The Portland Oregon Zoo is dedicated to "inspiring our community to create a better future for wildlife." The exhibits show the animals, birds, reptiles, and insects in as natural environment as possible. The zoo covers 64 acres and it takes several hours to see the entire zoo. There are lots of places to grab a bite to eat and get a refreshing drink. There are park benches scattered throughout for those that need a rest.
The zoo amphitheater hosts some of the world's best musicians during the summer months.
Stu Seeger, Creative Commons
Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day the zoo presents "Zoo Lights". Created in lights are animals, a gingerbread house, birds, and other holiday themed displays. Of course, this is something you see at night but some animals can be seen at this time.
The Washington Park and Zoo Train gives tours of Washington Park or a trip around the zoo. The zoo trip runs from late March to Memorial Day and Labor Day to late October. The Washington Park trip runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Stu Seeger, Creative Commons
There is ample parking at the zoo but it is easy to get there with public transportation. The MAX lightrail train goes right by the zoo entrance. Save your MAX ticket because it gives you a 50-cent discount on your zoo ticket. You get off the train at the Washington Park stop. You can also take Tri Met bus #63.
Stu Seeger, Creative Commons
The zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Wintertime hours are 9 am to 4 pm. Summertime hours are from 9 am to 6 pm. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the zoo opens an hour early at 8 am but not all animals can be seen at that time.
A brief list of exhibits and wildlife at the Portland Oregon Zoo is below:
Alaska Tundra Exhibit
Musk Oxen
Grey Wolves
Grizzly Bears
Short-eared owls
Africa Rainforest
Bats
Monkeys
Snakes, lizards, crocodiles
Africa Savanna
Rhinoceros
Monkeys
Giraffes
Meerkats
Zebras
Storks
Mole Snakes
Amazon Flooded Forest
Agouti
Black Howler Monkey
Two-toed sloth
Pale Faced Saki Monkey
Arrau Turtle
Emerald Tree Boa
Stu Seeger, Creative Commons
Elephant Exhibit
Packy, the first elephant born in captivity in the Western Hemisphere in 40 years. Packy was born at the Portland Oregon Zoo in 1962. Three bulls and four cows currently live at the zoo. Since Packy, 27 calves have been born at the zoo.
