Spring 2018

ZooTracks Oregon Zoo Member Magazine | Spring 2018

SO MUCH

TO SEE

AND

DO AT THE

ZOO

Who’s who at the zoo page 5

Hang with Josie the Sloth page 14

A message from the

Oregon Zoo Foundation

Roaring with pride at your zoo Since the day I joined the Oregon Zoo Foundation Board of Trustees in 2010, I have remained incredibly proud of the progress the zoo continues to make in its critical mission to create a better future for wildlife—largely thanks to the widespread support of our generous members, voters, and supporters like you.

With community passage of the bond measure in 2008, exciting developments here have grown in leaps and bounds. Added to the long list of accomplishments is an advanced Veterinary Medical Center and our innovative Education Center— which offers a vast new world of capabilities for adults and children alike to gain a better understanding of the marvelous creatures living around us and what each of us can do to help protect them. As a testament to our top priorities in conservation, we welcomed an orphaned sea otter, now named Lincoln.

This young pup is thriving and growing at Steller Cove, one of my favorite stops when I visit the zoo with my family.

The mission of the Oregon Zoo Foundation is to foster community pride and involvement in the Oregon Zoo and to secure financial support for the zoo’s conservation, education and animal welfare programs.

Oregon Zoo Foundation Board of Trustees Rob Erickson, Chair Raimund Grube, Vice Chair Pete Norman, Treasurer Sharla Settlemier, Secretary Franco Albi

Sigrid Button Laurie Christensen Tracey Clark Derek Conrad Debby Deering Lynda Gardner Nan Heim

Deborah Herron Nicole Isle Campbell Kidd Bob Maloney Deb Mrazek Laura Rosencrantz Kim Van Syoc

Every effort has been made to list current and accurate information. If you see an omission or error, we would love to hear from you. Would you like to give feedback regarding this publication? Please contact Charu Uppal at 503-220-5738 or charu.uppal@oregonzoo.org.

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With the help of social media, the zoo continues to expand its message about the importance of wildlife conservation, reaching the greater public on a scale like never before. What’s more, our Second Chances videos featured on Facebook offer an inspiring look into the lives of orphaned, injured or misplaced animals that might not otherwise have survived if not for the loving home and expert care they found here at the zoo.

Rob Erickson

In an effort to strengthen and expand programs that define the strategic excellence of the Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Zoo Foundation staff and board will focus on funding top strategic program priorities and enhancements to the home stretch of the bond measure projects, including Polar Passage, Black Rhinos and Primate Forest.

These are a few shining examples of how your generosity and investment in the Oregon Zoo Foundation is making remarkable things happen for wildlife. This is only the beginning!

I’m extremely excited about what lies ahead for this outstanding organization as we carry on our vital work to advance education, animal welfare and wildlife conservation. And, we’ll do it all together.

With gratitude,

Rob Erickson Chair, Oregon Zoo Foundation Board of Trustees

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Animal Tracks Who’s new around the Oregon Zoo?

The playful, gentle, yet hardy Nigerian dwarf goats hail from West Africa. These gregarious little animals are considered rare by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, but are most often used on farms as dairy goats for their butterfat and protein-rich milk, and also as pets. Their gentle nature makes them good companions for children, people with disabilities, and elderly people. They are browsers, eating tips of woody shrubs and trees, which also improves land by clearing blackberry and weedy undergrowth that other livestock won’t eat. The small goats are also popular because of their many colors; gold, black, Dalmatian-spotted, chocolate, and many other combinations.

Meet the kids! See Ruth the Nigerian dwarf goat and Sonia the Nubian goat at the Family Farm.

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Reaching up to 18 mph in flight, the Southern ground hornbill is a capable predator, and also the largest of the hornbill species. Their diet consists mainly of insects, but they won’t hesitate to consume amphibians, small reptiles, mammals, and other birds. Primarily monogamous, during breeding season males inflate internal air sacs and let out a series of deep booming sounds to attract a mate. These massive birds can be found in open woodlands, savannas and lightly wooded grasslands and are listed as a vulnerable species.

See hornbills (along with giraffes and gerenuk) in the African Savanna.

