May 29, 2009
ZOO CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY OF 'OREGON' STEAM ENGINE
Sitcom star joins festivities to mark beloved locomotive's 50th year

Metro Council President David Bragdon operates the Oregon Zoo's famous Oregon steam locomotive with Eliza Elephant along for the ride. The beloved train turns 50 on June 20. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — All aboard! Oregon Zoo visitors can join "Petticoat Junction" star Linda Kaye Henning in celebrating a half-century of railway fun with the Oregon steam locomotive on Saturday, June 20.

Festivities begin with a birthday ceremony at 10 a.m. and cake at 10:15 a.m. After the celebration, members of the National Railway Historical Society and Oregon steamer VIPs will take the commemorative first ride around the zoo.

From 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., zoo visitors can ride the historic train, take handcar rides on side railroad tracks, view steamer memorabilia from Oregon's centennial celebration, tour the roundhouse, emboss their tickets, and meet the steamer crew and railway mascot, Titus the tiger.

Henning, who played Betty Jo on the 1960s railway sitcom "Petticoat Junction," will also join the party, taking a celebratory ride on the rail and signing autographs.

"Many people grew up riding the zoo train and watching 'Petticoat Junction,' so it's quite fitting for Linda to be at the steamer's historic anniversary celebration," said David Bragdon, Metro Council President, a railroad enthusiast who himself turns 50 on the day the engine marks 50 years of service. "I have had a lifelong kinship with the zoo locomotive, and loved watching the Hooterville Cannonball round the bend on television. It will be an honor to see Linda on our own steamer."

Interestingly, the train that would eventually become famous as the Hooterville Cannonball was right here in Portland during the Oregon steamer's first few years of service. Harvey Dick, proprietor of the Hoyt Hotel near Union Station, had acquired the replica steam engine (originally built for the 1950 film "Ticket to Tomahawk") to enhance the décor of his Barbary Coast lounge in the hotel lobby. The engine was displayed first in the Hoyt lobby, then outside the hotel. In the early 1960s, a production team for "Petticoat Junction" offered to buy the train, and Dick lent it to them in return for a screen credit at the end of each episode: "Train furnished by Barbary Coast, Hoyt Hotel, Portland, Oregon."

The zoo's railway evolved from plans for a children's train that was to be part of Portland's new zoo. Relocated to the current site, the zoo was slated to open in the summer of 1959 during Oregon's Centennial celebration. When designs were unveiled for the 30-inch-gauge line, train fans from around the region assisted with suggestions, materials, fund-raising and manual labor.

The Oregon steam locomotive was built in 1959 for the Oregon Centennial Exposition and offers riders a trip through history. Reminiscent of the 1800s, the locomotive is painted in bright colors with polished brass trimmings. A glistening brass bell is mounted on the lustrous boiler jacket between the sand dome and stack.

The train is modeled after the Virginia & Truckee Railroad's Reno. It is an oil-burning American 4-4-0 type with a diamond stack and big headlight that features hand-painted pictures of Crater Lake on one side and Mt. Hood on the other.

The original railway board of directors was considered one of the most distinguished in the world and included former President Harry S. Truman, Walt Disney, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and the ambassadors of all nations in Washington, D.C.

"The Oregon represents the rich history of both our state and the zoo," said Krista Swan, the zoo's events coordinator. "It's a beloved component of our community. This birthday party is another exciting way for the whole family to celebrate Oregon's 150th birthday as well."

Tickets for the complete Oregon steam locomotive ride are $5. Guests may also ride the zoo's other trains, the Zooliner, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and the Oregon Express.

May 28, 2009
SPRING EGGS-HIBITION FEATURES SEVERAL NEW HATCHLINGS
Spring Eggs-hibition Features Several New Hatchings

PORTLAND, Ore. — It's that time of year again: Chicks are popping up in several of the Oregon Zoo's habitats. Two rare Humboldt penguins and six lorikeets have hatched at the zoo so far this season.

The Penguinarium's first chick arrived in early April, and after a rocky start he now weighs nearly 5 pounds and is quite healthy. The second chick weighs close to 7 pounds and is maturing flawlessly, keepers say.

Newly hatched penguins typically stay with their parents in nest boxes for several weeks and are removed daily for weighing and health checkups.

"Although removing penguin chicks from the nest is necessary to check their health, it's not always simple," noted Shawn St. Michael, bird keeper. "Some of the parents are really good about it, but other parents will try to fillet you. The chicks themselves are very sweet and tractable."

Humboldt penguins, native to the warm coastal waters of Peru, are among the most threatened of the world's 17 penguin species. Fewer than 20,000 of the birds remain in the wild. Several human factors threaten the species, including overfishing and the harvesting of guano for fertilizer, which disturbs the penguins' habitat and disrupts nesting activities.

