November 24, 2009
ZOOLIGHTS' HOLIDAY TRADITION RESUMES AT OREGON ZOO
Zoo seeks food donations for Oregon Food Bank Dec. 1-18

More than 1.2 million bright bulbs illuminate the 22nd annual ZooLights festival, Nov. 27-Jan. 3. This holiday tradition, presented by The Boeing Company, features the popular Oregon steam train and life-size animal silhouettes and moving light sculptures throughout the zoo. The zoo is seeking nonperishable food donations for the Oregon Food Bank from Dec. 1-18. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo unveils more than 1.2 million bright bulbs illuminating the 22nd annual ZooLights festival, Nov. 27-Jan. 3. This holiday tradition, presented by The Boeing Company, features the popular Oregon steam train and life-size animal silhouettes and moving light sculptures throughout the zoo.

During a portion of ZooLights, Dec. 1-18, the zoo is seeking nonperishable food donations for the Oregon Food Bank. All visitors who donate are eligible for a drawing to win a $500 plush bear.

During this year's festival, families can expect to see their old favorites as well as some new surprises — a backyard scene near the zoo's train station, some interactive farm animals and an animated, roaring lion in honor of the zoo's new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, which opened in September.

Other new displays include a lighthouse and a totem pole, along with 3-D seahorses, sharks and a crab. These are only a few of the new ZooLights features this year. Over half of this year's lights are made of LEDs, which use about one-tenth the power of normal incandescent bulbs.

"ZooLights has become such a fantastic tradition in our community," said Mike Keele, acting zoo director. "Each year, this dazzling display of light and color gets bigger and better. The holidays wouldn't be complete without a walk through this winter wonderland to check out all the new touches."

The zoo entry plaza transports guests to Bremen, Germany, with a glowing replica of that city's statue depicting four farm animals from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "The Bremen Town Musicians." As folks work their way from the plaza down the boardwalk, they'll encounter classic ZooLights scenes such as leaping reindeer and tobogganing polar bears.

A right turn from the boardwalk deposits guests at the wheels of the famous Oregon steamer train, decked out in luminous finery for a holiday express jaunt around the zoo.

Visitors can continue on through Tiger Plaza to meet up with Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the good and wicked witches from the Land of Oz.

Life-size, three-dimensional beasts linger on the zoo's concert lawn, which has become a 180-foot-long meandering river of light. Hippos graze near the water while crocodiles lie in wait, ready to snap their jaws on unsuspecting prey. From above, an African fish eagle swoops down and scoops fish from the river.

Much-loved displays from previous years make an encore appearance, including a larger model train exhibit, trumpeting elephants and swinging siamangs. Visitors can dodge a dangling anaconda, watch playful penguins dive into arctic waters, and pass beneath a 35-foot-long Chinese dragon.

Music fanatics can enjoy the highly animated light silhouette of Mick Jaguar, who performs near the picnic area with his all-star animal band: Packy Pachyderm tickling the ivories, Richard Lion playing guitar, Gerri Giraffe on bass, Billy Bear on trumpet and Orville Orangutan on drums. The Ostrich Sisters add backing vocals.

Live music will resound throughout the zoo as well, with more than 100 schools, churches, professional groups and local dance troupes performing holiday musical selections.

Popular costumed characters and elves will greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer joins Buddy Beaver, Honey Bear, Eliza Elephant, Nate the Eagle, Sandy Sea Otter and Titus Tiger as they mingle among guests. Some of the zoo's animals will also be visible, including mountain goats, elephants, primates, and pettable sheep and goats.

For last-minute shoppers, the zoo's gift shop is bursting with animal-related gifts. Paintings by the zoo's talented elephant Rama are available for purchase on zoo grounds during festival hours.

The Cascade Grill will be open during ZooLights with its regular menu items and specials. AfriCafe and food carts throughout the zoo will also provide holiday treats and warm beverages every night during ZooLights.

To see a preview of the light display, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/preview.htm.

ZooLights runs Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, and is presented by The Boeing Company with additional support from Fox 12, PDX TV, KINK.fm + 101.9, and New Country 98.7 KUPL. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Guests have one hour past closing time to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities continue until the gates close. ZooLights is closed Dec. 24-25.