A “Norable” Update Nora, an orphaned polar bear cub from the Columbus Zoo, briefly called the Oregon Zoo her home last year. In her short time as an Oregonian, Nora managed to belly-flop her way into the hearts of many a zoo goer. This past fall, Nora took a big trip to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, to share a habitat with a polar bear called Hope. The relationship between Hope and Nora had predictably slow beginnings as Nora’s experience with other polar bears was limited. By December their tentative interest in one another began to grow until one day they were playfully wrestling in the pool together. Nora is often the one to initiate play, while Hope can often be seen patiently allowing Nora to climb right over her during their play sessions. In spite of Nora’s rough start in life, she has made tremendous progress in settling into her new surroundings and acclimating to her new companion.

We always knew there was “Hope” for Nora!

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Zoo and Banfield Pet Hospital partner to share

CAT CARE TIPS

Whether you’re caring for an African lion or a cuddly tabby, many elements of cat care remain the same. With that in mind, the zoo has partnered with Banfield Pet Hospital on an expanded lion-keeper talk series.

Big Cat Care, presented by Banfield, offers visitors firsthand glimpses into how zoo animal-care experts provide preventive care and enrichment for the lions, and how guests can do the same for their domestic cat companions.

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The program is part of a larger partnership between the zoo and Banfield. Other collaborations include the Family Farm Catio opening May 1 BrushAsk your your cat—he’ll it! kind —where guests will encounter cats vetlove what Long-haired and learn how to keep their own of diet is cats bestneed for your cat. to be brushed often. feline friends active and engaged —and zoo camp sessions featuring Banfield Pet Academy presentations about responsible pet care.

Support your cat’s senses Encourage your cat to leap with catnip, a box to sit in and run by using toys that and a window perch. mimic prey.

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Big Cat Care runs every Saturday from March 31 through May 25. Talks expand to Saturdays and Sundays May 26 through June 3, and run daily beginning June 9 through the summer season. Talks take place at 11 a.m. at the Big Cat Care stage in Predators of the Serengeti.

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Our keepers set up

All cats, big and small, Zoo nutritionists prepare learn grooming habits “From nutrition to enrichment to a diet for each big cat that veterinary care, cats big and small from their mothers. provides the calories and share similar needs.” said Dr. Daniel vitamins it needs.

Aja, Chief Medical Officer, Banfield Pet Hospital.

Who’s who at the zoo

Animal keeper spotlight: Beth Foster post similar to the one you might find in your home, albeit on a much larger scale. “I wrap large logs with tightly wound hemp rope and hang it in their bedrooms. They love to claw at it and even hang off of it!” remarked Beth.

Beth Foster, Africa keeper, has worked with lions and painted dogs for 16 years. Every morning, she makes her rounds through Predators of the Serengeti, feeding and checking in on the welfare of each animal in her care. She spends thirty percent of her mornings on training and enrichment of these powerful and intelligent carnivores to keep them active, healthy and able to participate in their own care. Her afternoons are often spent doing paperwork (an essential but less glamorous part of the job!), then circling back for feeding and afternoon enrichment.

Some of Beth’s favorite predators are the lions.

“They are just like dogs—playful, goofy, fun-loving, interactive and sweet when they want to be.” Each day, Zawadi—the large-maned male often seen perched up on his rock—greets Beth, frequently offering a friendly snarl that echoes across the habitat. He and the rest of the pride recognize her from the other keepers, demonstrating the bond that she has with these big cats developed through one-on-one enrichment and training. The one-on-one interaction provides a glimpse into each cat’s personality, health and wellness.

Education is an equally important aspect of Beth’s job. She spreads awareness about the plight of big cats through workshops, seminars, and in her daily interactions with zoo visitors. She frequently collaborates with field experts to stay up-to-date on the latest information on caring for big cats. Beth noted that, “Unfortunately, the number of lions is decreasing in the wild. Over the past decade the numbers have dropped from over 200,000 lions in the wild to approximately 20,000. That number will continue to drop unless a major conservation effort is put into action. The declining numbers can be attributed to habitat loss, poaching and human-lion conflict.”

A simple way to contribute to help the conservation of these majestic animals is to reduce your carbon footprint by consuming less, reusing, and recycling, while also donating to worthy conservation organizations like the Oregon Zoo Foundation who make it their mission to protect wild animals here at our zoo and in the wild.

Beth enjoys innovating and brainstorming new ways to keep the cats moving, motivated and engaged. She finds inspiration by observing our cuddly house cats and what they enjoy for enrichment. One successful creation, inspired by such observations of cats playing with teaser toys, was a massive rope toy made from butcher paper suspended from the roof of the lion enclosure (which they proceeded to pounce on and then rip to shreds). The lions also enjoy a scratching 5

Visit once or explore everyday.

