Oregon Zoo supports the fight for justice and reform

Without our community, the Oregon Zoo wouldn't exist. In this time of crisis, we have a responsibility to our community to speak up.

The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many others have once again brought into focus our nation's long history of discrimination and violence against Black people.

Black people face systemic racism. As a white man, I don't know their experience. My experience is one of privilege. But what I know is this: because of racism, communities of color face the greatest barriers to thriving in the Portland metro region and across the United States. We have to change.

Each of us plays a role in effecting this change. We owe it to our communities to listen and take action. We need to be united in our demands for justice and reform. We can't stop making these demands until Black communities are safe and free, living with dignity and without fear. At the Oregon Zoo, we commit to creating a safe and welcoming environment for Black people, Indigenous people and people of color.

We support the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight against injustice.