ZooTracks Oregon Zoo Member Magazine | Fall 2017
Cheetahs Changing Spots page 4
TELL US EXACTLY WHAT YOU THINK AND WIN! MEMBER SURVEY AND PRIZE DETAILS INSIDE.
Warm and wonderful beverage coupon page 3
ZooLights, camera, action page 10
A message from the
Oregon Zoo Director
As I met with zoo professionals from around the country at the annual conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in September, one thing became clearer to me than ever before: We have something really special here at the Oregon Zoo, and it all comes down to community. This was especially evident during the conference’s honors and awards luncheon, at which the Oregon Zoo won two of the AZA’s prestigious annual awards. These awards are like the Oscars of the zoo and aquarium world: They represent the respect of our peers from around the country, and I couldn’t be more proud. The first honor was for our work in helping to save the critically endangered California condor, one of the original animals included on the 1973 Endangered Species Act. In 1982, just 22 of these birds remained in the wild, but thanks to breeding programs like the Oregon Zoo’s, their numbers now total more than 400, with the majority of those flying free.
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 Peter Norman, Treasurer Sharla Settlemeier, Secretary Franco Albi Suzanne Bishop Sigrid Button Laurie Christensen Tracey Clark
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Derek Conrad Shirley Craddick Debby Deering Lynda Gardner C. Kregg Hanson Nan Heim Deborah Herron Nancy Hinnen Tom Hughes Nicole Isle Dan Jarman
Campbell Kidd Mark Loomis Bob Maloney Don Moore Deb Mrazek Kim Overhage Scott Powers Laura Rosencrantz Kim Van Syoc
The second award was for Elephant Lands, a habitat that’s setting new standards for Asian elephant care and welfare. In 2008, voters across the region supported a public bond to fund eight major projects at the zoo – improving our animal care, expanding our educational reach and helping us conserve water and energy. Elephant Lands was project No. 4, and gifts from private donors helped make it even better: a world-class home for a highly endangered species. More gratifying than any award, of course, is watching a thriving, active elephant herd utilize this new space – and knowing that seven new condor chicks are currently being
raised at our offsite Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation. These are the real differences your support has made possible. So with five of the eight bondfunded projects now complete, we’re not about to rest on our laurels. This spring, we are entering the homestretch as work begins on new habitats for primates, rhinos and polar bears (see story pg. 13). These three improvements will be managed as a single construction project to save costs and increase efficiency. During this time, we don’t simply want you to pardon our dust, we want you to celebrate it. We plan to have fun along the way, with new animal encounters like a giraffe feeding pavilion (see story pg. 8) plus cool ways to watch the construction and see history in the making. By 2020 we’ll have remodeled nearly half of the zoo, replacing some of our oldest facilities with beautiful new habitats that equip us to fully realize our mission. We are so grateful for this community’s commitment to the Oregon Zoo. Thanks to you – voters, donors, volunteers, members and visitors – this zoo is recognized nationally as a leader in education, animal care, welfare and wildlife conservation. And, thanks to you, it’s about to get even better. Sincerely,
Don Moore, Ph.D. Zoo Director
Animal Tracks 1. This summer, animal care
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staff released 14 western pond turtles back to their native environment in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Each year, zoo staff hand-rear these reptiles until they are big enough to avoid the invasive bullfrogs that prey on them and contributed to their near extinction. This year’s pack of 14 turtles join the tally of more than 1,500 turtles released into the wild by the zoo staff in collaboration with community partners over the past 20 years.
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Zoo conservationists helped release more than 1,200 zoo-reared caterpillars on prairies in central Washington, bolstering populations of the imperiled Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly where some of the region’s best habitat remains. Another 165 caterpillars stayed at the zoo to complete their transformation into adult butterflies in safety to produce more caterpillars for release next year.
