Media Resources

Oregon Zoo seeks photos (of photos) for 125th Anniversary

May 16, 2013 - 09:55am

Got any old zoo photos? As its 125th anniversary approaches, the Oregon Zoo is seeking help in tracking down and sharing memories from throughout its history — and the older, the better, zoo officials say.
"It's amazing to think about," said Kim Smith, zoo director. "On Nov. 7, 1888, when this community zoo was founded, there were no cars, no planes, no TV, no radio. But there were cameras — the first Kodaks actually came out that same year. We're not expecting to see any pictures quite that old, but we'd love to see what zoo experiences people might have saved on film over the past 125 years."

'Legos at the Zoo' will celebrate rhinos, math, pastry

May 16, 2013 - 09:25am

Future engineers, inventors and roboticists from Oregon Episcopal School's "Lego Physics" program will show off their animal-themed creations at the Oregon Zoo this weekend: dozens of elaborate Lego constructions involving motors, programmable bricks, sensors and computers. The annual Legos at the Zoo science fair, free with regular zoo admission, takes place May 18-19 in the Kalahari Room, beneath the AfriCafe restaurant adjacent to the zoo concert lawn.

Zoo summer camps connect kids with nature

May 13, 2013 - 04:50pm

Northwest campers should be prepared for encounters with bears, cougars and bobcats this summer — not to mention giraffes, elephants and flamingos. The Oregon Zoo's popular summer camps return June 17, with programs for children 4 years of age through eighth grade. "Zoo camp is a great way for kids to have active outside fun and connect with nature," said Jennifer Whitener, program supervisor. "We'll be hiking, observing native wildlife, learning about animals — every day is an adventure."

Tilly's 'tough love' wins out: otter is named Zoo Mom of Year

May 10, 2013 - 09:05am

Talk about your political animals... The race to determine the Oregon Zoo's 2013 Mother of the Year grew heated at times but was thoroughly engaging, as keepers rallied behind their favorite animals and voters participated in record numbers. In the end, Tilly the river otter came out ahead with 47 percent of the vote, outpacing Asian elephant Rose-Tu (38 percent) and DeBrazza's monkey Brooke (15 percent).

Zoo conservationists to go 'Bowling for Rhinos' June 15

May 6, 2013 - 01:10pm

It's a critical time for rhinos worldwide. Conservationists estimate that in South Africa alone, a rhinoceros is killed every 15 hours. And with two of the five rhino species perilously close to extinction, the Oregon Zoo's Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser, now in its 24th year, is more important than ever. "Bowling for Rhinos is a great opportunity to help some of the most endangered animals on the planet," said zoo curator Michael Illig, who's helped organize the fundraiser since 1990. "Rhinos are in serious trouble, with poaching and illegal trade at their highest levels in more than 20 years."

Who's your mama? Zoo animals vie for 'Mom of the Year' honors

May 2, 2013 - 01:26pm

The Oregon Zoo will be naming its 2013 Zoo Mother of the Year next week, and the public is invited to help choose the winner. Keepers have narrowed the field to three top-notch moms and are asking people to vote for their favorite on the zoo's website.

Zoo says goodbye to Citation, oldest zebra in U.S.

May 1, 2013 - 05:30pm

In her youth, she was so fleet-footed she was named for a famous racehorse, but age finally caught up to Citation the Damara zebra, who was euthanized at the Oregon Zoo Monday night. At 37, Citation had been the oldest zebra in the entire U.S. zoo population. "We knew this day was coming, but that doesn't make it easier," said keeper Diane Gould, who worked with Citation ever since the zebra's arrival in Portland 14 years ago. "She had a great personality — very easygoing. She was well liked by keepers and staff ... even the other animals."

Hail Augustus: Zoo's new De Brazza's monkey gets a name

April 25, 2013 - 09:09am

The Oregon Zoo's new De Brazza's monkey finally has a name: Augustus. The youngster arrived — wide-eyed, blond and furry — more than a month ago, but his mom, Brooke, had kept him so close that keepers couldn't be sure of his gender until recently. Late-night keepers first spotted Augustus around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 24, and news of the baby spread quickly around the zoo.

Happy campers: Nike awards $10k to zoo nature program

April 23, 2013 - 05:10pm

The Oregon Zoo Foundation has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Nike Employee Grant Fund to help introduce low-income and minority youth to the benefits of outdoor camping and conservation, officials announced this week. The grant supports the zoo's Urban Nature Overnights program, which uses camping trips to teach recreation skills and basic environmental concepts to children who have not traditionally had access to outdoor experiences.

Zoo rescue operation saves endangered condor chick

April 17, 2013 - 02:44pm

The Oregon Zoo's newest spring arrival — a critically endangered California condor chick — hatched on April 11 at the zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation, but not without a little help. Zookeepers and veterinarians performed an emergency "assisted hatch," helping the little bird out of its egg and into the world. The chick had become stuck in the wrong position for hatching, unable to move inside its shell, and would not have survived much longer without the intervention.

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