The Oregon Zoo is one the few zoos in the country with a breeding program for the birds, and it holds the regional studbook on Humboldts. Studbooks are generally kept on species that are endangered in the wild, exist well in captivity, and can be maintained in a breeding capacity. Lineage is recorded to help avoid genetic defects that can appear in offspring of closely related penguins. Breeding programs are arranged among national zoos to ensure a healthy gene pool.

In addition to the penguin hatchings, six new lorikeets have joined the dozens of brightly colored tropical parrots in the zoo's Lorikeet Landing aviary.

During mating season, nest boxes are placed throughout the exhibit to encourage breeding activity. A lorikeet egg typically takes 24 days to incubate. Once hatched, chicks quickly become covered with gray down. They leave the nest fully fledged about nine weeks after hatching.

Lorikeet Landing features 10 different species, which come mainly from the islands of Australia, New Guinea, Polynesia and Indonesia. The lorikeet aviary, which lets visitors buy small cups of nectar to feed the colorful birds, has been extremely popular since opening in 1999.

"The birds are inquisitive and playful," St. Michael said. "They will land right on a person's arm or hand to take sips out of the cups."

May 27, 2009
REGGAE GREATS SLY & ROBBIE BRING ISLAND GROOVES TO ZOO
Jamaican stars will breeze through Portland on their 2009 summer tour

To reggae fans, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare - aka Sly & Robbie - are considered royalty. The pair has played on or produced more than 200,000 tracks, changing the face of reggae music along the way. Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang's Summer Breeze tour blows into Portland June 24 as part of the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

PORTLAND, Ore. — To reggae fans, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare - aka Sly & Robbie - are considered royalty. The pair has played on or produced more than 200,000 tracks, changing the face of reggae music along the way. Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang's Summer Breeze tour blows into Portland June 24 as part of the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

"There isn't a single great reggae singer who hasn't recorded with Sly & Robbie," said Krista Swan, the zoo's events coordinator. "Their talent and versatility have kept them in demand for more than 30 years, and I'm thrilled that they are coming to Portland."

Lowell Dunbar, nicknamed Sly for his adoration of the musician Sly Stone, began drumming for studio bands in the late '60s. Bassist Robbie Shakespeare also began as a session player, starting in his early teens and becoming a leading member of the Aggrovators in the mid '70s.

Inevitably, the pair crossed paths and discovered they shared similar ideas about reggae and music production. The duo went on to change the face of reggae several times, establishing unique musical sounds like the drum-rim double-tap "rockers" and "rub a dub." Earning the nickname Riddim Twins, the pair is still going strong, releasing new Taxi Gang records and producing tracks for everyone from Paul McCartney to Britney Spears.

Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang's Summer Breeze tour blows into Portland June 24 as part of the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

This year, the zoo is once again selling a portion of the tickets for each of its Wednesday "Zoo Tunes" concerts in advance. Advance tickets for the Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang show are available online or at the zoo for $10.50. Ticket price includes zoo admission. Remaining tickets will be available at the zoo after 4 p.m. on the day of the performance.

Zoo membership at the Plus level or higher includes free admission to all Wednesday concerts (subject to maximum capacity) and daily visits to the zoo. A limited number of tickets will be available to members for advance pickup at the zoo's reception office starting at 9 a.m. the Monday before each Wednesday concert.

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.

Other "Zoo Tunes" performers include Femi Kuti & the Positive Force (June 17), the 234th Army Band (July 1), Vieux Farka Touré (July 15), Riders in the Sky (July 22), Orchestra Baobab (July 29), the Wailers (Aug. 5), Jonatha Brooke (Aug. 12), and Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Aug. 19).

New this year is a showcase of local bands to take place Wednesday, July 8. Concert fans are asked to weigh in on which local bands they'd like to see perform that night. Voting for the showcase takes place through May 31 on the zoo's Web site.

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 features 18 performances from June to August and is the longest-running outdoor concert series in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at the zoo.

May 21, 2009
ZOO HOPES TO MAKE WAVES WITH 'OCEAN COMMOTION' EVENT
Oregon Zoo marks World Ocean Day with marine-themed festival June 7

Steller sea lions, sea otters and other aquatic animals will be on hand for Ocean Commotion, an afternoon of fun activities to mark World Ocean Day, June 7 at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — World Ocean Day has been celebrated every year since 1992, but only this winter did the United Nations declare it an official international holiday. On Sunday, June 7, the Oregon Zoo will honor this special day with a marine-themed festival called Ocean Commotion.

"Visitors can learn more about the world's oceans and how to protect them through fun activities and exhibits," said Krista Swan, zoo event coordinator.

The zoo hopes its World Ocean Day programming will increase public awareness of the ocean's crucial role in our lives.

