A 13,500 pound elephant. 1,000 varieties of exotic plants. Twenty-one species of endangered animals. And it all began in the back of a drugstore. We must be at the Oregon Zoo.
Founded in 1887, the Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi. With attendance in excess of 1.3 million people in 2004, the zoo is the State’s most popular paid attraction, and for good reason.
Located just 5 minutes west of downtown, exhibits promoting a vast array of animals are spread over 64 acres. If the thought of walking that distance makes you tired before you even begin, don’t panic. The Zoo features three different trains, the Oregon Steam Locomotive, the Zooliner and the Oregon Express. A train ride will cost adults $2.00, while seniors and children are $1.50.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Asian Elephants. Currently home to two bulls and four cows, you’ll want to meet the most famous of them all, Packy. He attained instant celebrity status when his mother gave birth to him in 1962 – the first Asian elephant born in America in 44 years. With a “Belly Scratcher” and a swimming pool holding 80,000 gallons of water, it’s elephant heaven at this zoo.
Love lories? Wander into the Lorikeet Aviary and purchase a cup of fruit juice (euphemistically referred to as “nectar”) to feed to the colorful little parrots. Definitely a claws … err, hands on exhibit. Naturally curious about people, these little acrobats will soon have you chuckling over their antics as they fly down to visit their guests.
Is that a kangaroo in a tree? Indeed it is. Visit the Tree Kangaroo exhibit to learn about this endangered species found only in New Guinea. Watch as they make their way through the trees, often jumping over 30 feet to the next branch.
Something you don’t often see in a zoo – butterflies! Over 450 species of butterfly call the Winged Wonders aviary home. Did you know that there are 22 species of butterfly that are currently either threatened or endangered? The Oregon Zoo is doing it’s part to help the “Oregon Silverspot” and the “Fender’s Blue”. Information regarding the conservation of these two beautiful creatures can be found in the aviary itself.