ZooLights package tickets, which include admission and a train ride, are $10.75 for adults (12-64), $9.25 for seniors (65 and older), $7.75 for children (3-11), and free for children 2 and under. For additional information, visit www.oregonzoo.org.

November 20, 2009
ZOO'S ANIMALS TO GOBBLE UP THANKSGIVING 'BEAST FEAST'
Zoo invites community to help Oregon Food Bank during long holiday weekend

The Oregon Zoo's meerkats love their papier-mâché turkeys (with crickets inside). Zookeepers and volunteers will be treating animals to a Beast Feast, with Thanksgiving-themed enrichment throughout the holiday weekend (Nov. 26-29). Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Leftovers, schmeftovers! Throughout the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, Oregon Zoo animals will gobble their way through their very own Beast Feast, a cornucopia of enrichment activities and treats aimed at stimulating their minds and stomachs.

The zoo also invites the community to help out the Oregon Food Bank by donating nonperishable food items at the zoo's entrance throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.

On Nov. 26 through 29, visitors can watch the zoo's animals tear into large papier-mâché turkeys (stuffed with treats) and an assortment of Thanksgiving goodies. Activities will take place daily around the zoo at the following areas and times:

Thursday, Nov. 26
11:30 a.m. — Lions
12:30 p.m. — Tigers
1:30 p.m. — Chimpanzees
2:30 p.m. — Cougar

Friday, Nov. 27
11:30 a.m. — African Wild Dogs
12:30 p.m. — Polar Bears
1:30 p.m. — Orangutans
2:30 p.m. — Bobcats

Saturday, Nov. 28
11:30 a.m. — Cheetahs
12:30 p.m. — Leopard
1:30 p.m. — Chimpanzees
2:30 p.m. — Cougar

Sunday, Nov. 29
11:30 a.m. — Lions
12:30 p.m. — Sun Bears
1:30 p.m. — Orangutans
2:30 p.m. — Bobcats

"The animals really enjoy these enrichment activities," said Mike Keele, acting zoo director. "They show a great deal of intelligence as they work to get their treats and it's obvious they benefit from it."

The zoo uses enrichment to keep animals mentally and physically stimulated, and to encourage hunting and foraging behaviors. Treats are designed with the specific animals in mind to maximize their enrichment. The zoo's Volunteer Enrichment Team worked with keepers to create all of this year's animal enrichment activities.

"Enrichment is critical to the health and well-being of the animals," added Keele. "It is often done behind the scenes, but the holiday season provides visitors with some unique opportunities to watch animals interact with their Thanksgiving treats."

Another Thanksgiving Day event begins early Thursday, as the Oregon Zoo hosts the annual Turkey Trot, organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club. This event includes a four-mile run and fitness walk, starting at 8 a.m., followed by a half-mile "Tot Trot" at 9:30.

November 20, 2009
ZOO TO RING IN HOLIDAYS WITH 'PRESENTS FOR PRIMATES'
Chimps, orangutans and mandrills enjoy holiday-themed enrichment at the Oregon Zoo

Chloe the chimpanzee enjoys some treats during Presents for Primates at the Oregon Zoo. Presents for Primates is part of the zoo's internationally renowned enrichment program, designed to encourage behaviors such as hunting and foraging. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Zoo primates will celebrate the holidays a little early this year. The zoo's annual Presents for Primates enrichment event — in which Santa's helpers (i.e., zoo primate keepers) present food-filled gift boxes to chimpanzees, orangutans and mandrills — takes place Thursday, Dec. 17, at 10:30 a.m.

Presents for Primates continues the following two weekends, with mandrills and chimps getting further enrichment items Dec. 19 and 26, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively, and orangutans receiving more gifts Dec. 20 and 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Members of the zoo's Volunteer Enrichment Team create the festive gift boxes for the occasion, while keepers and zoo veterinarians plan the contents. Primate treats include dry cereal, nuts, raisins and other dried fruit. Gift boxes are wrapped with paper made of nontoxic materials, and nonadhesive tape is used.