"Not only does the ocean provide us with oxygen and food, but it also cleans the water we drink, helps regulate global temperatures and is the source of many of our medicines," Swan said. "The biodiversity of the ocean supports all life on the planet."

This biodiversity -- the vast number and variety of plants and animals living in the ocean -- faces many threats, including global warming, pollution and overfishing. Ocean Commotion's hands-on activities will address these threats as well as actions we can take to help preserve the ocean's wildlife:

Steller sea lions, sea otters and other aquatic animals will be on hand for Ocean Commotion, an afternoon of fun activities to mark World Ocean Day, June 7 at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

- Polar Bear Rescue Mission:
Hop across icebergs to find food like a polar bear, and then see what happens when some of those icebergs "melt" due to global warming. Just like a real polar bear, you'll have a hard time getting to food. Learn more about global warming and what you can do to help at the global warming activity wheel.

- Help Save the Kelp:
See how many plants and animals you can find in a tricky "I Spy" poster of a kelp forest, watch a video about protecting marine areas and send "Our Ocean Needs You" cards to the governor.

- Look, Don't Touch:
Make your own "aquascope" and get a close-up look at fragile tide-pool plants and animals. You'll be able to enjoy these beautiful creatures without hurting them!

- Cleaning Up With the Steller Sea Lions:
Find out what it's like to be a wild sea lion living in polluted water. Activities include a scavenger hunt and fun flip cards.

- Save the Sea Otters:
Learn how otters' fur works to keep them warm and dry through hands-on activities. ZooGuides will speak about how the fur trade has made otters and other endangered species vulnerable.

- Watch What You Eat:
Play a fishing game to learn what types of seafood are environmentally sustainable and safe to eat.

Ocean Commotion will run from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 7; World Ocean Day is Monday, June 8. All festival events are free with zoo admission.

May 21, 2009
DRAMATIC CUSTODY BATTLE FOR ZOO'S LAST CONDOR CHICK OF SEASON
Oregon Zoo's final two California condor chicks hatch, bringing this year's total to six

Condor 145 (Mali) at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation. Mali hatched in captivity in the Los Angeles Zoo in June of 1996 and was hand reared there until he was about 7 months old. On January 14, 1997, he was released into the wild and experienced the real world for the first time. He spread his wings and soared out in the open air for about five months. Mali was monitored while he was living in the wild to make sure he successfully made the transition. Unfortunately, when it was noticed that he was behaving inappropriately toward people, he was brought back into captivity on June 4, 1997. Mali is a very curious bird and loves to explore his surroundings, possibly because of his taste of the wild. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Season finales are known for dramatic endings, and as the spring condor-breeding season comes to a close, one chick's remarkable adventure left Oregon Zoo staff breathing a sigh of relief.

This season's sixth and final California condor chick presented a challenge from the beginning. Before hatching, the chick had been situated 180 degrees from the normal position within its egg, creating the potential for complications. Fortunately, the chick hatched successfully Wednesday and was very active and vocal afterward - it was the post-hatch events that almost cost the chick its life.

The chick's parents, Mali and female No. 174, have never raised a chick together, and the female is a first-time mother. Both parents became possessive of the chick, and after Mali tried to force the female out of the nest room, a chick tug of war ensued. The two adult birds dragged the chick from one corner of the room to the other, fighting for possession. When the female snatched the chick under her wing and thrust Mali out of the way, he became aggressive and determined to reclaim the chick -- no matter what the cost. He ultimately seized the chick and launched it out the window of the second-story nest room.

"We observed the evolving turmoil on camera and arrived at the barn just as the chick was tossed out of the nest room," said Shawn St. Michael, condor curator. "Fearing the worst, we rushed to the chick's aide. He looked around and shook himself off -- almost as if nothing had happened."

Vets arrived shortly after the chick was recovered and found it to be fairly unscathed despite all the drama. The chick is now safely ensconced in an isolated nest area, where he will be puppet-reared by keepers.

"We were hoping to avoid a puppet-rearing this year, but we're thankful the chick is doing well and was able to escape this ordeal fairly unharmed," St. Michael said.

The other condor chick to emerge this week hatched on May 18. It is being raised by parents Ojai and Atishwin, who have been very attentive and have alternated feeding it. All six of this season's condor chicks are developing quickly and appear to be healthy.

Seven condor pairs produced eggs this year, and six of the eggs proved fertile. The zoo's condor facility is currently home to 31 condors, not counting the new arrivals, and has produced 23 fertile eggs since it was established in 2004. Of the 23 eggs hatched in Oregon, 19 chicks have survived; two eggs were sent to other facilities for hatching.

The Oregon Zoo's condor recovery efforts take place at the Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation, located in rural Clackamas County on Metro-owned open land. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

California condor captive-breeding programs are also operated at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey. The Oregon Zoo received The Wildlife Society's conservation award in 2005 for "creating the nation's fourth California condor breeding facility."

