Oregon Zoo Dinos Press Kit: News Releases

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News Releases

May 1, 2008: T. REX 'FLIES' 200 FEET IN THE AIR AT OREGON ZOO
May 1, 2008: DINOSAURS ARRIVE AT THE OREGON ZOO
April 24, 2008: DINOSAURS MAKE TRACKS TO OREGON ZOO
April 23, 2008: DINOSAURS INVADE OREGON ZOO THIS SUMMER
March 26, 2008: DINOSAURS ROAR BACK TO LIFE AT OREGON ZOO
January 10, 2008: PORTLAND GOES PREHISTORIC
December 19, 2007: DINOSAURS BOTH FAMILIAR AND NEW TO APPEAR AT OREGON ZOO
August 8, 2007: DINOSAURS ROAR BACK TO LIFE AT THE OREGON ZOO

May 1, 2008

Contacts: Bill LaMarche 503-220-2448 (office) or 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office) or 503-441-7573 (pager)

MEDIA ALERT

What: A crane lifts a 45-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex 200 feet in the air and lowers it into place, as the zoo prepares for its blockbuster summer exhibit, "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo, opening May 17.

When: Friday, May 2, at 10 a.m.

Where: The Oregon Zoo elephant overlook area. Media should meet Bill at Gate D, and he will escort you to the site.

Note to Editors: To see a video of zoo staffers wrangling a newly arrived and ferocious-looking megalosaurus, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/dinosaursArrive08.htm.

T. REX 'FLIES' 200 FEET IN THE AIR AT OREGON ZOO

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A huge crane will lift a ferocious-looking, 45-foot-long T. rex into its new home along the dino trail at the Oregon Zoo on May 2 at 10 a.m. T. rex and his companions form the zoo's blockbuster outdoor exhibit, "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo, set to open May 17 and running through Labor Day.

Chendra, the Asian elephant, welcomes 45-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex to the Oregon Zoo's elephant yard. Don't worry, they got along famously. T. rex and many other dinosaurs will soon stalk zoo visitors during the blockbuster "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo. The exhibit runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity.
© Oregon Zoo

Crane lifts 45-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex to the Oregon Zoo's elephant yard.
© Oregon Zoo

To see a video of zoo staffers wrangling a newly arrived and ferocious-looking megalosaurus, visit www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/dinosaursArrive08.htm.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

Caption: Chendra, the Asian elephant, welcomes 45-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex to the Oregon Zoo's elephant yard. Don't worry, they got along famously. T. rex and many other dinosaurs will soon stalk zoo visitors during the blockbuster "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo. The exhibit runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity.

May 1, 2008

Contacts: Bill LaMarche 503-220-2448 (office) or 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office) or 503-441-7573 (pager)

Note to Editors: Dinosaurs have arrived at the Oregon Zoo in preparation for the May 17 grand opening of "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo. Video of zoo staffers uncrating and wrangling a ferocious-looking megalosaurus is available for pick-up.

DINOSAURS ARRIVE AT THE OREGON ZOO
Dinos complete their journey from Texas as zoo prepares for blockbuster exhibit

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Mayday! Mayday! The dinos are here! A ferocious-looking T. rex and more than 20 of his prehistoric pals arrived at the Oregon Zoo today following a long journey from McKinney, Texas. These giants will form the zoo's blockbuster outdoor exhibit, "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo, set to open May 17 and running through Labor Day.

Dinosaur Keeper Forrest Jonson bravely unloads a dangerous megalosaurus at the Oregon Zoo. Megalosaurus and many other dinosaurs will soon stalk zoo visitors during the blockbuster "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo. The exhibit runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity.
© Oregon Zoo

Chilling prehistoric roars will soon reverberate through lush canopies, as zoogoers experience a trip back in time. Visitors will follow a trail through an ancient rain forest, surrounded by life-size animatronic dinosaurs that roar, snarl and move with realistic ferocity. Along the way, massive footprints signal the proximity of the most fearsome prehistoric predator of all: Tyrannosaurus rex. The path will also feature activity stations with fossil digs, photo-opportunity spots and identification posts geared to all ages.

Among the 25 animatronic creatures on display, visitors will discover a total of 14 species -- from the impressive brachiosaurus and the fierce T. rex, to the 2-foot-tall compsognathus and the flying pteranodon. Young visitors may prefer the slow-moving herbivore species, along with several animatronic baby dinosaurs and dinosaur egg nests.