In addition to presents, the primates will receive cardboard "gingerbread" houses. Holes for windows and doors are cut into the houses, allowing keepers to hide treats inside them and encourage foraging behaviors. The cardboard houses also provide the animals with opportunities to control something in their environment — even if they simply opt to "deconstruct" them.

Enrichment items such as these gift boxes and gingerbread houses are used to encourage foraging behaviors. This is the eighth year that the primates have received boxed and wrapped food items for the holidays, but providing enrichment is a routine task for zookeepers. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, and zoo staff anticipates seeing playful, predatory and otherwise interesting activity from the animals.

To see video of a previous year's Presents for Primates activities, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/Primates.htm.

Chloe enjoys her wrapped treats during Presents for Primates at the Oregon Zoo. Presents for Primates is part of the zoo's internationally renowned enrichment program, designed to encourage behaviors such as hunting and foraging. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

Other primates (i.e., zoo visitors) can enjoy the holiday season during the zoo's 22nd annual ZooLights, which runs through Jan. 3. ZooLights is a family tradition featuring life-size animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways and the zoo train — decorated with more than a million holiday lights.

For a preview of the light display, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/preview.htm.

ZooLights is presented by The Boeing Company with additional support from Fox 12, PDX TV, KINK.fm + 101.9, and New Country 98.7 KUPL. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Guests have one hour past closing time to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities continue until the gates close. ZooLights is closed Dec. 24-25.

ZooLights package tickets, which include admission and a train ride, are $10.75 for adults (12-64), $9.25 for seniors (65 and older), $7.75 for children (3-11), and free for children 2 and under. For additional information, visit www.oregonzoo.org.

November 19, 2009
PETE, OREGON ZOO'S LAST GERIATRIC BLACK BEAR, EUTHANIZED
Veterinarians make decision after arthritis medication fails to alleviate bear's pain

Pete the black bear kicks back in his tractor tire at the Oregon Zoo's Black Bear Ridge exhibit. Pete, the zoo's beloved 18-year-old black bear, was euthanized yesterday after veterinarians determined his quality of life had been severely compromised by advanced age and debilitating arthritis. His tractor tire served as a kind of security blanket. Photo by Amy Cutting, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Pete, the Oregon Zoo's beloved 18-year-old black bear, who loved lounging with his favorite tractor tire, was euthanized yesterday after veterinarians determined his quality of life had been severely compromised by advanced age and debilitating arthritis.

Pete made his Oregon Zoo debut in March 2007, with the opening of Black Bear Ridge. He was named after Petersburg, Alaska — the city where he had been found orphaned as a cub in January of 1991.

"Bears typically live a lot longer in zoos than they do in the wild, so it's pretty common for their joints to wear out," said Mitch Finnegan, zoo veterinarian. "When their pain becomes untreatable, euthanasia is the only humane option."

According to zookeepers, most black bears don't have their very own giant tractor tire. But Pete's tire was special, a sort of security blanket; he had it for almost his entire life.

"Pete was a remarkable bear," said keeper Virginia Grimley. "He was laid-back and brought a lot of happiness to the keepers who worked with him — and he really loved that tire."

Zoo staff brought the tire with Pete from his previous home at Wildlife Images, near Grants Pass, where he had resided for 16 of his 18 years.

Pete the black bear poses for the camera at his home in the Black Bear Ridge exhibit at the Oregon Zoo. Pete, the zoo's beloved 18-year-old black bear, was euthanized yesterday after veterinarians determined his quality of life had been severely compromised by advanced age and debilitating arthritis. Photo by Carli Davidson, © Oregon Zoo.

"It's a very sad time at the zoo," said Michael Illig, assistant curator. "I'll miss seeing him kicking back in his tire — soaking up the sun and checking out visitors. He was just a very special bear."

All three of the zoo's geriatric bears have passed away this past year. The zoo is currently seeking to acquire three black bears from an accredited zoo in Utah.

Black bears are the smallest of the three bear species native to North America, which include the grizzly and the polar bear. An estimated 600,000 black bears inhabit North America. They can grow up to 6 feet long and range from 90 to 400 pounds. They communicate through body and facial expressions, sounds, touch and scent markings.