For more information about the Oregon Zoo's California condors, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Condors.

May 18, 2009
TREKKIES TAKE NOTE: KIRK, SPOCK & SCOTTY SPOTTED AT OREGON ZOO
Rare Oregon spotted frogs now on view at new zoo exhibit

Captain's log, Stardate 2009.138: The three rare amphibian life forms are adjusting well to their new surroundings and make for fascinating viewing. In the meantime, our crew continues to monitor the progress of these fragile creatures on other parts of the planet's surface in an effort to prevent their extinction.

"Star Trek" fans and animal lovers alike can now visit Kirk, Spock and Scotty, a trio of Oregon spotted frogs at the Oregon Zoo. A new exhibit lets visitors see these rare and fragile amphibians up-close and learn about what's being done to save them in the wild. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the new "Star Trek" movie continues its strong run at the box office, Oregon Zoo conservationists hope their own Kirk, Spock and Scotty, a trio of rare Oregon spotted frogs, can make a similar splash.

"Much like their namesakes aboard the Enterprise, these frogs serve as ambassadors for their planet," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "We hope they inspire visitors to join the zoo in its conservation efforts."

With Oregon spotted frogs disappearing from the wild at an alarming rate, the zoo has opened a new exhibit highlighting the native amphibian and the efforts to save it.

Keeper Kristina Smith – ironically not a big "Star Trek" fan – came up with the frogs'spacey names.

"The frogs just look kind of odd, and they remind me of aliens or creatures from another planet," Smith said. "There are some serious Trekkies at the zoo though, and they all came out of the woodwork to correct me when I mistakenly referred to Mr. Spock as 'Dr. Spock'!"

Spotted frogs are considered endangered in Washington and Canada, and are threatened in Oregon. Over the past 50 years the native frog has lost 90 percent of its previous habitat. Despite the grim outlook for the species, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Zoo and other conservation organizations are feeling more hopeful.

Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

"A key to re-establishing spotted frogs in the wild is to nurture them in zoos until they metamorphose into froglets," said David Shepherdson, zoo conservation scientist. "The juvenile frogs have a much better chance of survival if they're released as froglets rather than tadpoles."

Last month, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released 120 spotted frogs that had been head-started at the zoo into the wild near Olympia, Wash.

The new Oregon spotted frog exhibit is located at the Cascade Stream and Pond building in the zoo's Great Northwest complex.

To see video of Oregon spotted frogs, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/oregon_tadpoles.htm.

For additional information about Oregon spotted frogs, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Conservation/Frogs/oregonspottedfrog.htm.

Amphibian extinctions have become a worldwide crisis, leading major conservation organizations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the NW Zoo and Aquarium Alliance, to help facilitate efforts to save these fragile creatures.

May 18, 2009
Zoo to roll back the years with tears for fears
Eighties hitmakers part of zoo concert lineup that's selling out quickly

Tears for Fears, the grandmasters of intellectual synth-pop, take the Oregon Zoo stage July 11 as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Break out your skinny pants and neon spandex - the '80s have returned! Tears for Fears, the grandmasters of intellectual synth-pop, take the stage July 11 as part of the Oregon Zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

"Tears for Fears always delivered powerful lyrics and memorable tunes," said Krista Swan, zoo event coordinator. "These songs are real and engaging. They have stood the test of time."

Known for their lush synth-pop sound, Tears for Fears burst onto the pop scene in 1983 with the angsty international hit "Mad World." The band's biggest success came two years later with the multiplatinum "Songs From the Big Chair." That album sold 9 million copies worldwide and produced two No. 1 hits, "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."

Tears for Fears' two frontmen, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, reunited in 2004, releasing "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending," an eclectic mix of modern pop and Beatlesque beats.

Tickets to the zoo show, which went on sale a few weeks ago, have been selling fast, and the show is half sold out, according to Swan.

"This year's concert lineup has created quite the buzz," Swan added. "Almost half of the tickets for the entire season of premium shows are gone already, and the first concert is still a month away."

Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Wainwright opens for synth-pop band, Tears for Fears at the Oregon Zoo on July 11. The zoo's popular summer concert series is presented by NW Natural.

Among the other popular acts set to play the zoo this summer are legendary East L.A. rockers Los Lobos (July 17), folk-music icon Joan Baez (Aug. 14) and soulful singer-songwriter Susan Tedeschi (Aug. 17).

Opening for Tears for Fears is Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Wainwright, who seems poised for big success.

"He is definitely an artist to watch," Swan said. "His beautiful voice and skillful songwriting have already won him many fans."

One fan is legendary artist and illustrator Alan Aldridge, who designed the cover for Wainwright's debut album last year. Aldridge has previously produced artwork for the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Elton John.