Benefits you can enjoy at any level of membership
while supporting conservation, education and animal welfare initiatives at the zoo! • Unlimited FREE zoo admission for one full year
• Discount on food and gift shop merchandise
• Pre-sale opportunity for summer concert series
• FREE entry to ZooLights, Howloween, Rabbit Romp and many other zoo events
• Discount on camps, classes, and other educational experiences
• NEW! Sunrise at the Zoo early access series*
• Discount on Discovery Tours
• FREE or discounted admission at over 150 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
• Discount on zoo train and carousel rides
• NEW! Discount on Giraffe Encounters
• NEW! Early renewal discount opportunities.
• Discount on MysteryPix
• NEW! Free guest pass on day of visit with proof of TriMet ridership (limit one per visit)
• FREE reciprocal admission to local attractions during 2017
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When Oregon Zoo keepers found a Rodrigues flying fox pup lying cold and alone on the ground of the bat cave this spring, they knew there was no time to waste. They rushed the pup to the Oregon Zoo’s Veterinary Medical Center and spent the next several weeks working night and day to hand-rear it. The youngster made a full recovery and is now thriving in the bat habitat. These adorable fruit bats are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
4. What do you do with an
abandoned Inca tern chick when it is too small to survive on its own? Give it a feather duster stand-in for a mom, of course! This “tern” of events occurred this summer at the Oregon Zoo, where animal care staff intervened to raise the chick until it was big enough to fly and fend off gulls.
Free
regular Boyd’s® coffee or cocoa Valid weekdays during regular zoo hours (Mon. – Fri. until 4 p.m.) Valid through April 15, 2018 Coupon required.
• Bi-weekly e-newsletter with latest zoo news • Purchase a Nanny Pass for $40 (admits one named adult on your membership)
* New for 2018! Enjoy Sunrise at the Zoo every Saturday, March – September. Beginning in March 2018, the Oregon Zoo will open its gates to members 30 minutes before opening to the public. 3
Changing spots
Observant visitors may have noticed that a changing of guard took place recently in the Oregon Zoo’s Predators of the Serengeti. Mary Jane and Darlene, two young female cheetahs have moved in – while Ranger and Strike, our 7-year-old males moved to San Diego. Mary Jane and Darlene are a part of an important population of cheetahs living in the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) accredited zoos. The cheetah population has plummeted by nearly 50 percent since the mid-’70s. This population collapse led to an extreme drop in genetic diversity. Currently, fewer than 10,000 cheetahs remain in the wild. Consequently, cheetahs have become particularly vulnerable to environmental changes in their habitats and face significant challenges to reproduction. We recently talked with zoo deputy director, Sheri Horiszny, our in-house expert, regarding the crucial role of the Oregon Zoo and zoos nationwide in preventing the extinction of these majestic cats. Horiszny is a passionate conservationist with more than a decade of experience working in AZA-accredited zoos. How are Mary Jane and Darlene settling into their new home? I am really pleased because both girls seem to be settling in well. They came from a much different, offexhibit situation, so seeing visitors through the glass is all new for them and it is nice to see that they are able to relax on exhibit. Why did we transfer our cheetahs Ranger and Strike? Here at the Oregon Zoo, our role is to care for and provide education about cheetahs and help share their story with our members and guests. The switch was made on a recommendation from AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for cheetahs. Ranger and Strike will each be paired with a female partner and we hope they can add to the population of this imperiled species. What is an SSP, and why is it important? The SSP program began in the 1980s and is a cooperative animal management program initiated by the AZA. Each SSP is managed by a group of volunteer staff who track all the animals of a specific species in zoos across North America. This team works
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together to figure out which animals are good genetic partners, how many offspring each zoo can expect, how many relatives each animal already has, factors that influence genetic diversity and sustainability of the population. Furthermore, providing space for cats to live until they are needed for breeding elsewhere is an important contribution to the population. What role do SSPs play at the Oregon Zoo? The Oregon Zoo is currently active in more than 60 SSPs including cheetahs. There are several staff here who are directly involved in managing an SSP and carrying out the direction of the SSPs. This work is directly related to Oregon Zoo’s mission of conservation and animal welfare. What does the future hold for cheetahs and other species listed in SSPs? Over time, I would love to see the number of species that are part of the SSPs at the Oregon Zoo grow. The more we work cooperatively, the more we are able to learn about the care and management of different species. The knowledge we gain in zoos then helps to guide the conservation of wild populations.
