
Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo's elephant program enjoyed a remarkable year in 2008, with Rose-Tu successfully giving birth to Samudra and local voters passing a $125 million zoo bond measure, of which $30 million will go toward expanding the current elephant exhibit and funding an off-site reserve.

Rose-Tu stayed physically fit during 2008 through brisk walks and daily workouts with her trainers. The zoo's comprehensive exercise program helped prepare Rose-Tu for the difficulty of labor, and on Aug. 23 she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Samudra.

"Sam's arrival completely energized the herd," said Mike Keele, zoo deputy director and Asian elephant Species Survival Plan coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. "A baby elephant is the most enriching life event a mother can experience. It's very similar to humans having a baby — it's such a tremendous blessing for a family and it brings incredible joy."

In the fall, the community showed its strong support for the zoo — despite a tough economic climate — by passing a $125 million zoo bond measure with nearly 60 percent of the vote. The bond included funding for an expansion of the elephant exhibit and a proposed off-site reserve.

The zoo's Future for Wildlife program continued to fund projects to help Asian and African elephants in the wild. Zoo grants helped fund three separate elephant conservation projects, primarily to protect native elephant habitat and to mitigate the often-fatal human-elephant conflicts. These grants support elephants and keepers working as conservation response units in Sumatra, as well as community-based elephant conservation in Uganda (focusing on elephants, crops and people) and Cambodia (improving the livelihood for farmers).

Chendra, the smallest adult elephant at the Oregon Zoo, stops by Steller Cove sea lion exhibit during one of her morning exercise walks. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo

The zoo's internationally recognized enrichment program, led by David Shepherdson, deputy conservation manager, also helped the zoo's elephants thrive by improving their social and problem-solving skills. Regularly scheduled walks around the zoo prior to opening allowed the female elephants to exercise and roam the grounds without barriers.

"The visual encounters the elephants have with other animals are enriching and stimulating for all," Keele said. "Dr. Shepherdson and our elephant team are constantly looking for new ways to engage these highly intelligent animals — we will always strive to do more."

The Oregon Zoo is recognized worldwide for its successful breeding program for endangered Asian elephants, which has spanned nearly five decades. More than 25 elephants have been born at the zoo, beginning with Packy in 1962. The birth of Samudra continues the legacy.

To see video of Samudra and the rest of the elephant herd playing in the snow, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/samudra_snow.htm.

January 8, 2009
ZOO HOSTS 2009 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION LECTURE SERIES

Lions and other great predators are disappearing rapidly, killed by humans for cultural traditions or for taking livestock. The Oregon Zoo's 2009 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series brings attention to the plight of predators.
Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo

PORTLAND, Ore. — As African lion and painted dog populations have dwindled to fragmented remnants of their formerly massive numbers, and hyenas are surrounded by detrimental myths, conservationists have sprung to action.

As part of the 2009 Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series at the Oregon Zoo, scientists will speak on conservation and research projects aimed at preserving these important animals.

"We hope these lectures will help motivate the community and raise knowledge about wildlife conservation, environmental problems and ecological systems," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director.

The lecture series, presented by Pro Photo Supply and Shiels Obletz Johnsen, highlights wildlife biologists, ecologists and educators whose dedication to conservation and research has an impact on wildlife and habitat preservation across the globe. This coming year's speakers will focus on conservation efforts in Africa.

On Jan. 27, Dr. Laurence G. Frank, a research associate with the University of California at Berkeley, will present "Living with Lions." Ten years ago, lions were abundant in much of East Africa. Today, outside of parks and reserves, lions and other great predators are disappearing rapidly, killed by humans for cultural traditions or for taking livestock. Frank is the program director for Living with Lions, which works with one of the lions' greatest predators, young Maasai warriors, and turns them into lion guardians. Young Maasai warriors have always killed lions to prove their manhood; however, they are now using their ancient knowledge and traditions to preserve wildlife and help their communities benefit from conservation.

On Feb. 24, Greg Rasmussen discusses "Lasting Conservation Solutions to Conserve the Painted Dog in Zimbabwe and Beyond." For more than 16 years, Greg Rasmussen has been raising awareness about the African painted dog, also known as the African wild dog, and helping to bring it back from the brink of extinction. His program, the Painted Dog Conservation Project, has successfully reduced the animal's mortality rate by teaching local people about the painted dog's true nature and employing villagers to collect snares, a major cause of death.