Unlimited admission for one year

Free entry to zoo events, including Howloween, Rabbit Romp and Twilight Tuesdays

Early Bird admission – 30 min. early member-only entrance March – September

Free additional guest ticket with proof of Trimet ridership

Summer concert pre-sale notifications

Reciprocal admission to 150+ AZA zoos and aquariums nationwide

PAMA - Reciprocal admission to one featured local attraction each month through 2018

Weekly e-newsletter with zoo news

Discounts on • Train • • Carousel • • Food • • Gift shop •

Membership is tax deductible

Members support global and local conservation through their donation

Through membership, visitors learn about wildlife and conservation

Souvenir photos Camps and classes Behind-the-scenes tours Giraffe encounters

Become an Oregon Zoo member today!

• Sign up on your next visit at the membership office • Visit oregonzoo.org/membership • Call 503-505-5493 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Park. Right. Meow.

Plan your next trip to the zoo

Parking Kitty mobile app makes your parking experience simple, the way it should be. Park, pay, and be on your way.

Explore Washington Park can help!

Visit explorewashingtonpark.org for information on:

Available on Google play or app store or at www.parkingkitty.com or by calling 503-278-5748.

• Parking Kitty mobile app makes parking easier than ever

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• Real-time parking

• Updated parking availability calendar

• Transit options and locations of Park and Rides • Washington Park venues and event schedules • Park construction projects

Summer camps for your animal lovers presented by

Enrich your kids with a day camp like no other!

Campers explore little-known areas of the zoo, learn about animals by meeting them face-to-face, and leave inspired to care for the natural world.

Full-day camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Half-day camps (for 4 year olds through entering kindergarten) are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Early arrival and late pick-up options are available from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Every day, all campers can expect to experience: • Themed activity with a coordinating zoo tour on topics like: adaptation, habitats, ecology, conservation, and zoo purpose.

• Art projects like: create a creature, build a habitat, design an exhibit, or storyboard a conservation comic.

Early campers get to see behind-the-scenes areas like the greenhouse and the Veterinary Medical Center

• Journaling entries with topics including are you a wildlife explore, defender, or keeper?

• Special visits from animals like hedgehogs, ducks, snakes, lizards, and insects.

• Train rides • Keeper talks • And more…

• Games and stories • Wildlife Live show

Intermediate campers will participate in activities featuring guest speakers, including Banfield Pet Hospital veterinarians, U.S. Fish and Wildlife rangers and Forest Service representatives.

Older campers get out in the field to places like Oxbow Park, the Portland State University biology department and the zoo’s off-site condor breeding facility.

For registration and a full list of camps visit

oregonzoo.org/camps

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ZOO CALENDAR

What’s happening at the zoo

APRIL 22

MAY 5

MAY 13

JUNE 16

Earth Day

Safe Kids Day

Mother’s Day Brunch

Pollinator Party

Celebrate our planet and the wildlife on it! Featuring music, activities, and keeper talks.

Hosted by Safe Kids Portland Metro, this event has activities and games for kids and parents to learn about safety and injury prevention.

Treat mom to a sweet and savory spread!

Reservations: mothersdaybrunch@ oregonzoo.org or call 503-525-4289

Celebrate the bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other creatures that help keep our ecosystems healthy!

SEPTEMBER 29

OCTOBER 19

Senior Safari

Oktoberfest

Squishing of the Squash

See why the zoo isn’t just for kids! Free admission for everyone 65 years and older with one companion.

Free samples of Oregon beer, live entertainment and German-inspired fare, plus activities for kids.

Watch pachyderms pulverize giant pumpkins!

SEPTEMBER 18

presented by

WILDLIFE LIVE 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Take Flight!

Watch birds soar overhead as you learn about birds from all over the globe and how they adapt to their habitats.

12 p.m. Scale Tales Meet one of our boa constrictors, while staff debunk myths about snakes and share how important they are to the environment.

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presented by

Summer 2018 Schedule Shows run daily June 9 to September 3.

All shows are weather-dependent and do not occur on concert days.

presented by

Summer Camps JUNE 18 – AUGUST 24 Daily camps connect kids with wildlife.

Register at oregonzoo.org/camp

JUNE 17

JUNE 19, JULY 17 & AUGUST 21

JUNE 21

Father’s Day

Twilight Tuesday

World Giraffe Day

Spend a day with the father figure in your life and visit some of the zoo’s furry and ferocious animal dads.