"T. rex is the star of the show, of course," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Stegosaurus, triceratops, the long-necked sauropods and all the popular carnivores are all represented. And some dinosaurs are just so funky that we had to have them -- like the dome-headed pachycephalosaurus."

Each of the dinosaurs is built on a steel frame and covered with intricately painted foam-rubber skin. State-of-the-art electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs' grasping hands, menacing claws and gnashing teeth. Strategically placed alternative paths will lead parents with younger visitors to activity stations, where they learn what these giants ate, how they cared for their young, what their relationships to other animals were like, possible reasons they became extinct and more.

Admission is $4 plus regular zoo admission. Dinosaurs! presented by Wells Fargo is also sponsored by KPTV Fox 12, KPDX 49, Z100, K103 Portland's Soft Rock, NewsRadio 1190 KEX, Univision-KUNP TV, KXPD LaX Radio and KXPD TV Azteca-America.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

Caption: Dinosaur Keeper Forrest Jonson bravely unloads a dangerous megalosaurus at the Oregon Zoo. Megalosaurus and many other dinosaurs will soon stalk zoo visitors during the blockbuster "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo. The exhibit runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity.

April 24, 2008

Contacts: Bill LaMarche 503-220-2448 (office) or 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office) or 503-441-7573 (pager)

MEDIA ALERT

What: The dinosaurs arrived at the Oregon Zoo after their migration from McKinney, Texas.

Why: In preparation for the May 17 Dinosaurs! grand opening, the Oregon Zoo shot a video of the dinos' uncrating.

When: May 1, 2008

DINOSAURS MAKE TRACKS TO OREGON ZOO
Zoo's Web site follows dinos' trek from Texas to Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Head 'em up and move 'em out! Dinosaurs are getting ready to leave McKinney, Texas, on a journey to their summer home at the Oregon Zoo. Their progress can be tracked on the zoo's Web site, www.oregonzoo.org, beginning Monday, April 28. The zoo's blockbuster outdoor exhibit, "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo, opens May 17 and runs through Labor Day.

A Tyrannosaurus rex will soon stalk Oregon Zoo visitors. "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity.

Chilling prehistoric roars reverberate through lush canopies, as zoogoers experience a trip back in time. Visitors follow a trail through an ancient rain forest, surrounded by life-size animatronic dinosaurs that roar, snarl and move with realistic ferocity. Along the way, massive footprints signal the proximity of the most fearsome prehistoric predator of all: Tyrannosaurus rex. The path also features activity stations with fossil digs, photo-opportunity spots and identification posts geared to all ages.

Among the 25 animatronic creatures on display, visitors discover a total of 14 species -- from the impressive brachiosaurus and the fierce T. rex, to the 2-foot-tall compsognathus and the flying pteranodon. Young visitors may prefer the slow-moving herbivore species, along with several animatronic baby dinosaurs and dinosaur egg nests.

"T. rex is the star of the show, of course," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Stegosaurus, triceratops, the long-necked sauropods and all the popular carnivores are all represented. And some dinosaurs are just so funky that we had to have them -- like the dome-headed pachycephalosaurus."

Each of the dinosaurs is built on a steel frame and covered with intricately painted foam-rubber skin. State-of-the-art electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs' grasping hands, menacing claws and gnashing teeth. Strategically placed alternative paths lead parents with younger visitors to activity stations, where they learn what these giants ate, how they cared for their young, what their relationships to other animals were like, possible reasons they became extinct and more.

Admission is $4 plus regular zoo admission. Dinosaurs! presented by Wells Fargo is also sponsored by KPTV Fox 12, KPDX 49, Z100, K103 Portland's Soft Rock, NewsRadio 1190 KEX, Univision-KUNP TV, KXPD LaX Radio and KXPD TV Azteca-America.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

# # #

Caption: A Tyrannosaurus rex will soon stalk Oregon Zoo visitors. "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity.