On March 31, Kay Holekamp, professor of zoology at Michigan State University, sheds light on the African hyena, one of the most misunderstood animals on earth. Since 1988, Holekamp has been studying the behavioral ecology of members of multiple large hyena groups in Kenya. In her lecture, "The Spotted Hyena: Fact and Fiction," Holekamp will dispel myths about the hyena and explain why it is one of the most fascinating animals on earth.

The fourth and final lecture in the series, to be held April 28, will discuss a predator native to the Northwest.

Lectures are held in the Oregon Zoo's Cascade Crest Banquet Center and begin at 7 p.m. Cost for each lecture is $10 ($8 for members of host organizations, students or seniors).

Hosts for the lecture series are the Oregon Zoo, the Audubon Society of Portland and the World Forestry Center.

January 6, 2009
OREGON ZOO ATTENDANCE REACHES ALL-TIME HIGH... AGAIN
Visitors flock to zoo in record numbers despite rain, snow, recession

Samudra eats a snowball. The Oregon Zoo's 4-month-old Asian elephant inspired the public and helped boost zoo attendance from September onward, following record or near-record months from May through August.
Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo

A yearlong recession? One of the coldest, wettest springs in recent memory? The biggest batch of snow in 50 years? It all sounds like bad news for a mostly outdoor, fee-based attraction, right? Maybe not, if you're the Oregon Zoo.

For the third year in a row, and the fourth time in the past five years, the zoo broke its all-time calendar-year attendance record, with 1,593,907 visitors in 2008. This marks the second time zoo attendance has topped 1.5 million in a calendar year. The previous record, set in 2007, was 1,503,565 visitors.

"It's been quite a year," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "It's gratifying to know that, despite a rough economy and despite some challenging weather, people really love the zoo."

Vecchio figures attendance might easily have topped 1.6 million, if severe winter storms hadn't forced the zoo to close for nearly a week in late December, a peak time for its popular ZooLights winter light display. ZooLights, a holiday tradition featuring more than a million brightly colored lights, had been on-pace to set its own attendance record before the closures.

Holidays in general were huge for the zoo in 2008, with record turnouts during the long weekends around Presidents Day (more than 27,000 visitors), Labor Day (more than 30,000) and Thanksgiving (more than 40,000). Attendance on Thanksgiving Day was the second-highest of any single day in the zoo's history: More than 15,000 visitors braved the rain, taking advantage of a free "open house" held in appreciation of the public's support for a $125 million bond measure to improve outdated exhibits and make the zoo more sustainable.

Summer, characteristically, was also a busy time for the zoo. "Dinosaurs!"— featuring a fearsome life-size animatronic T. rex and more than 20 other prehistoric creatures— proved the most popular temporary exhibit in the zoo's 121-year history, attracting 221,226 visitors from May 17 through Labor Day. The summer concert series was a big draw too, with capacity crowds taking in shows by the Indigo Girls, Los Lobos, Matisyahu and more. July, with 238,984 visitors, and August, with 231,195 visitors, were the zoo's two busiest months ever.

Toward summer's end, the baby elephant Samudra inspired the public, drawing big crowds after he joined his mother on exhibit Aug. 30. During September, 159,351 visitors passed through the gates, a record for the month.

A young visitor enjoys a moment with the Oregon Zoo's orangutans. Red Ape Reserve, a new orang exhibit set to open this year, could help zoo attendance reach another record in 2009. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo

"Samudra's arrival had an impact on our fall attendance," Vecchio said. "But it's interesting to note that we had our all-time best months for February, July and August — before Sam's arrival. And we had our second-best months ever in May and June."

After such a successful 2008, the zoo's director anticipates an even better 2009.

"We have big plans for the new year," Vecchio said. "Lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs are coming to the zoo this summer, when we open our much-anticipated Predators of the Serengeti exhibit. And later in the year, Red Ape Reserve, our new orangutan and white-cheeked gibbon exhibit, is also set to open."

The first time the zoo's attendance topped a million was during 1962, the year Packy was born. The baby pachyderm, born that April, helped draw 1,211,170 visitors, eager to see the first elephant born in the United States in 44 years. It wasn't until 1989 that the zoo broke the 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.