November 19, 2009
RARE OREGON ZOO-REARED FROGS ENJOY SUCCESSFUL RELEASE
Zoo's current spotted frog population growing, newly released frogs healthy

With the Oregon spotted frog disappearing from the wild at an alarming rate, the Oregon Zoo and its dedicated conservation partners are striving to repopulate the Pacific Northwest with this important amphibian. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released 80 frogs earlier this week, 12 raised at the zoo, hoping to ensure the species' survival. Photo by Julie Cudahy, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) disappears from the wild at an alarming rate, the Oregon Zoo, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and their conservation partners are working to repopulate the Pacific Northwest with this important amphibian. Earlier this week, the WDFW released around 80 frogs into the wild, including a dozen that had been reared at the zoo.

Spotted frogs are endangered in Washington and Canada, and threatened in Oregon. Over the past 50 years, the frogs have lost around 90 percent of their previous habitat.

"The key to reestablishing spotted frogs in the wild is nurturing the frogs in zoos until they are fully metamorphosed, yet not fully grown," said to Dr. David Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo conservation scientist. "They have a much better chance of survival if they're released as frogs rather than tadpoles."

The Oregon spotted frog faces an uncertain future. Non-native American bullfrogs and game fish are among the predators putting the species in peril. However, predators are not the only danger to the spotted frog — the deadly chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), which originated in Africa, threatens amphibian populations worldwide.

These mass 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 take action.

In 2007, the frog reintroduction program was first developed through a collaborative effort by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Fort Lewis, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Washington State Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Woodland Park Zoo, Port Blakely Tree Farms, Washington Department of Natural Resources, NW Zoo & Aquarium Alliance, U.S Geological Survey, Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre and The Nature Conservancy.

Gilbert Gomez of the Oregon Zoo releases a rare Oregon spotted frog into a wetland at Fort Lewis. The Oregon spotted frog is disappearing from the wild at an alarming rate, and the zoo and its dedicated conservation partners are striving to repopulate the Pacific Northwest with this important amphibian. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released 80 frogs earlier this week, 12 raised at the zoo, hoping to ensure the species' survival. Photo by Julie Cudahy, © Oregon Zoo.

Dr. Shepherdson has been working closely with the WDFW for the past 12 years, ensuring that field aspects of the program have sufficient volunteer assistance for egg mass surveys and collection.

"Much of the conservation partnership's success is linked to the excellent relationship Dr. Shepherdson maintains with us," said Dr. Marc Hayes of the WDFW. "He has been instrumental in engaging volunteers and keeping the Oregon Zoo involved in the Oregon Spotted Frog Working Group."

The process of collecting eggs, rearing tadpoles and releasing frogs generally takes about six months and elicits stronger results each time. This week's successful release left conservationists hopeful that progress will continue, allowing the program to expand to other wetlands in the Northwest.

The Oregon Zoo has also opened an exhibit highlighting the native amphibian and the efforts to save it.

"We hope the frogs on exhibit — named Kirk, Spock and Scotty by one of our keepers — inspire visitors to join the zoo in its conservation efforts," said Shepherdson. "Much like their namesakes, they serve as ambassadors for their planet."

Visitors can see the amphibian trio at the Cascade Stream and Pond building of the Great Northwest Exhibit.

To watch videos of Oregon spotted frogs, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/FrogRelease.htm and www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/oregon_tadpoles.htm.

November 12, 2009
OREGON ZOO CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING WITH THE ANIMALS
Animals receive enrichment activities and treats to enhance the holiday season

The Oregon Zoo's meerkats love their papier-mâché turkeys (with crickets inside). The meerkats and other zoo animals receive Thanksgiving-themed enrichment throughout the holiday weekend (Nov. 26-29). Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — On Thursday, Nov. 26, Oregon Zoo animals will celebrate Thanksgiving with a cornucopia of enrichment activities aimed at stimulating their minds and stomachs.

Throughout the four-day holiday weekend (Nov. 26-29), animals will receive large papier-mâché turkeys and Thanksgiving platters filled with an assortment of delectable treats at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

"The animals really enjoy these enrichment activities," said Mike Keele, acting zoo director. "They show a great deal of intelligence as they work to get their treats and it's obvious they benefit from it."