April 23, 2008
Contacts: Bill La Marche 503-220-2448 (office); 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office); 503-441-7573 (pager)
SimEx-Iwerks: Amylynn Buckner 416-597-1585 ext. 701 - e-mail: amylynnbu@simex.ca

DINOSAURS INVADE OREGON ZOO THIS SUMMER
Zoo unveils popular thrill ride 'Dino Island II: Escape From Dino Island'

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon Zoo visitors come eye-to-eye with a threatening Tyrannosaurus rex, soaring pteranodons and other dinosaurs during a return engagement of the popular 3-D thrill ride, "Dino Island II: Escape From Dino Island." The feature, produced by SimEx-Iwerks, runs May 17 through Labor Day, in conjunction with the zoo's blockbuster summer dinosaur exhibit.

Tony, the world's last remaining T. rex, chews up the scenery in "Dino Island II: Escape From Dino Island." The 3-D thrill ride runs May 17 through Labor Day at the Oregon Zoo. Image courtesy of SimEx-Iwerks.

"Dino Island" catapults riders straight into the action. As an erupting volcano threatens to destroy life on the island, the Earth Science Team must rescue "Tony," the only male T. rex left in the world. It's a race against time, as lava flows, cliffs break away and dinosaurs come at riders from every direction.

Nearly 372,000 people have experienced the zoo's simulation theater since it premiered in May 2003, generating close to $1.5 million for many conservation and education programs at the zoo.

"Dino Island" plays in the SimEx-Iwerks simulation theater located on the former entry plaza directly across from the Amur tiger exhibit, close to the Zoo Railway Station. In addition to regular zoo admission, a $4 ticket is required. Zoo members receive a 50-cent discount. Due to the limited number of seats, a maximum of 800 visitors per day are able to experience the ride.

The zoo's summer exhibit, "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo opens May 17 and runs through Labor Day. Zoo visitors can follow a trail through an ancient rain forest, surrounded by life-size animatronic dinosaurs that roar, snarl and move with realistic ferocity. Along the way, massive footprints signal the proximity of the most fearsome prehistoric predator of all: Tyrannosaurus rex. The path also features activity stations with fossil digs, photo-opportunity spots and identification posts geared to all ages. Admission to the outdoor dinosaur trail is $4 plus regular zoo admission.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

Caption: Tony, the world's last remaining T. rex, chews up the scenery in "Dino Island II: Escape From Dino Island." The 3-D thrill ride runs May 17 through Labor Day at the Oregon Zoo. Image courtesy of SimEx-Iwerks.

March 26, 2008

Contacts: Bill LaMarche 503-220-2448 (office) or 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office) or 503-441-7573 (pager)

DINOSAURS ROAR BACK TO LIFE AT OREGON ZOO
Visitors of all ages can expect BIG thrills at zoo's new dino exhibit

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Chilling prehistoric roars reverberate over lush rain-forest canopies as the Oregon Zoo takes visitors back millions of years with its summer blockbuster exhibit, "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo. The outdoor experience opens May 17 and runs through Labor Day.

Zoo visitors follow a trail through an ancient rain forest, surrounded by life-size animatronic dinosaurs that roar, snarl and move with realistic ferocity. Along the way, massive footprints signal the proximity of the most fearsome prehistoric predator of all: Tyrannosaurus rex. The path also features activity stations with fossil digs, photo-opportunity spots and identification posts geared to all ages.

Among the 25 animatronic creatures on display, visitors discover a total of 14 species -- from the impressive brachiosaurus and the fierce T. rex, to the 2-foot-tall compsognathus and the flying pteranodon. Young visitors may prefer the slow-moving herbivore species, along with several animatronic baby dinosaurs and dinosaur egg nests.

"T. rex is the star of the show, of course," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Stegosaurus, triceratops, the long-necked sauropods and all the popular carnivores are all represented. And some dinosaurs are just so funky that we had to have them -- like the dome-headed pachycephalosaurus."

Each of the dinosaurs is built on a steel frame and covered with intricately painted foam-rubber skin. State-of-the-art electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs' grasping hands, menacing claws and gnashing teeth. Strategically placed alternative paths lead parents with younger visitors to activity stations, where they learn what these giants ate, how they cared for their young, what their relationships to other animals were like, possible reasons they became extinct and more.

Admission is $4 plus regular zoo admission. Dinosaurs! presented by Wells Fargo is also sponsored by KPTV Fox 12, KPDX 49, Z100, K103 Portland's Soft Rock, NewsRadio 1190 KEX, Univision-KUNP TV, KXPD LaX Radio and KXPD TV Azteca-America.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

# # #

Caption: A Tyrannosaurus rex will soon stalk Oregon Zoo visitors. "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 25 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity.