Enjoy summer evenings at your zoo with local beer and wine, and a variety of activities for kids.

Learn about giraffes’ unique traits, the threats they face, and how you can help—featuring activities and keeper talks.

OCTOBER 20-21 & 27-28

LEARN MORE

Howloween

oregonzoo.org/events

Trick-or-treaters earn goody bags full of candy and prizes while learning about wildlife on a scavenger hunt throughout the zoo.

Portland Thorns match up with the Oregon Zoo! July 6, 2018 Portland Thorns vs. Utah Royals

For every ticket sold through the Oregon Zoo’s link below, $7 will be donated to give a second chance to orphaned, injured or displaced animals who found a home here at the Oregon Zoo.

Purchase tickets at fevo.me/OregonZooThorns to give an assist, help score a goal for animal welfare and be entered to win exciting prizes!

Grand Prize

Behind the Scenes Oregon Zoo tour and signed Thorns jersey

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Post–game meet and greet invitations 9

ZooTeens break the ice about climate change

One of their projects involved a game inspired by the way polar bears travel across ice floes. Ice floes are polar bears’ main method of transportation, and as the ice melts, they are unable to get to the resources they need to survive. The game the teens invented involves foam boards that represent the sea ice that is essential to polar bears’ survival in the wild. The “sea ice” is arranged in a hop-scotch game format where participants hop from sea ice to sea ice; with each turn, once piece of ice is removed.

Eventually the participant cannot move forward because there is not any ice left. This game allows the ZooTeens to begin conversations with others about how to protect polar bears and their habitat through small actions.

— ZooTeens supported by FedEx Ground

YOU CAN HELP US

TURN

In 2017, 16 teams from across the globe entered the Project Polar Bear competition organized by Polar Bears International. During the competition, teen-driven groups created plans to engage communities to help reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and fight climate change. The Oregon Zoo’s cohort of teen volunteers—the ZooTeens—brought home the third place prize!

THINGS AROUND

As team leader Catherine Mudd explained, “You don’t have to completely change your lifestyle to save the polar bears, but small collective actions can create a huge impact.”

—ZooTeens supported by Fedex Ground

Try these small actions at home and help save wildlife!

KNOW YOUR CANDY

CREATE A BACKYARD HABITAT

Palm oil is the world’s most popular vegetable oil, and it can be found in some of your favorite candies. Unfortunately, producing palm oil can destroy tropical habitats and create conflict between palm oil farmers and wildlife that can lead to animal injury or abandonment, like with our elephant, Chendra. Help break the link between palm oil and deforestation by writing companies to encourage them to do the right thing for wildlife: oregonzoo.org/use-your-reach No room for a garden? No problem. Make a bug bath to give butterflies, bees and birds a place to rest. Fill a tray with water and pebbles or sand and place it outside. Pebbles provide minerals, a place to perch and mosquito prevention, and water quenches their thirst.

MAY 19 2018 Endangered Species Day

UNPLUG YOUR ELECTRONICS

Things like microwaves, chargers and extension cords are like electric vampires that continue to use electricity as long as they are plugged into the wall.

Learn more at oregonzoo.org/small-actions 10

Visit the zoo to discover the importance of protecting endangered species and the everyday actions you can take to help them survive.

ACROSS: 1) Also known as a fruit bat, can only be found on Rodrigues, a tiny island east of Madagascar 2) A 64-acre park located in Portland that began in 1888 with a single grizzly bear

Do you know your

DOWN: 1) Kings of the jungle

Oregon Zoo ANIMALS? 1

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2 2 4 3

3) Long living, shelled reptile that is the largest of its kind on the African continent

To learn more about these animals and find the answers visit oregonzoo.org/discover/animals

4) Has fine, touch sensitive hairs all over its “naked” body, that help it to navigate in the dark 5) The name of this cat comes from the Turkish word “karakulak” meaning “black ear”

3) World’s fastest land animal and Africa’s most endangered cat

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2) Males inflate internal air sacs and let out a series of deep booming sounds to attract their mates

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6) Smallest carnivore in Africa that primarily feeds on insects

4) This kaleidoscopic, cone-headed lizard has swiveling eyes 5) The scientific name for this canine is Lycaon pictus 6) Tallest landbased mammal in the world, standing up to 18 feet tall

M ust do activities on your

next visit to the Oregon Zoo!

