Things to Do

ZOO OFFERS HANDSON EXPERIENCES WITH EXOTIC ANIMALS

hey’re unlikely stable mates: a pygmy goat, a silky chicken, a couple of llamas, a few pigs, an emu and a dog. A trio of kangaroos share an enclosure nearby. The stable itself is unconventional — a large part of a 7,000-square-foot former banquet hall at Aquarium Village in South Beach. A pair of macaws walk along the fence; other birds are perched up high in the rafters.

“My family has always had animals,” said Blaine Brown, founder of Newport Discovery Zoo, an animal sanctuary offering up-close encounters with threatened and endangered animals, animals you are likely to only encounter in zoos.

His grandfather imported animals for zoos, Brown explained. Brown owned pet stores in Spokane, Wash., before selling them when he came to the coast to care for his grandfather.

“I thought about a pet store, but people just don’t know how to take care of stuff,” he said. Instead of providing animals, why not set something up where people could come visit these animals and learn about them, he thought.

He pointed out that alligators are illegal in all the western states, but people still seem to find ways to acquire them as pets. When alligators are confiscated, they are usually destroyed, Brown said. In addition to a pair of alligators, Brown said the zoo is home to a Nile crocodile, as well.

Working with state agencies in Oregon and Washington, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Exotic Animal Rescue, the zoo provides a home for animals that would otherwise be destroyed, educating the pubic on the often rarely seen animals, Brown said. The zoo works with Oregon Reptile Man, who usually takes animals on visits to schools and libraries but is currently doing online education.

The zoo has two Nile monitors, an African version of a Komodo dragon. “They’ll rip your arm. They don’t make good pets. People don’t comprehend how big they get, what their needs are, what they’re going to eat,” Brown said

Some current residents at the Zoo are: alpacas, six-banded armadillos, kinkaju, poison dart frogs, fennec foxes, tortoises, African crested porcupine, Agouti, rattlesnakes, geckos, cobras, chameleons, tarantulas, fruit-dove, ducks and rainbow lorikeet.

“Resident critters come and go as they move on to other zoo, sanctuaries, become a part of important breeding programs, etc.”

The zoo is offering admission by appointment only at this time. Appointments can be made on their Facebook page or by phone at 541-961-6371. The zoo is located at 3101 SE Ferry Slip Road, South Beach The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center celebrates the history, art, diverse culture, commerce, and scientific research that is of the ocean. The Pacific Ocean fosters a diversity of fisheries that includes a far-reaching commercial fishing fleet, vital to this Oregon Coast community. The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center’s exhibits and programming are dedicated to telling the stories of those who share a desire to live and work where sea meets land, and along its rivers and estuaries. The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is a major museum and interactive center that incorporates the working wharf, educational programs, and local maritime uses. The center features maritime-related exhibits and art. It has been designed to attract, educate, and entertain all ages, instilling in local residents and visitors a sense of place and community, a place they will want to visit again and again. Located in an impressive building on Newport’s historic Bayfront, the building and site were purchased by the Lincoln County Historical Society in 2004. The site was first graced with a home built in the 1880s for Dr. James Bayley and his wife, Elizabeth. That building burned in 1923, leaving only the foundation and chimney. A new home was built in 1925 by World War I hero General Ulysses Grant McAlexander on the site. In the late 1970s and early 80s, the structure underwent extensive remodeling and expansion and reopened as Smuggler’s Cove, a restaurant and nightclub.

HATFIELD MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

Located in South Beach, Newport, Oregon, Hatfield Marine Science Center is Oregon State University’s marine lab serving as a base for distinguished oceanographic research and education, providing academic programs and opportunities for students in secondary and post-secondary education. HMSC doubles as an interactive exhibits for families and school groups to interact with the local marine wildlife. Simulate the various tides and tidepools, touch sea anemones and build tsunami safe structures and test them! Play in the Augmented Reality Sandbox or the Erosion Tank! When you first walk in, you will come in contact with an octopus! There is fun for all ages. Pay a small donation to keep the marine science center going and enjoy an afternoon at HMSC!

OREGON COAST GLASSWORKS

Located on Hwy 20, Oregon Coast Glassworks is Newport’s center for beautiful art and exciting glass experiences. As the premier Native American owned and operated glass blowing gallery in the area, they offer glass blowing classes, free glass blowing demonstrations, and a gift gallery full of incredible sea life and animal sculpture, bowls, platters, floats, handcrafted jewelry, local beach agates and other handcrafted items from local artists. They also offer memorial glass items and the expertise to create your own unique custom glass project. Stop by and see their extraordinary art gallery of hand blown glass or design the perfect gift for yourself or a friend!