The zoo uses enrichment to keep animals mentally and physically stimulated, and to encourage hunting and foraging behaviors. Treats are designed with the specific animals in mind to maximize their enrichment. The zoo's Volunteer Enrichment Team worked with keepers to create all of this year's animal enrichment activities.

"Enrichment is critical to the health and well-being of the animals," added Keele. "It is often done behind the scenes, but the holiday season provides visitors with some unique opportunities to watch animals interact with their Thanksgiving treats."

Another Thanksgiving Day event begins early Thursday, as the Oregon Zoo hosts the annual Turkey Trot, organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club. This event includes a four-mile run and fitness walk, starting at 8 a.m., followed by a half-mile "Tot Trot" at 9:30.

November 12, 2009
ZOO TO HOST 'ORANGUTAN AWARENESS WEEKEND' NOV. 14-15
Educational activities highlight challenges faced by orangs in the wild

Inji helps celebrate Orangutan Awareness Weekend at the Oregon Zoo on Nov. 14-15. The event highlights these critically endangered creatures and their struggle to escape extinction. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo and Orangutan Outreach celebrate Orangutan Awareness Weekend, Nov. 14-15, showcasing these highly endangered creatures and their struggle to escape extinction.

Zookeepers and volunteers will staff displays providing information about orangs in the wild and what you can do to help. Interactive activities in primate exhibit's atrium will include a floor puzzle, an opportunity to compare your arm span to that of an orangutan, and orangutan cutouts to color and "repopulate a forest."

According to Orangutan Outreach, it could be fewer than 10 years before orangutans have completely vanished from the wild. Habitat loss, palm oil plantations and an illegal pet trade are pushing them toward extinction.

"A cause like this is very important to us," said Amy Dunning, primate keeper at the zoo. "We hope our resident orangutans — Kutai, Inji and Batik — serve as ambassadors to help make people more aware of what is going on in the wild. We are trying to create awareness and give opportunities for people to take action. Any little thing people choose to do will ultimately make a difference."

Orangutan Awareness Weekend is free with zoo admission.

November 9, 2009
ZOO WELCOMES $2 TUESDAY GUESTS, OFFERS SPECIAL DAY FOR MILITARY
Active and retired military personnel to be admitted free on Veterans Day, Nov. 11

As the state unemployment rate continues to reach double digits, the Oregon Zoo hopes its $2 admission price on Tuesday, Nov. 10, will help ease the burden for families struggling to cope in an uncertain economy. The following day, Nov. 11, the zoo will mark Veterans Day by offering free admission for military veterans and active military personnel. Zoo goers can visit the popular Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, which just recently opened to much fanfare. Photo by Julie Cudahy, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the state unemployment rate continues to reach double digits, the Oregon Zoo hopes its $2 admission price on Tuesday, Nov. 10, will help ease the burden for families struggling to cope in an uncertain economy.

"Every second Tuesday of the month, we offer a significant discount on admission in hopes of making the zoo accessible to everyone," said Mike Keele, interim zoo director. "With animals here representing every continent, this could be the most affordable way to see the world." The zoo's popular Second Tuesday admission-discount program is sponsored by Bank of America.

The following day, Nov. 11, the zoo will mark Veterans Day by offering free admission for military veterans and active military personnel.

"We greatly appreciate the bravery of those who serve in the military and the sacrifices they've made on our behalf," Keele said. "On Veterans Day, to show our gratitude, we'd like to give them a free day at the zoo."

To receive free admission Nov. 11, visitors must show a military or veteran organization ID, discharge papers or other official military identification. The Veterans Day free admission offer does not extend to family members.

November 9, 2009
ZOO 'DINE & DISCOVER' EVENT PRESENTS FINE FOOD, FELINES
Oregon Zoo general curator shares with guests in first of four dinner events

Indulge in African-inspired cuisine during the Oregon Zoo's Dine & Discover event, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Zoo General Curator Chris Pfefferkorn (pictured right) will discuss his experiences working with the Matabeleland Leopard and Cheetah Research Program in Zimbabwe. Photo © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Indulge in African-inspired cuisine during the Oregon Zoo's Dine & Discover event, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. in the zoo's Vista Room. From appetizers to dessert, the three-course feast is a safari for the palate.