January 10, 2008

Contacts: Amy Carrier (Rose Quarter) 503-797-9671
Andrea Middleton (OMSI) 503-797-4677
Bill LaMarche (Oregon Zoo) 503-220-2448

MEDIA ALERT

What: A baby T. rex from "Walking With Dinosaurs" visits OMSI to help kick off the Year of the Dinosaur. Dinosaurs are invading Portland, as the Mayor and Metro Council declare 2008 the official Year of the Dinosaur. The baby T. rex is swift, powerful and loud; he should make for a memorable event. ("Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience" takes place Jan. 16-20 at the Rose Garden.)

When: Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 10:30 a.m.

Who: Metro Councilor Robert Liberty leads the festivities kicking off the Year of the Dinosaur. "Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience" brings an impressive 9-foot baby T. rex that interacts with and awes schoolchildren (and their parents).

Why: The Year of the Dinosaur is designed to help celebrate the international importance of dinosaurs and the scientific field of paleontology.

Where: OMSI.

Note to editors: To see the baby T. rex from "Walking With Dinosaurs" in an appearance on "Live With Regis and Kelly," visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPF_uU61als.

PORTLAND GOES PREHISTORIC
Dinosaurs invade Portland as Mayor and Metro Council declare 2008 'Year of the Dinosaur'

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Dinosaurs are invading Portland in 2008, but don't head for the hills, because these creatures are friendly. Well, sort of. Throughout 2008, dinosaurs take the Rose City by storm, with stunningly realistic dinosaurs at attractions throughout the Portland metro area.

A mother T. rex and her baby are just two of the featured creatures during "Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience" at the Rose Garden. Fifteen life-size dinosaurs walk the arena floor -- feeding, fighting, protecting their young, defending their territory and convincing a live audience that dinosaurs are alive and present. The biggest dinosaurs are enormous, with the adult Brachiosaurus standing more than 40 feet tall. (www.rosequarter.com)

"The Portland metro area has not seen this many dinosaurs since the great extinction," said Robert Liberty, Metro Councilor. "It seems that at every corner of the city you'll discover a dinosaur either standing, walking, running or waiting to pounce."

Portland Mayor Tom Potter and the Metro Council have officially declared 2008 the "Year of the Dinosaur." The Year of the Dinosaur is designed to help celebrate the international importance of dinosaurs and the scientific field of paleontology.

"Our community and tourists alike will experience the most exciting dinosaur exhibits, shows and works of art ever to grace Oregon," said Liberty.

Several Portland-area attractions are participating in 2008's Year of the Dinosaur through a number of activities, including:

Jan. 16-20: "Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience" at the Rose Garden. Fifteen life-size dinosaurs walk the arena floor -- feeding, fighting, protecting their young, defending their territory and convincing a live audience that dinosaurs are alive and present. The biggest dinosaurs are enormous, with the adult Brachiosaurus standing more than 40 feet tall. They represent state-of-the-art new 360-degree animatronic technology going beyond current techniques that have been developed for the film and TV industries. The dinosaurs have been praised for their realistic movement and attention to detail. Based on the award-winning BBC series, "Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience" is both a study in natural history and an engaging, innovative piece of live entertainment. (www.rosequarter.com)

Feb. 2-Sept. 1: "Dinosaurs: China's Ancient Giants" at OMSI. Travel back in time 200 million years and witness China's most spectacular ancient inhabitants in the largest collection of authentic Chinese fossils ever toured. "China's Ancient Giants" features 20 complete dinosaur skeletons (both casts and fossils), interactive touch screens, activity carts, a "dig pit" where kids of all ages can become paleontologists for a day, and a 67-foot-long adult Mamenchisaurus, the longest-necked dinosaur ever! Other rarely seen dinosaurs featured in the exhibit include the fierce Velociraptor, the feathered Caudipteryx, the plant-eating Lufengosaurus and the duck-billed Tsintaosaurus. (www.omsi.edu/dinos)

Feb. 20-24: Children's dinosaur garden display at the Portland Expo Center Home & Garden Show. Leach Botanical Garden hosts the plant sale area at the spring show, which includes a wide selection of plants from area nurseries. Enjoy 25 beautiful garden showcase designs with a focus on sustainability -- plus a special children's dinosaur garden display. Admission: $12 general; $5 ages 6-12. (www.otshows.com)