Take a picture at the photo booth at Sankuru Trader Eat an Elephant Ear Visit Chupacabra, the Patagonian mara, in the African Rainforest Catch the 12:30 p.m. elephant activity at Forest Hall Find the ZooKey box at the Naked mole rat exhibit Climb the rock wall, like a mountain goat Visit the Insect Zoo and find a bug that hisses Send a letter from the Oregon Zoo railway post box Visit the new Family Farm Catio, presented by Banfield Pet Hospital Check out Wildlife Live, presented by Portland General Electric, at the amphitheater

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Answers Across: 1. Flying Fox 2. Oregon Zoo 3. Spurred Tortoise 4. Naked Mole Rat 5. Caracal 6. Dwarf Mongoose Answers Down: 1. Lions 2. Hornbills 3. Cheetah 4. Veiled Chameleon 5. Painted Dog 6. Giraffe

Transforming the heart of the zoo, t The welfare of the animals in our care is at the heart of everything we do every day. Decades ago, the Oregon Zoo established animal welfare as our guiding principle. In 1974, we were the second zoo in the country to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (there are now over 200) and animal welfare is at the core of accreditation standards.

Great animal care involves both art and science. We base our work on the best science and invest our passion and creativity in providing our animals with the best foods, top-notch veterinary care, stimulating activities, and habitats that support each species’ needs. We use scientific methods as well as our deep familiarity with our animals to monitor them throughout the day, all to support their physical, social and emotional health and natural behaviors.

In 2008, when we reached out to you for support, we were struggling to maintain these standards because many of our facilities dated to the zoo’s 12

opening in the 1950s and were antiquated and dilapidated. Thanks to our community’s support for a $125 million public bond, we’ve completed five of eight major projects including custom-designed habitats, a state-of-the-art veterinary care clinic and modern systems that save money, water and energy.

Generous private donations are helping to enhance these projects.

Now, get set because we’re about to break ground on the final three animal habitats that will transform the very heart of the zoo. This summer, you’ll see construction fences go up and old buildings come down as the first steps to replacing outdated facilities with new, expansive and stimulating habitats for primates, polar bears and rhinos.

The old primate building will be demolished and replaced with a large, adaptable multi-level habitat for an expanded family of chimps. With two outdoor habitats and an indoor atrium, chimps will have

, thanks to you more choices about who they hang out with plus stimulating activities that change every day. Large viewing windows will bring visitors within inches of these highly intelligent and socially complex great apes. You’ll learn about similarities between chimps and orangutans, their remarkable differences and the threats they face from deforestation and meaningful actions you can take to conserve their habitats.

Right across Zoo Street, polar bears will roam across rolling meadows and rock outcrops and plunge into saltwater pools in the new Polar Passage.

Visitors will come eye to eye with giant white bears and witness conservation science in the making as keepers demonstrate the zoo’s work collecting critical data for scientists in the Arctic.

The third project is an expansion of the rhino habitat, replacing the former hippo enclosure.

It will provide more space, better viewing and opportunities for rhino breeding.

Construction fencing will encircle all three because we’re treating this as a single construction project, saving construction time and costs and making this big remodeling project much more efficient.

While we’re under construction, there will be lots of things to see and do across the zoo. And when these three new habitats open in 2020, together we will have completely transformed more than 40 percent of the zoo campus. You’ve helped us keep our promise—to our animals, to ourselves and to you—that we will constantly strive for excellence in the care and welfare of our animals.

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Meet the Oregon Zoo’s sleepiest resident:

Josie the Sloth The Oregon Zoo is home to a Linne’s sloth—one of two species of two-toed sloths— named Josie Onapsis (because, hey, she sleeps a lot!). Josie has found a safe haven at the zoo, but her story is anything but heartwarming.

Josie was taken from her native habitat, most likely the rainforests of Central or South America, and sold into the exotic pet trade. She was imported to the U.S. and purchased by a well-meaning owner in the Portland area who was told that she was an orphan who needed to be rescued. When her owner could no longer care for her, she was given to the Oregon Zoo. Josie can’t survive in the wild, but at the zoo, she has an enriching habitat, a healthy diet and the excellent veterinary care that she needs to thrive.

Does she really sleep all day? The short answer: Mostly. She is nocturnal and sleeps approximately 16 hours or more daily. When she isn’t sleeping, she likes to climb around her indoor jungle gym and eat a variety of foods—albeit a small variety, as she is very picky (she would live on yams and apples if she had her way)!