The zoo concert series is presented by NW Natural with support from KINK.fm and KOIN Local 6. It features 18 performances from June to August and is the longest continuous-running outdoor concert series in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at the zoo.

New this year is a showcase of local bands to take place Wednesday, July 8. Concert fans are asked to weigh in on which local bands they'd like to see perform that night. Voting for the showcase takes place through May 31 on the zoo's Web site.

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.

May 15, 2009
OREGON ZOO CELEBRATES HATCHING OF THREE MORE RARE CONDORS
New California condor chicks bring species closer to recovery

Sawlu (Condor 172) is the Oregon Zoo's most recent California condor mother. She has strong maternal instincts and is nurturing her new chick (hatched over the weekend). The new chick is doing very well and is described as quite vocal. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo has all of its eggs in one basket, and they're starting to hatch. Three more California condor nestlings have joined this year's first chick at the zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation.

The center's second spring chick hatched a few weeks ago, and the third followed early last week. The fourth chick hatched under condor parents Paxa and Sawlu over the weekend and is quite vocal. All three of the new chicks appear healthy and are being well tended to by their parents or foster parents. Only two eggs remain in the incubators and both are expected to hatch in the coming week - one May 18 and the other May 19.

All of this year's chicks are active, and the inquisitive 3-week-old is starting to play with feathers and other objects in its nest room.

"It's great to see the chicks exploring and interacting with their environment," said Shawn St. Michael, condor curator. "This year's chicks are a good group, and they all seem to have great dispositions."

Seven condor pairs produced eggs this year, and six of the eggs have proved fertile. The zoo's condor facility is currently home to 31 condors, not counting the new arrivals, and has produced 23 fertile eggs since it was established in 2004. Of the 21 eggs already hatched in Oregon, 17 chicks have survived; two eggs were sent to other facilities for hatching.

Normally, condors only lay a single egg every other year, but in captivity this process can be sped up. If an egg is moved from the nest to an incubator for hatching, female condors will usually lay a second egg and sometimes a third. This procedure is known as double- or triple-clutching, and has dramatically increased condor numbers since captive breeding began.

"Each new hatch brings us one step closer to species recovery," said St. Michael. "Our program is relatively new but growing in strength each year."

Condors are the largest land birds in North America with wingspans of up to 9½ feet and an average weight of 18 to 25 pounds. They are highly intelligent and inquisitive - and highly endangered.

Accumulated lead poisoning is currently the most severe problem facing the recovering condor population. As condors feed on carrion and other animal carcasses shot by hunters, they can unintentionally ingest lead from bullet fragments. Lead consumption causes paralysis of the digestive track and results in slow death by starvation.

Condors also depend heavily on their intelligence for survival and require a tremendous amount of parental investment in the wild. This is one reason for their low productivity rate.

The California condor had a long history in Oregon. Archaeologists have unearthed 9,000-year-old condor bones from Native American middens, and condors were a common motif for the designs of Oregon's Wasco people, who lived along the Columbia River between The Dalles and Cascade Locks. The condor was considered a guide to the native peoples and was a key character in many myths.

The last condor seen in Oregon was near the town of Drain in 1904. Condors held out a little longer in California, but by 1987, the last birds were taken into captivity in an attempt to save the species. Biologists decided to place the remaining condors in a captive-breeding program. The California condor was one of the original animals included on the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Today, there are nearly 300 California condors counting those in captivity and in the wild.

The Oregon Zoo's condor recovery efforts take place at the Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation, located in rural Clackamas County on Metro-owned open land. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

California condor captive-breeding programs are also operated at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey. The Oregon Zoo received The Wildlife Society's conservation award in 2005 for "creating the nation's fourth California condor breeding facility."

For more information about the Oregon Zoo's California condors, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Condors.

May 15, 2009
ZOO'S POPULAR ANIMAL PROGRAM TO OPEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Portland General Electric presents revamped "Wild Life Live!" shows

Chinook the bald eagle soars over the audience at the Oregon Zoo's popular "Wild Life Live!" show presented by Portland General Electric. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Gracefully soaring raptors, a prehensile-tailed porcupine, opportunities to protect wildlife and lighthearted humor all await viewers of this summer's revamped "Wild Life Live!" program presented by Portland General Electric. Really, what more could one ask of a sunny afternoon at the Oregon Zoo?

This year, PGE's "Wild Life Live!" program features new scripts, new animals and the zoo's redesigned main stage. With these exciting additions and the return of long-time favorites like a barn owl and bald eagle, it's shaping up to be a thoroughly fun-filled summer. Here's what's in store:

- In "Jungle Journey," a humorously adventuresome tourist and tour guide search the rain forest for elusive parrots, encountering many other animals on the way. This recently created show features many of the program's newest animals, including a blue and gold macaw named Pele, Fuego the kinkajou, and Nilda the prehensile-tailed porcupine.