Paying it forward As ZooGuide volunteer council president-elect, Cathy Thomas undoubtedly believes in the Oregon Zoo’s mission to create a better future for wildlife and the critical role that volunteers play in furthering that mission. But the fact that she is one of only seven ZooGuides who have volunteered for more than 30 years reflects just how seriously committed she is to our zoo and its animals. Cathy didn’t have much access to zoos as a child. Her father was in the Navy and they moved often. However, when Cathy was recruited to work in Metro’s Public Affairs department in the 1980s, one of the benefits was admission to the zoo. She recalls one visit when “the zoo was hosting a pair of golden monkeys from China and their baby, who was born here. The baby drew me in and I visited often. When I discovered I could be a volunteer, the rest is history!” Volunteers like Cathy play an important role in the day-to-day operations at the Oregon Zoo. As Cathy explains, “There is something for everyone. Sometimes I am a worker bee and sometimes I am a leader. I can use my skills, learn new skills, or I can just do what I am asked.”
“ Cathy is one of my ‘go to’ people when I have questions about the zoo because of her knowledge and passion. We cannot thank her enough for her contributions to the Oregon Zoo.” —Susan Daigle, J.D.
“ There are even some ZooGuides whose job it is to make popcorn for the elephants!” —Cathy Thomas, ZooGuide volunteer council president-elect. “There are so many programs and activities that involve ZooGuides – from making enrichment items for animals to helping with animal conservation science and working events. There are even some ZooGuides whose job it is to make popcorn for the elephants.” In addition to volunteering, Cathy has named the zoo in her will, making her a member of Oregon Zoo Foundation’s Wildlife Legacy. “I have benefited so much from being a ZooGuide. I’ve made great friends – both ZooGuides and staff.” “The zoo has been an important part of my life and being a donor is kind of payback, in a good way. If whatever I’m able to contribute makes any kind of difference, I’m happy to do it. I expect that my gift will make the zoo an even better home for the animals in our care.”
Did you know? • Legacy Gifts can be set up easily and simply. • They can make you smile – just ask a member of the Wildlife Legacy Society to find out why! • Members of the Wildlife Legacy Society who have planned a legacy gift care deeply about the Oregon Zoo and its mission to advance animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and education. Every member of the Wildlife Legacy Society makes a difference. • Visit www.oregonzoo.plannedgiving.org to learn more.
Contact:
Susan Daigle, Development & Planned Giving Manager 503-914-6029
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A legacy of philanthropy Boosting the reach and impact of education programs like the Oregon Zoo’s youth internships and camps is what the James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation is all about. Jeff Rippey, president of the foundation established in 1993 by his parents, Jim and Shirley Rippey, remains committed to the original focus of the foundation – supporting expanded access to educational opportunities for children in the Portland metro region.
In addition, the James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation supports the long-standing Zoo Animal Presenters (ZAP) program, which fosters lifelong connections with wildlife and provides youth with pathways to become leaders in science and conservation education. Through ZAP, teenagers engage in a three-year multi-pronged paid internship, developing leadership and public speaking skills via in-depth training and hands-on experiences with the zoo. Miriam, a 2nd year ZAP teen explained, “Being a ZAP has strengthened my conviction that we need to give back to the environment and preserve it.” Dr. Moore expressed great appreciation to the James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation. “Their commitment over the years has been incredible; it is because of support like this that our programs are as vibrant, impactful and far-reaching as they are today. One gratifying element is seeing young adults now working in careers in science, technology or guest services who first became involved through the ZAP program funded by our partners like the Rippeys. We can’t thank them enough.”