March 1-June 1: "Hatching the Past: Feathered Dinosaur Eggs and Babies" at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden. Take a rare and exciting look at the life of feathered dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and embryos. This remarkable exhibition gives credence to long-debated theories that dinosaurs and birds are closely related. A captivating experience for all ages, "Hatching the Past" invites visitors to dig for eggs, experience hands-on exploration stations, view an animated video presentation and see colorful illustrations of dinosaur family life. Free with garden admission. (www.portlandchinesegarden.org)

May 17: Children's Nature Fair, featuring "Dina Spore," at Leach Botanical Garden. Kids of all ages can meet the garden's new native plant mascot, Dina Spore, and experience a variety of hands-on educational activities. Learn about dinosaurs and where they lived, find fossils and learn about the plants that dinosaurs ate. Donation: $2 per child. Dina Spore will be unveiled at the garden's Spring Soiree on Feb. 19, and will also make an appearance at their plant sale on April 19. (www.leachgarden.org)

May 17-Sept. 1: "Dinosaurs!" outdoors at the Oregon Zoo, presented by Wells Fargo. Take a walk through an ancient rainforest and discover towering dinosaurs. Come eye-to-eye with 20 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity. Discover the impressive brachiosaurus and the fierce T. rex, the flying Pteranodon, the Deinonychus ("terrible claw"), and other favorites including Stegosaurus and Triceratops. Kids can dig for fossils, find dinosaur egg nests and track a T. rex! (www.oregonzoo.org/dinos)

May 17-Aug. 2: "Ancient Trees: Walking in the Footsteps of Dinosaurs" at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. What were trees like when dinosaurs roamed? Which ones did the dinosaurs eat? Follow the giant footsteps through this intriguing look back in time, and explore 25 living specimen trees representing ancient plant groups and the herbivores that ate them. (www.worldforestry.org)

May 22-Sept. 1: "Dinosaur Revolution" at the Portland Children's Museum. Become a dinosaur and take a journey through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods before landing in the present and discovering evidence of dinosaur doings as a Junior Paleontologist! (www.portlandcm.org)

Nov. 1: "Godzilla in the Garden" at the Portland Japanese Garden. A matinee showing of the classic Japanese film. The movie, which shows at 1 p.m., is free with regular paid admission. Reservations are required, and may be made starting six weeks before the event. (www.japanesegarden.com)

As part of the 2008 Year of the Dinosaur, organizations throughout Portland are showcasing 9-foot dinosaur statues that have been painstakingly painted by local artists and schools. Each statue has a distinct theme and helps demonstrate Portland's appreciation for these prehistoric creatures.

Visitors can view statues at OMSI, the Oregon Historical Society, the Portland Children's Museum, the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center, Leach Botanical Gardens and the Rose Quarter. The Art Institute of Portland, Portland Trail Blazers and the Portland LumberJax will also have statues on display around the city.

A Tyrannosaurus rex will soon stalk Oregon Zoo visitors. "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 20 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity. Discover the impressive Brachiosaurus and the fierce T. rex, the flying Pteranodon, the Deinonychus ("terrible claw") and other favorites, including Stegosaurus and Triceratops. (www.oregonzoo.org/dinos)

"The 9-foot dinosaurs should spark a heightened interest in the prehistoric period sweeping our region," said Liberty.

The Year of the Dinosaur has been made possible through the combined efforts of the aforementioned organizations alongside the Office of Mayor Tom Potter, Metro Council and the Portland Oregon Visitors Association. For more information, please visit www.travelportland.com.

The Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

Caption1: A mother T. rex and her baby are just two of the featured creatures during "Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience" at the Rose Garden. Fifteen life-size dinosaurs walk the arena floor -- feeding, fighting, protecting their young, defending their territory and convincing a live audience that dinosaurs are alive and present. The biggest dinosaurs are enormous, with the adult Brachiosaurus standing more than 40 feet tall. (www.rosequarter.com)

Caption2: A Tyrannosaurus rex will soon stalk Oregon Zoo visitors. "Dinosaurs!" presented by Wells Fargo runs May 17-Sept. 1, and features 20 animatronic prehistoric creatures that roar, snarl and move with lifelike ferocity. Discover the impressive Brachiosaurus and the fierce T. rex, the flying Pteranodon, the Deinonychus ("terrible claw") and other favorites, including Stegosaurus and Triceratops. (www.oregonzoo.org/dinos)

December 19, 2007

Contacts: Bill LaMarche 503-220-2448 (office) or 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office) or 503-441-7573 (pager)

DINOSAURS BOTH FAMILIAR AND NEW TO APPEAR AT OREGON ZOO
Zoo visitors of all ages should expect a roaring good time at DINOSAURS!

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo is preparing a gigantic exhibit for summer 2008. From May 24 through Labor Day, zoo visitors can walk through an ancient rain forest, surrounded by realistic dinosaurs that move with lifelike ferocity. Massive tracks along the way signal the proximity of the most fearsome prehistoric predator of all: Tyrannosaurus rex. The path will also feature activity stations such as fossil digs, photo opportunity spots and identification stations geared to all ages.

Among the 20 animatronic creatures on display, visitors will encounter a total of 14 species, from the impressive brachiosaurus and the fierce T. rex to the 2-foot-tall compsognathus and the flying pteranodon. Several animatronic baby dinosaurs and dinosaur egg nests are also featured.

"T. rex is the star of the show, of course," Vecchio said. "Stegosaurus, triceratops, the long-necked sauropods and all the popular carnivores will be represented. And some dinosaurs are just so funky that we had to have them -- like the dome-headed pachycephalosaurus."

In summer 2007, the zoo conducted a survey via its Web site to determine which dinosaurs the public most wanted to see.

"In selecting the featured species, we looked at the survey data together with opportunities for showing some lesser-known dinosaurs," explained Tony Vecchio, zoo director. For instance, while velociraptors have appeared in high-budget movies, the deinonychus is a similar, but more unusual species.

Each of the dinosaurs is built on a steel frame and covered with intricately painted foam-rubber skin. State-of-the-art electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs' movements, complete with grasping hands, climbing claws and gnashing teeth. Strategically placed alternative paths lead parents with younger visitors to activity stations, where they will learn what these giants ate, how they cared for their young, what their relationships to other animals were like, possible reasons they became extinct and more.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12--64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

August 8, 2007

Contacts: Bill LaMarche 503-220-2448 (office) or 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office) or 503-441-7573 (pager)

DINOSAURS ROAR BACK TO LIFE AT THE OREGON ZOO
Life-size dinosaurs debut next summer -- and the zoo needs your help!

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Towering dinosaurs surround you. One of them, a tyrannosaurus rex, greets you with a ferocious roar. No, he won't eat you. These fearsome creatures are part of the Oregon Zoo's new dinosaur exhibit, scheduled to open in May 2008.

A ferociously lifelike tyrannosaur encourages people to "Vote Rex!" The Oregon Zoo is seeking the public's help in choosing which prehistoric beasts to feature in a new animatronic dino exhibit, set to open in May 2008. To learn more and vote for your favorites, please visit www.oregonzoo.org/dinos. Photo courtesy of Billings Productions.

More than 20 animatronic dinosaurs are set to arrive next summer, and the zoo is asking the public to help choose which prehistoric beasts should be featured in the exhibit. Visitors to the zoo's Web site can vote for their favorites among a variety of dinosaurs, from the flesh-eating tyrannosaurus to the plant-eating stegosaurus and the fish-eating baryonyx.

To vote and check out the possibilities, visit www.oregonzoo.org/dinos and take the online survey.

Each dinosaur is built on a steel frame and covered with intricately painted foam-rubber skin. State-of-the-art electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs' movements, making them remarkably lifelike.

"These realistic dinosaurs will send chills down your spine," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "When people hear the roar of a T. rex or allosaurus, they'll be searching for a place to hide."

The exhibit trail will be located in a lush, tropical setting, similar to the ones dinosaurs once inhabited.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

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Caption: A ferociously lifelike tyrannosaur encourages people to "Vote Rex!" The Oregon Zoo is seeking the public's help in choosing which prehistoric beasts to feature in a new animatronic dino exhibit, set to open in May 2008. To learn more and vote for your favorites, please visit www.oregonzoo.org/dinos. Photo courtesy of Billings Productions.