Fuego the kinkajou -- a nocturnal arboreal mammal indigenous to Central and South America -- is one of the many featured creatures in the Oregon Zoo's "Wild Life Live!" show presented by Portland General Electric. Some of the program's newest animals include a blue and gold macaw named Pele and Nilda the prehensile-tailed porcupine. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

- "Predators of the Sky" demonstrates quite graphically that not all meat-eaters live on the ground: A golden eagle, a red-tailed hawk and a Harris hawk show their respective hunting styles by attacking a remote-controlled "robo-rabbit," while Clyde the turkey vulture picks at an imitation rack of ribs containing hidden food. This show complements the zoo's soon-to-open Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, home to land-bound carnivores like lions and cheetahs.

- The low-key "Meet the All-Stars" gives visitors a chance to meet the program's animals and talk to their handlers in an informal setting.

All of the programming for PGE's "Wild Life Live!" is aimed at inspiring viewers to create a better future for wildlife. This summer's shows provide concrete opportunities for audience members to participate in wildlife conservation. For example, information on how to build nest boxes for owls is available after every "Predators of the Sky" show. By installing one of these boxes in your back yard, you can create a safe sleeping and nesting environment for owls in need of a home.

From May 23 to Sept. 7, "Predators of the Sky" and "Jungle Journey" run alternately three times a day at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Guests may "Meet the All-Stars" daily at 3:30 p.m. All shows are weather permitting.

"Wild Life Live!" has been generously supported by Portland General Electric since 1986.

May 13, 2009
AFROBEAT SUPERSTAR FEMI KUTI 'JAZZES' UP ZOO CONCERT SERIES
Oregon's longest-running outdoor concert series returns with big names and summer fun

On June 17, Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Femi Kuti will strap on his saxophone, take the stage, and kick off the Oregon Zoo's 2009 summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

PORTLAND, Ore. — On June 17, one day after his 47th birthday, Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Femi Kuti will strap on his saxophone, take the stage, and kick off the Oregon Zoo's 2009 summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

Kuti, the oldest son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, home base for his father's powerful blend of funk, jazz and heavy percussion. While a natural heir to his father's musical legacy, Femi Kuti also draws on elements of dance music and hip-hop to create a modern Afrobeat style entirely his own.

"Femi Kuti's passion is evident in each song," said Krista Swan, the zoo's event coordinator. "His saxophone speaks to the heart, provoking unimaginable emotion with each note."

Kuti performs regularly in Nigeria, where he is a bona fide superstar, and he has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States with his band, the Positive Force. On record, he has collaborated with U.S. musicians such as Macy Gray, Mos Def and Common. His most recent release, "Day by Day," captures the fierce passion of his live performances, while offering more refined Afrobeat tones, elaborate instrumental patterns and tunes to ignite any dance floor.

This year, the zoo is once again selling a portion of the tickets for each of its Wednesday "Zoo Tunes" concerts in advance. Advance tickets for the Femi Kuti show are available online or at the zoo for $10.50. Remaining tickets will be available at the zoo after 4 p.m. on the day of the performance. Ticket price includes zoo admission. Zoo membership at the Plus level includes free admission to all Wednesday concerts (subject to maximum capacity) and daily visits to the zoo.

Other "Zoo Tunes" performers include Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang (June 24), the 234th Army Band (July 1), Vieux Farka Touré (July 15), Riders in the Sky (July 22), Orchestra Baobab (July 29), the Wailers (Aug. 5), Jonatha Brooke (Aug. 12), and Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Aug. 19).

New this year is a showcase of local bands to take place Wednesday, July 8. Concert fans are asked to weigh in on which local bands they'd like to see perform that night. Voting for the showcase takes place through May 31 on the zoo's Web site.

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 features 18 performances from June through August and is the longest-running outdoor concert series in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at the zoo.

May 11, 2009
'NEW KID ON THE ROCK' DEBUTS TODAY
Abandoned mountain goat finds new home at Oregon Zoo

Montane, the orphaned mountain goat from Idaho, enjoys her new home at the Oregon Zoo's Cascade Crest exhibit. She made her official debut today. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — After an inspirational rescue from the desolate mountains of Idaho, Montane the orphaned mountain goat seems to be adjusting well to her new home at the Oregon Zoo. She made her official debut at the Cascade Crest exhibit today.

"Montane is like a lap dog," said Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo's general curator. "She has a sweet disposition and is adapting very well. She was fortunate to find safety and a new home after her terrifying trek alone in the Idaho wilderness."

The young goat, apparently abandoned by her mother, was found alone in the mountains near Pocatello, Idaho. The Idaho State Department of Fish and Wildlife recovered the kid and later transferred her to the Oregon Zoo, where she was adopted into the zoo's herd.