Jim and Shirley Rippey
“We certainly all have good memories of the Oregon Zoo,” explains Jeff in a recent conversation with zoo director Dr. Don Moore. “That’s why we give to the zoo – to allow kids who couldn’t afford to go and be a part of the camps and programs to enjoy it as well.” Supporting education for all kids was a lifelong goal for Jim and Shirley Rippey when they established the foundation and it remains its mission even after Jim’s passing in 2016.
Last year alone, the Rippey Family Foundation funded scholarships for 175 children in need. In addition to fulfilling his father’s vision, Jeff is passing down his family’s legacy of philanthropy by recruiting his eldest son and nephew – the two eldest in the next generation – to join the board, thus looping in Jim’s grandchildren for the first time. The James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation’s grants to the Oregon Zoo Foundation – totaling more than $550,000 over the past two decades – have had an enormous impact on the youth participating in the zoo’s education programs. Last year alone, they funded scholarships for 175 children in need, allowing them to participate in internships and camps at the zoo. 6
Jeff says it’s important to the family to continue to provide financial support for the day-to-day operations of the zoo’s educational programs. “Our mission is education and children,” says Jeff. “That’s what my dad wanted to give toward, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
What do you get if you cross a fish with an elephant? Swimming trunks! What do you get when you cross a parrot with a centipede?
Just for
A walkie talkie!
KIDS FIND the hidden pictures: seal, banana, penguin, frog, leaf, umbrella, butterfly, lightning bolt, camera, duck, bamboo, maple leaf, shark, teacup.
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What is the difference between a flea and a wolf? One prowls on the hairy and the other howls on the prairie!
DRAW A CAT
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ANIMAL CROSSWORD
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ACROSS 1. Big animal with one horn 3. Has a very long neck 6. Man’s best friend 8. Lives in the cold and waddles 9. Slow moving and has a shell 12. Striped animal, looks like a horse 13. Can swim under water, walk on land, and has a big bite DOWN 2. Has a long trunk 4. Likes to eat carrots and sugar cubes 5. This animal loves bananas 7. Some say this animal has nine lives 10. Has big ears and likes to hop 11. King of the animals
What do camels use to hide themselves? Camelflage! 7
DO feed
the giraffes
Giraffe headline here
A lofty encounter
A giraffe’s tongue is about 18 inches long – a trait you can inspect for yourself when you hand over some lettuce at the new Giraffe Encounter Pavilion this spring! A new deck will offer guests the opportunity to meet and feed the giraffes at their level. The new feeding station is also a chance to learn about threats facing the tallest land animals; Masai giraffe Buttercup and reticulated giraffe Desi represent dwindling giraffe populations in range countries.
“Most people don’t realize that giraffes are endangered,” said deputy director Sheri Horiszny, who coordinates the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan for giraffes. “We are looking forward to offering this amazing experience with the giraffes while also showing people what they can do to help them.” The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the whole giraffe species as “Vulnerable,” and is currently reviewing the status of each of the nine
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recognized subspecies. Scientists estimate the giraffe population has decreased by around 40 percent over the past 20 years, due to poaching, habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. Surprisingly, and likely due to the lack of awareness of the drastic decline in giraffe population in the last two decades, relatively few conservation efforts have been undertaken to date. Just recently, however, the giraffe was named as a focus species for Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE), the collective conservation effort of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Now that the giraffe is a SAFE species, a group of experts from around the world is creating a comprehensive conservation action plan to save the majestic herbivores. Thanks to support from members and guests, the Oregon Zoo is able to advocate for giraffes at your zoo and in the wild. The zoo’s Giraffe Encounter Pavilion is slated to open in March 2018. In the meantime, members and other guests can now take advantage of limited behindthe-scenes giraffe encounters. Weather permitting, a backstage mini-tour and giraffe feeding is available every day at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each, or $18 for members. Due to uncertainty with weather, tickets are only available at the zoo each day and cannot be purchased in advance.