Zoo General Curator Chris Pfefferkorn will discuss his experiences and share some photos from his work with the Matabeleland Leopard and Cheetah Research Program in Zimbabwe. The program uses radio collars to monitor the distribution and status of these fascinating cats.

"This is sure to be a memorable evening for our guests," said Kris Terich, Oregon Zoo Foundation special events manager. "Chris is quite passionate about this conservation project and has made several trips to Africa to help these endangered felines."

The food portion of the evening begins with appetizers: petite veggie and meat pies, grilled flatbread with various toppings, imported and domestic cheeses, mushroom pâté with baguette and garnishes, and spicy barbecued turkey tenderloin with grilled pineapple chutney.

Butter lettuce salad with tropical salsa and champagne vinaigrette, Napa cabbage roll stuffed with shredded beef and rice with red lentil sauce, spiced and grilled game hen with roasted tomato curry, braised vegetables and yam fritters round out the dinner course.

The best is saved for last: a Tanzanian chocolate-and-passion-fruit mousse cake with chai-scented whipped cream.

Dine & Discover is a series of intimate food-and-wine experiences representing regions from around the world and fascinating animals. Each evening starts with a reception featuring delectable appetizers. The meal, a masterpiece of regional fare created by Zoo Executive Chef Paul Warner, is accompanied by a presentation from a zoo staff member or guest speaker.

The Dine & Discover series continues on Jan. 13, Feb. 14 and March 17.

Cost for the evening is $85 per person, or $650 per table of eight, for the November and January dates. Cost for February and March dates is $100 per person, or $750 per table of eight. Seating is limited to the first 100 paid registrants. For reservations, call 503-220-2492 or e-mail kris.terich@oregonzoo.org.

Proceeds from Dine & Discover support the zoo's Future for Wildlife fund. Each year, Future for Wildlife offers grants to projects directly contributing to the survival of animal populations in the wild, such as Pfefferkorn's Matabeleland leopard and cheetah study. Other funded projects include repairs to the perimeter wall of the Humboldt penguin reserve in Punta San Juan, Peru; development of an environmental education program on Rodrigues, Mauritius; and a survey of endangered turtles in Hainan, China.

November 3, 2009
LOCAL FAMILIES GET FIT BEFORE PACKING ON POUNDS
Zoo invites community to help Oregon Food Bank during annual Turkey Trot Nov. 26

Samudra runs around the elephant yard. He and his mom (and the rest of the herd) will greet visitors as they complete their Turkey Trot on Nov. 26. This year, ORCC and the zoo are inviting the community to help out the Oregon Food Bank by donating nonperishable food items during Turkey Trot. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Zoo invites runners and walkers of all ages to its annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 26. The Thanksgiving Day event, organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club, includes a four-mile run and fitness walk, starting at 8 a.m., and a half-mile "Tot Trot," beginning at 9:30. A portion of Turkey Trot proceeds will fund animal care and conservation programs at the zoo.

"The Turkey Trot has become an annual tradition for Oregon families and their relatives visiting from out of town," said David Cook, ORRC president. "It's a great thing to do prior to sitting down to a big Thanksgiving Day meal."

This year, ORCC and the zoo are inviting the community to help out the Oregon Food Bank by donating nonperishable food items during Turkey Trot. Bins will be available at the Forestry Center during registration and at the zoo entrance all day.

Events are noncompetitive and do not include awards. Clocks will be available at the start and finish lines for participants who wish to time themselves. Each event starts at the World Forestry Center and finishes inside the zoo by the concert amphitheater. For information and registration forms, visit www.orrc.net/races/turkey_trot/turkey_tba.htm.

The hornbill and other Oregon Zoo animals will welcome Turkey Trotters on Thanksgiving Day. This year, ORCC and the zoo are inviting the community to help out the Oregon Food Bank by donating nonperishable food items during Turkey Trot. Photo by Michael Durham, © Oregon Zoo.

Pets and roller skates are not allowed in any of the events. Participants with strollers or child-carrier backpacks are allowed only in the four-mile fitness walk and must start at the back of the group.