The little goat was welcomed into the herd by Mom, the Oregon Zoo's adult mountain goat. Mom was introduced to the young mountain goat slowly through a "howdy" door, which opened between two exhibits, allowing the goats to interact and access each other's exhibits in order to form a bond.

To see video of Montane exploring her new home at the zoo, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/MontaneVNR.htm.

Mountain goat kids are generally weaned within a month, but they rely heavily on their mothers during their first year of life, according to Pfefferkorn. The mothers, or nannies, protect their kids by leading them away from danger, standing over them in the face of predators, and positioning themselves below the kids on steep slopes to prevent them from falling.

Mountain goats usually prefer steep, rocky areas in alpine and subalpine regions. They migrate between lowlands during the winter and high elevations in the summer. In the Pacific Northwest, wild mountain goats may be seen on various peaks in the Washington Cascades and Olympic Peninsula, as well as Oregon's Wallowa Mountains. About 100,000 mountain goats are estimated to live in North America.

May 8, 2009
THE VOTES ARE IN: ROSE-TU IS ZOO MOTHER OF THE YEAR
Asian elephant, a first-time mom, posts convincing win in online balloting

Samudra gets a bite to eat courtesy of his mom, Rose-Tu, this year's Zoo Mother of the Year. Sam, born last August, resides with his mom and the rest of the herd at the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant exhibit. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The public has chosen Rose-Tu as the Oregon Zoo's Mother of the Year for 2009. The popular Asian elephant pulled in a whopping 68 percent of the zoo's online votes. Her closest contender, Coco the chimpanzee, lagged behind with 18 percent of the vote, while last year's winner, Mali the colobus monkey, placed third with 14 percent.

"No one is surprised at the choice of Rose-Tu for Mother of the Year," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "She's been popular with visitors since her birth, but even more so since the birth of her calf, Samudra, in August."

Keepers regard the 14-year-old Rose-Tu as highly spirited, playful and intelligent. Her mother, Me-Tu, was the second elephant born at the Oregon Zoo (just months after Packy), and her grandmother, Rosy, was the first elephant ever to live in Oregon.

"Rose was a beautiful calf, and remains a beauty today," said Joe Sebastiani, the zoo's elephant program manager. "A more perfect example of an Asian elephant would be hard to find."

After a difficult delivery and rocky start to motherhood, this first-time mom has taken quite naturally to her task, keepers say, and has become a loving and protective mother to Sam.

Vecchio viewed the Zoo Mother of the Year vote as an opportunity to educate the public about animals that are either threatened or endangered.

"Once people make an emotional connection with an animal, they're much more likely to care about the future of that species," said Vecchio. "This online vote has helped bring attention to the plight of these animals."

May 7, 2009
ZOO CONCERT SALES STRONG -- DESPITE RUMORS, SERIES NOT CANCELED
Oregon's revered outdoor series returns with big names and summer fun

The B-52s bring their infectious dance-party beat to the Oregon Zoo stage, Friday, June 19, as part of the zoo's summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

PORTLAND, Ore. — What do baby Samudra, summer weather and the B-52s have in common? They're all part of the Oregon Zoo's 31st annual summer concert series presented by NW Natural.

"Our shows are the best place in the Northwest to experience music by world-class artists," said Krista Swan, zoo event coordinator. "And if you saw something about Washington Park concerts being canceled, don't panic -- the zoo's concerts are still happening. The canceled concerts were the ones at the Washington Park Amphitheater, next to the International Rose Test Gardens."

This year's zoo concert series promises to be an exhilarating experience with 18 shows from June through August. It is the longest-running outdoor concert series in the Pacific Northwest and one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

"This year's concert lineup has created quite the buzz," Swan said. "Almost half of the tickets for the entire season of premium shows are gone already, and the first concert is still a month away."

"Zoo Beat" premium shows include performances by the B-52s (June 19), Tears for Fears (July 11), Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Los Lobos (July 17), Indigo Girls (July 24), Jewel (July 31), Joan Baez (Aug. 14), Susan Tedeschi with JJ Grey & Mofro (Aug. 21), and Amos Lee (Aug. 28).

Wednesday "Zoo Tunes" concerts include appearances by Femi Kuti and the Positive Force (June 17), Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang (June 24), the 234th Army Band (July 1), Vieux Farka Touré (July 15), Riders in the Sky (July 22), Orchestra Baobab (July 29), the Wailers (Aug. 5), Jonatha Brooke (Aug. 12), and Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Aug. 19).

New this year is a showcase of local bands to take place Wednesday, July 8. Concert fans are asked to weigh in on which local bands they'd like to see perform that night. Voting for the showcase takes place through May 31 on the zoo's Web site.

"I'm always getting calls from local bands wanting to perform at the zoo," Swan said. "Because all of our concerts are fund-raisers for the zoo, we can't book shows that might not draw a full house. The local band showcase allows us to feature some great artists while still meeting the zoo's goals."