Get up close and personal with our animals Follow a veteran keeper through the staff-only doors to see what it takes to run a zoo – from providing an enriching environment to recreating an ocean – on our Animal Encounter Tours. Here are some of the exclusive experiences we offer:
Harbor seal encounter
Hippo and rhino encounter
Visit the harbor seals habitat and discover what it takes to work with marine mammals. Tour one of the zoo’s largest animal area kitchens and get up close to a seal during a keeper training session. Learn about enrichment as you feed the seals a fishy treat.
Start your tour in the Animal Nutrition Center to see the variety of animal diets and treats. Go behind the scenes at the hippo and rhino barn and learn from a keeper how the zoo cares for these amazing animals. Discover just how large a rhino is when you’re standing right next to one and how impressive a hippo mouth is as you feed them a favorite treat.
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Sea otter encounter
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, noon to 1:30 p.m. Enter the world of sea life at the Oregon Zoo. Go behind the scenes at the sea otter habitat and discover how the zoo creates an ocean for marine mammals. Tour one of the zoo’s largest animal area kitchens and view a keeper feeding session before getting the chance to feed the otters yourself.
Book your animal encounter tour today! All encounter tours are $120 per person. They include zoo admission and a photographer to document your experience. Proceeds from these tours help fund our conservation work at your zoo and around the world! Advance registration is required. To make a reservation, call 503-220-2781, or email tracy.modde@oregonzoo.org.
Penguin encounter
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, noon to 1:30 p.m. Experience the penguinarium from the other side of the glass with one of the zoo’s keepers while you learn what it takes to care for and successfully breed these unique animals. Get up close and personal with a penguin and end your tour in the Marine Life exhibit.
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A fun member benefit It wouldn’t be the holidays in Portland without a visit to the Oregon Zoo’s annual winter festival, ZooLights. It is bigger and better than ever this year! Prepare to experience a dazzling display of 1.5 million lights!
ZooLights member preview night: Wednesday, November 22, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Join us for an exclusive sneak peek of ZooLights. Plus, enjoy double discounts – that’s 20% off – in the zoo’s gift shop and on food purchase at AfriCafé.
Open to the public: Dates: November 24 through December 31, 2017 Times: Monday – Thursday: 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday – Sunday: 4 to 9 p.m. Grounds remain open an hour after gates close. ZooLights is closed: November 23, December 24 and 25
Members receive discounts on ZooLights train tickets! What’s more? Purchase ZooLights train tickets in advance, for a time of your choice, by visiting oregonzoo.org/zoolights.
Further proof that members get the best deals! Zoo members receive 10% off in the gift shop and at all food locations every day.* * All discounts exclude sale and clearance items. Discounts cannot be combined with any other offer.
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Member Notes Members, did you know you can… Bring all the special kids in your life to the zoo? You can bring any child aged 18 or younger to the zoo, depending on your membership level! Your membership allows you to spend the day with little ones, watching their faces light up when they see an otter feeding, or come face-to-face with a giraffe for the first time. These awe-inspiring and fun experiences are sure to instill a lifelong love of wildlife that is essential to creating the next generation of conservation leaders. Bring an additional free guest? Oregon Zoo members who take MAX light rail or a TriMet bus to the zoo can now bring an additional guest of any age for free, above and beyond the normal membership guest allowance. MAX is a great way to get to the zoo – you avoid traffic and parking, and the Washington Park stop lets you off right in front of the zoo entrance.
Give a gift of membership Give a gift that gives back all year round! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a new employee welcome, an anniversary, or holiday, a gift of membership provides a year’s worth of fun and education for the entire family and supports animals at the zoo – and in the wild. Your membership purchases help fund the zoo’s mission of creating a better future for wildlife. We are so thankful for your support. Gift memberships are available at all levels, with Household memberships starting at $129. Stop by the zoo to buy your gift, or call the Membership Office at 503-220-2493 Monday through Friday. You can also visit us online at oregonzoo.org/membership.