Why are sloths so slow? Sloths spend the majority of their lives hanging upside down, and their bodies have adapted to this way of living. They have four chambered stomachs and very small intestines, which means they don’t get as many nutrients from the food they consume compared to other mammals.

How can you help protect sloths like Josie?

Linne’s sloths are designated as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (which is great!), but they are still at risk for exploitation by the exotic pet trade and tourism.

Many people capture sloths in the wild and then

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use them to lure tourists to take sloth selfies (it’s an easy trap because they are so furry and cute), but that is not a healthy lifestyle for a wild animal.

Avoid taking selfies with animals when traveling and never buy a wild or exotic animal as a pet.

Thanks to the support of our donors and members, the Oregon Zoo is able to provide a second chance to rescued animals like Josie, who otherwise would not be able to survive on their own.

If you would like to meet, feed and take a photo with Josie while learning more about how to protect animals like her, visit oregonzoo.org/encounters.

Book your animal encounter today! A number of opportunities are available, including feeding and getting a photo with Josie. Check availability and prices at oregonzoo.org/encounters

Last fall, we asked you to share your favorite zoo memories, and you poured your heart out, with more than 500 responses. Here are a few of your most memorable experiences.

#OregonZooLove

I loved Packy’s birth in 1962. The zoo is part of the fabric of my soul.

—Anonymous

ZooLights is our yearly tradition. Nine years in a row since our first was born.

We bring my parents, who give us the gift of membership every year for our anniversary.

—Jamie

My son (6 yrs.) saw his first birdshow when he was about one. Every time he is amazed by the birds, and tells friends, family. . . really anyone who will listen about the bird show.

—Anonymous

Want to go green? Members can now receive ZooTracks digitally, instead of in print. You will receive a link via email twice a year with access to all the content you love, plus interactive videos and hyperlinks. If you prefer a digital copy, complete and return the response envelope in the center of this magazine.

I always come with my boys (ages 8, 3, 1.5). Every time we come there is something new for them because of the ages—everything is exciting again!

They love lizards! Last time we came, my son brought a journal to take notes on his favorite animals. I love that!

—Olga

My mom was a big fan and supporter of Packy for 40 years. In 2012 she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The nurses gave visiting family zoo passes and we took them to the zoo (mom couldn’t go as she had just had brain surgery). To make her feel better we bought her a small Packy stuffed animal which mom carried with her and slept with until she passed away five months later. Just over a year later, I had my first child, who now sleeps with that Packy stuffed animal and who lives for monthly trips to the zoo.

That zoo trip brought our whole family together in a pivotal and difficult time in our lives. We enjoy visiting the zoo often now and bring the spirit of my mom every time. We’re members!

—Brie

Got stories? Email us at OZF@oregonzoo.org to share.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 1118

Make a difference with a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA! Through her qualified charitable distribution, DeAnne has made an impact on children attending Metro area Title 1 schools, by providing them access to visit, learn, and be inspired at the zoo. In addition, her gift will support other program initiatives including the new Giraffe Encounter Pavilion, where guests will be able to feed giraffes while learning about the plight of these gentle giants in the wild.

To make a qualified charitable contribution, you must: • Be 70½ or older • Have an IRA account (or other qualified plan account that allows you to transfer funds into an IRA) Charitable distributions from your IRA of up to $100,000 per taxpayer per year can be made directly to the Oregon Zoo Foundation. Moreover, you can use this strategy to satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD), thus reducing or completely offsetting the taxable income impact. In order to fully offset taxable income from your RMD, you must explicitly make your first IRA distribution of the calendar year a Qualified Charitable Distribution.

Please consult with your professional advisor before making a gift from your IRA. To learn more, contact Susan Daigle at 503-914-6029.

Zoo hours September 5 – May 25: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Contact us Zoo Information 503-226-1561

May 26 – September 4: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Volunteers 503-220-2783

Grounds remain open one hour after gates close.

Membership 503-505-5493

More info: oregonzoo.org

Camps, Classes and Overnights 503-220-2781 Catering and Event Rentals 503-220-2789 Sponsorships and Donations 503-220-2493

THANKS TO OUR SIGNATURE PARTNER

Send address changes or inquiries related to ZooTracks to ozf@oregonzoo.org We are committed to creating a better future for wildlife. ZooTracks is printed on paper made from 100% post consumer fiber using vegetable-based inks.