Parking is limited, and participants are encouraged to ride MAX. TriMet's Washington Park light-rail station is just steps away from the registration area and starting lines. TriMet timetables are available at www.trimet.org.

"For more than 35 years, the Oregon Road Runners Club has encouraged thousands of people to take steps to improve their health by walking and running," Cook said.

The ORRC, a nonprofit organization, was founded in Seaside, Ore., in 1970 as an outgrowth of the Trail's End Marathon, the first marathon held in the Pacific Northwest. The club is a member of the national Road Runners Club of America, and is one of the largest RRCA running clubs in the United States with roughly a thousand members. The club conducts races and developmental programs for children, adults, runners and walkers, and plans and organizes more than 15 running and walking events in the Portland vicinity. For more information, visit www.orrc.net.

November 2, 2009
OREGON 'ZOOTEEN' STUDIES POLAR BEARS IN THE ARCTIC
'Ambassador of the Arctic' returns from Canada with message about global warming

ZooTeen Patricia Billette recently returned from a 10-day trip to Churchill, Canada, where she learned more about how climate change is affecting polar bears in the wild. Photo © Oregon Zoo.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Patricia Billette of Beaverton recently returned from Churchill, Canada, after spending 10 days studying the plight of polar bears. The Southridge High School junior worked closely with scientists in the field during the polar bear migration and now serves as an "Ambassador of the Arctic."

"I loved meeting and working with people from around the world who share my passion for the polar bears and the environment," Billette said. "Seeing the bears up close was unlike anything I've ever experienced. It truly helped me understand the importance of combating climate change."

Billette, a volunteer with the Oregon Zoo's ZooTeens, attended the Polar Bears International leadership camp because she was interested in learning more about preserving polar bears and their habitat. She hopes to have a positive impact on people's behavior by influencing their interactions with the environment and stimulating positive changes.

"I hope to connect with community members by describing what I saw in Churchill," Billette said. "I want to use what I learned to show people why this is so important."

Climate change is affecting glaciers and ice sheets, global sea level, species distribution and extinctions, and the frequency and intensity of droughts, heat waves and possibly hurricanes. Over the past 25 years, the summer sea-ice melt period has lengthened, and the summer sea-ice cover has declined by more than a half million square miles.

Polar bears' diet consists almost exclusively of seals even though the bears are not aquatic; their only access to seals is from the surface of the sea ice. Because of their dependence upon the ice, temperature changes directly affect the carrying capacity of the Arctic for polar bears.

"This trip has definitely had an impact on my daily life," said Billette. "I now realize many ways in which I can live more efficiently and reduce my carbon footprint."

Each Ambassador of the Artic attending the camp developed an action plan to help raise awareness about issues in the Arctic and the difficulties polar bears are facing. Billette already has plans to travel to several community events and a local elementary school to educate kids about the importance of reducing their impact on the environment.

"I really want to convey how incredible the tundra is," Billette added, "so people understand why it's worth the effort to protect it."

Billette listed a few easy steps anyone can take to help the environment and decrease the effects of climate change. People can start at home by recycling more, changing to light bulbs that use less energy, and choosing reusable bags and mugs.

"Most people don't think about the true benefits of recycling," Billette noted. "It doesn't help as much unless you create a market for the reused goods. Buying products made from recycled goods encourages more recycling, which significantly helps reduce our impact on the planet."

Billette also stressed the importance of making small changes, such as unplugging electronics when they're not in use. These changes add up quickly, she noted, and can have a lasting, positive impact on the earth.

"Another important thing the community can do is spread awareness," Billette said. "Sharing what you know and demonstrating changes you've made helps others understand and begin making lifestyle changes of their own."

This is the fifth year PBI has hosted its annual science leadership camp. PBI is a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Dan Guravich, a wildlife photographer internationally renowned for his work with polar bears. The organization works to conserve the world's polar bears through research and education.

PBI sponsors the teens while in Canada; the Oregon ZooGuides, a dedicated team of adult volunteers, sponsored the cost of Billette's plane ticket. Columbia Sportswear equipped Billette with outerwear for her wintry journey.

To learn more about Billette's Arctic polar bear adventure, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/ArcticAmbassador2009.htm.