NEW benefits for 2018 Save when you renew BEFORE your membership expires. Renew your membership early to SAVE money and continue to help fund operations and animal care for your zoo. Plus, by renewing early, you’ll remain part of the wildest herd in town with an additional year added to your existing membership without interruption. Look out for special saving renewal mailings and emails with your renewal discount code, or call us at 503-220-2493 for information. Sunrise at the Zoo! The Sunrise at the Zoo early access series is a new benefit available to all members. Beginning March 3, on the first Saturday of each month from March through September, the Oregon Zoo will open its gates to members 30 minutes before opening to the public.
Proof of ridership is required, and at least one named cardholder must be present to receive this benefit. Members must show a current Oregon Zoo membership card (or proof of membership) along with a valid photo ID. The free guest pass is only valid for the date on your TriMet receipt and cannot be used for entry at another time. Limit one free guest per membership per visit.
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Polar Passage
2017
In design
2020
Bond Update Education Center
2015
This spring, we’ll break ground on new habitats for primates and polar bears, and an expanded rhino habitat. Elephant Lands
We’re in the homestretch
2014
In 2008, our community approved a $125 million bond measure, putting your zoo in a strong position to protect animal health and safety, increase access to conservation education and save water and energy. Thanks to your compassion and unwavering support, we’ve made amazing improvements – from our Veterinary Medical Center to Condors of the Columbia, from Elephant Lands to our new Education Center. Soon, we’ll enter the final phase of the projects funded by the 2008 bond.
Condors of the Columbia
When construction is completed in 2020, let’s celebrate! Together we’ll have completed eight major projects, remodeled nearly half of the zoo and vastly improved our impact in conservation, education and animal welfare. Thank you for taking this journey with us!
Veterinary Medical Center
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2012
Penguinarium Filtration
2012
This spring, we’ll break ground on new habitats for primates and polar bears, and an expanded rhino habitat. They will be managed as one construction project. During construction, there will be fun activities and opportunities to see big equipment in action.
In design
2020
2020
Primate Forest
Rhino habitat In design
When construction is completed in 2020, let’s celebrate!
Construction Site Temporary Elevated Walkway (12' wide) Visitor Route
INTERPRETIVE BUILDING RESTROOM
POLAR BEAR HOLDING
HEADLAND HABITAT CENTRAL PLAZA
LSS BUILDING OFF EXHIBIT YARD MATERNITY YARD MATERNITY HOLDING BUILDING
MEADOW RIDGE HABITAT
POLAR PASSAGE
EVENT SPACE STORAGE BUILDING CAFE
PENGUINARIUM EXISTING CHIMP HABITAT
PRIMATE FOREST CHIMP HABITAT
EXISTING ORANGUTAN / GIBBON HABITAT
CHIMP HOLDING BUILDING
RHINO HOLDING BUILDING
RHINO HABITAT
RHINO
AFRICAFE
RHINO HABITAT
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ZOO CALENDAR
What’s happening at the zoo
NOV. 22 2017
NOV. 23 2017
NOV. 24 2017
NOV. 28 2017
ZooLights Member Preview Night
Turkey Trot
ZooLights (Public) Begins
Giving Tuesday
Filled with stunning light displays, zoo animals and so much more—Member Preview Night is just for you!
Run, walk or trot your way through this Turkey Day tradition! Proceeds fund animal care and conservation programs at the zoo.
MAR. 26-30 2018
MAR. 31 2018
APR. 22 2018
APR. 28 2018
Spring Break Camps
Rabbit Romp
Earth Day
Arbor Day
Wild discoveries await at the zoo’s Spring break day camps.
Hop to it! Celebrate spring with egg hunts, activities and pettable animals. Always free for members!
Oregon Zoo camps are presented by Banfield Pet Hospital.
Every dollar counts! To make a gift visit oregonzoo.org/support-zoo
Learn about the importance of oak trees from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and community partners in the Nature Exploration Station!