The zoo concert series is presented by NW Natural with support from KINK.fm and KOIN Local 6. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at the zoo.

Funds raised during the concert series support several conservation projects, including the protection of threatened and endangered Northwest species.

May 5, 2009
OREGON ZOO DIRECTOR TAKES NEW POSITION IN FLORIDA

Tony Vecchio, shown posing with his favorite Visayan warty pig, has served as the Oregon Zoo director for 11 years. He will continue his duties as Oregon Zoo director through July 6. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio announced this morning that he's leaving the zoo for the director's position at the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida. He will continue his duties as director through July 6.

"The Oregon Zoo is the positive icon it is today largely because of the contributions of Tony Vecchio," said Michael Jordan, chief executive officer of Metro, which governs the zoo. "His extraordinary ability to manage zoo operations, envision new exhibits and work collaboratively with a broad range of community members has made a lasting and positive impact on our region. He will be sorely missed."

Vecchio has had a storied tenure in Portland since his arrival in 1998. Under his leadership, the Oregon Zoo achieved record attendance in nine of the past 11 years and has become the most visited admission-based attraction in the Northwest with nearly 1.6 million visitors. Last fall, a successful bond campaign secured $125 million to help improve animal health and safety at the zoo.

"Portlanders really love their zoo," Vecchio said. "We've had so many successes over the past 11 years. I'm very proud of my staff for rising to every challenge. While I will miss the zoo and Portland, I feel this opportunity will provide me with new challenges - the Florida position was something I just could not pass up."

A passionate conservationist, Vecchio led zoo efforts to bring condors back to Oregon, as the zoo joined the California Condor Recovery Program in 2001. The zoo's condor program is its highest profile conservation effort, but not the only one. Because of Vecchio's leadership, the zoo has embraced a number of Northwest preservation projects aimed to save rare butterflies, frogs, turtles and rabbits.

In addition, Vecchio oversaw completion of the award-winning Great Northwest exhibit - a $36 million project - and, more recently, the $6 million fund-raising campaign to bring lions, African wild dogs, cheetahs and other carnivores to the Northwest as part of the Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, set to open this fall.

"Tony Vecchio has been a tremendous leader and tireless advocate for our zoo," said Jon Kruse, chair of The Oregon Zoo Foundation's board of trustees. "He has always had a clear vision of the future, and has led us to numerous successes -- many of which were thought to be too ambitious or simply not possible."

Prior to his tenure in Portland, Vecchio served as director of the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I., for a decade. He has been in the zoo business for 32 years and literally came up through the ranks to a director's post.

Vecchio is a former member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums board of directors, and is regarded as an established leader in the association's growing focus on conservation and educational programs.

May 4, 2009
NOTHING 'GRUFF' ABOUT THIS LITTLE GOAT
Abandoned mountain goat finds new home at Oregon Zoo

Montane, the orphaned mountain goat from Idaho, acclimates to her new home at the Oregon Zoo's Cascade Crest exhibit (in the early morning prior to the zoo opening). She will make her official debut at the Cascade Crest exhibit on May 11. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — After an inspirational rescue from the desolate mountains of Idaho, Montane the orphaned mountain goat seems to be adjusting well to her new home at the Oregon Zoo. She will make her official debut at the Cascade Crest exhibit on May 11.

"Montane is like a lap dog," said Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo's general curator. "She has a sweet disposition and is adapting very well. She was fortunate to find safety and a new home after her terrifying trek alone in the Idaho wilderness."

The young goat, apparently abandoned by her mother, was found alone in the mountains near Pocatello, Idaho. The Idaho State Department of Fish and Wildlife recovered the kid and later transferred her to the Oregon Zoo, where she was adopted into the zoo's herd.

The little goat was welcomed into the herd by Mom, the Oregon Zoo's adult mountain goat. Mom was introduced to the young mountain goat slowly through a "howdy" door, which opened between two exhibits, allowing the goats to interact and access each other's exhibits in order to form a bond.

Montane, a new mountain goat at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Melinda Holland, © Oregon Zoo.

To see video of Montane exploring her new home at the zoo, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/MontaneVNR.htm.

Mountain goat kids are generally weaned within a month, but they rely heavily on their mothers during their first year of life, according to Pfefferkorn. The mothers, or nannies, protect their kids by leading them away from danger, standing over them in the face of predators, and positioning themselves below the kids on steep slopes to prevent them from falling.

Mountain goats usually prefer steep, rocky areas in alpine and subalpine regions. They migrate between lowlands during the winter and high elevations in the summer. In the Pacific Northwest, wild mountain goats may be seen on various peaks in the Washington Cascades and Olympic Peninsula, as well as Oregon's Wallowa Mountains. About 100,000 mountain goats are estimated to live in North America.