Zoo chefs will prepare brunch buffet for moms and families
A day at the zoo teaches us many things about how primates interact, eat and communicate with one another – especially when those primates are our very own family members. On May 13, human moms, their mates and their offspring will be on display, feasting and socializing at the Oregon Zoo’s annual Mother’s Day brunch.
The brunch will take place in the Oregon Zoo’s Cascade Crest Banquet Center; first seating is at 9 a.m. and last seating is at 1 p.m. The buffet includes a spread of pastries and quick breads, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, made-to-order omelets, carved ham, breakfast potatoes and French toast with maple syrup, as well as assorted salads and desserts. Espresso drinks will be available for purchase.
Prices for the brunch are $24 for ages 12 and up, and $10 for children ages 3-11. Prices do not include zoo admission, which is not required to attend brunch. All revenue directly supports the Oregon Zoo’s work in conservation, education and animal welfare. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 503-525-4299.
After getting seconds, thirds, or even fourths from the buffet, make sure to visit with some of the other dedicated mothers at the zoo, including Asian elephant Rose-Tu, mother to Samudra with another calf on the way, and Coco, a 60-year-old chimpanzee, who is not only an excellent mother but is also the zoo’s oldest resident.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles, Oregon spotted frogs and Kincaid’s lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The zoo relies in part on community support through donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs. The zoo is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26 at exit 72. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Find fare and route information online or by calling TriMet Customer Service at 503-238-RIDE (7433).
General zoo admission is $10.50 (ages 12-64), $9 for seniors (65 and up), $7.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $4 per car is also required. Additional information is available by calling 503-226-1561.
Hova Najarian at 503-220-5714 or hova.najarian@oregonzoo.org
Chelsea Mitchell at 503-220-5716 or chelsea.mitchell@oregonzoo.org