Sponsor Spotlight: Banfield Pet Hospital If you attended one of the idyllic Twilight Tuesday evenings this summer, you may have noticed Banfield Pet Hospital’s logo prominently displayed on signs and banners around the zoo campus. Perhaps your kids brought a stuffed animal to be patched up by a Banfield vet or took part in the pet hospital’s rousing Howl and Meow contest. Banfield sponsors these and other activities, including Howloween and our popular zoo camps, as part of its signature partnership with the Oregon Zoo. But behind the scenes and away from the spotlight, their connection with the zoo runs even deeper. Here are just a few ways they’ve helped us make a difference:
Landscaping projects at the Oregon Zoo Banfield volunteers assisted zoo horticulture specialists in removing invasive English ivy from around the train trestle; helped spruce up the North Meadow picnic area with new native plants; and cleared weeds along the elephant trail leading from Forest Hall to the north habitat at Elephant Lands.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS Spring break and summer camp registration opens on January 5, 2018. Oregon Zoo Camps are presented by Banfield Pet Hospital
Details at oregonzoo.org/camp
DEC. 16 + 23 2017
FEB. 2 2018
FEB. 10 2018
MAR. 3 2018
World Wetlands Day
I Love the Zoo Overnight
First Sunrise event
It’s a wet, wet world! U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners celebrate World Wetlands Day with activities in the Nature Exploration Station.
Sleep under the stars and hear the call of the wild at your Oregon Zoo! Registration details can be found on the zoo’s website.
Enjoy Sunrise every first Saturday of the month starting in March. Membership card is required.
MAY 5 2018
MAY 12 2018
MAY 13 2018
Safe Kids Day
MAY 19 2018
International Migratory Bird Day
Mother’s Day Brunch
Endangered Species Day
Breakfast with Santa
The zoo and partners host a variety of injury prevention experts with fun games and activities to teach parents and kids about safety at home, on the road and during playtime.
Moms make everything better. Return the favor by treating mom to a delicious brunch at the zoo! Reservation details available online.
Be a hero! Learn about everyday actions you can take to help endangered species survive.
Quilting for primates A team from Banfield joined the zoo’s Volunteer Enrichment Team in making quilts for primates. “Chimpanzees and orangutans use the quilts for bedding, and sometimes even create swings or hammocks out of them,” says Asaba Mukobi, the zoo’s senior primate keeper. Pockets sewn onto the quilts also provide great places for hiding treats, engaging the apes’ curiosity and encouraging natural foraging behaviors.
Animal Investigator Camp at the zoo Banfield veterinarians helped zoo campers explore careers in veterinary medicine, talking about what it takes to be a veterinarian, answering kids’ questions and demonstrating the similarities between caring for animals at the zoo and caring for pets at home. “We love the opportunities our Oregon Zoo partnership provides Banfield Pet Hospital veterinary teams to engage with families and children—and teach the fundamentals of responsible pet ownership,” said Kim Van Syoc, director of external communications for Banfield Pet Hospital and member of the Oregon Zoo Foundation board of trustees. “Our associates also appreciate the unique ways Oregon Zoo enables them to simultaneously give back to the local community, connect with animals and improve the environment.” 15
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 1118
Plan your next trip to the zoo Explore Washington Park can help!
Visit explorewashingtonpark.org for information on: • Real-time parking and ZooLights details • Parking Kitty mobile app, which makes parking easier than ever • Updated parking availability calendar • Transit options and locations of Park and Rides • Washington Park venues and event schedules • Park construction projects Oregon Zoo Foundation in partnership with Explore Washington Park is inviting members to share their thoughts and opinions in a focus group. Follow the link to sign up and participate in the conversation. surveymonkey.com/r/EWPFocus
Give the gift of membership Purchases can be made in-person at the zoo or over the phone at 503-220-2493
Zoo hours
Contact us
May 26 – September 4: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Volunteers 503-220-2783
September 5 – May 25: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Grounds remain open one hour after gates close.
Zoo Information 503-226-1561
Membership 503-220-2493
Camps, Classes and Overnights 503-220-2781 Catering and Event Rentals 503-220-2789 Sponsorships and Donations 503-220-2493
More info: oregonzoo.org 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 vegetablebased inks.